Chapter 82

Ever since the first time he came home late at night, Rafael has been going out more often. He never stayed out at late as the first time, but he would still be gone most of the afternoon and be quite secretive about where he had gone, acutely avoiding any of my questions about his day.

Although I didn't want to think poorly of him, I still couldn't help wondering what he had been doing that would result in him coming home in a different shirt every time.

I had been trying to open up to him more. Visiting him at his at-home office in the mornings. Gifting him little baked goods that I had made the day before. Asking about how he had been doing. Inviting him to have dinner with us.

He seemed to be getting more relaxed around me.

But, every once in a while, our fingers would accidentally brush up against each other whenever we passed something to another. I would be unable to stop myself from flinching in response, and Rafael's expression would fall drastically before quietly excusin