King's answer was an immediate, powerful assertion of his freedom. "Yes."
The word hung in the air like a final, heavy judgment. Win didn't step any closer into the living room. King stood still, preparing himself for the usual reaction, the sharp turn, the burst of jealousy he'd come to expect, but it never happened.
To King's surprise, Win simply turned toward the door. "I'll take my leave now," Win said, his voice flat. He paused. "Before your boyfriend gets the wrong impression of me."
"You don't have to worry," King replied, the lie about Silas's character rolling off his tongue easily. "He's not a jealous, possessive person. He really understands and trusts me."
Win shook his head. "I understand, King, but it's better if I leave. I only came to say hello."
Win turned to walk away, and a sudden, desperate panic seized King. He hadn't expected the end to be so final, so quick.
