[BL] Dear Hushand, I want divorce-Chapter 140: A stupid leech!

Ryder explained quickly to make sense of the misunderstanding. "Lisa’s my cousin. We studied together back in college, and we’ve always been close. I swear, there’s nothing going on between us." He sounded almost desperate for Noah to believe him.

But Noah didn’t want to hear any of it. His mind was already exhausted, and dealing with Ryder’s explanations just made him feel more drained. "I’m leaving," Noah said, cutting Ryder off mid-sentence as he turned to walk away.

Ryder, seeing the bags still straining in Noah’s hands, tried once more. "Noah. Let me take you home."

Noah didn’t respond, his eyes focused straight ahead, ignoring Ryder’s attempts as he marched away. With a sigh, Ryder told Lisa to go on without him, then quickly caught up to Noah. He wasn’t going to let things end like this.

When Noah finally reached his place and opened the door, Ryder was right behind him. Noah glanced back, annoyance clear on his face. "Why are you still here?" he muttered, stepping inside and already planning to close the door in Ryder’s face.

But Ryder had anticipated it. He quickly slid his hand between the door and the frame, blocking it from shutting. There was a sudden dull thud, followed by a sharp wince from Ryder as the edge of the door caught his hand.

Noah froze, eyes widening in shock as Ryder let out a pained groan. "Ryder, what the hell—" Noah started, but his words were lost in the swirl of emotions. For a moment, he felt concerned, but he didn’t want to show it.

"Why are you even here?" Noah demanded coldly, trying to suppress the guilt gnawing at him. He didn’t want to care, but Ryder’s injured hand made it hard to ignore.

Ryder, clutching his hand, took a breath before holding up a can of tomato sauce. "You left this," he said, his voice tinged with pain. "Thought I’d bring it back."

Noah stared at the can, recognizing it from the groceries he’d dropped earlier. He narrowed his eyes, knowing full well that this was just a flimsy excuse for Ryder to follow him home. But the sight of Ryder wincing made him falter. Damn it. Ryder was really hurt. This crazy piece of shit!

"Does it...hurt?" Noah asked, though his voice was still cold.

Ryder nodded pitifully, clutching his hand even tighter. "Yeah," he muttered, his eyes flicking up to meet Noah’s. "Do you have a bandage or something? It’s starting to hurt pretty bad."

Noah’s hesitation was brief, but noticeable. He didn’t want to give in, but Ryder’s injury was partly his fault, after all. Letting out a heavy sigh, Noah turned away. "Wait here," he muttered, not wanting Ryder to see his conflicted expression.

As Noah disappeared into the apartment, Ryder grinned to himself. It worked. The pain was real, but he wasn’t about to let that opportunity slip by. When Noah came back with a bandage, Ryder quickly spoke up before Noah could shove him back out the door. "Can I come inside?" he asked, his tone soft and pleading.

Noah paused, his hand hovering on the door frame. He didn’t want Ryder in his house, but Ryder was hurt. And as much as he didn’t want to admit it, it felt wrong to leave him standing outside with an injured hand.

Ryder, sensing Noah’s hesitation, added, "I just don’t want to drip blood all over your hallway." He gestured vaguely to his hand, which wasn’t really bleeding that badly, but the excuse was enough.

Noah rolled his eyes, knowing Ryder was milking the injury. "Fine," he grumbled. "Just for a few minutes."

Ryder followed him inside, a wave of triumph washing over him, though he kept it hidden under the mask of pitiful gratitude. "Thanks, I really appreciate it," he mumbled, though his eyes were bright with a mischievous gleam. As Noah led the way to the living room, Ryder mentally cheered himself on.

Noah, on the other hand, walked ahead, trying to keep his composure. He couldn’t believe Ryder had wiggled his way inside his apartment with such a ridiculous excuse. He muttered under his breath, "What a pain in the ass." But despite his frustration, there was a small part of him that didn’t entirely mind Ryder’s presence.

Still, he wasn’t about to let that show.

Noah returned from the bathroom, first aid kit in hand, his expression cold and indifferent. He dropped the kit on the table in front of Ryder without much care and said flatly, "Help yourself."

Ryder flashed him a grin, which only made Noah cringe internally. That damn smile—the one that had once made his heart skip—now just irritated him. "Thanks," Ryder replied, too cheerfully for Noah’s liking.

Noah crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, watching Ryder with narrowed eyes. When Ryder glanced at him and asked, "Mind if I sit?" Noah’s glare said it all: Are you serious?

Ryder awkwardly shuffled to the sofa, feeling the heat of Noah’s eyes on his back. As Noah waited impatiently for him to finish so he could throw him out, Ryder made a show of struggling with the bandages, deliberately fumbling with the gauze and wincing dramatically.

From the corner of his eye, Noah could see Ryder messing around, struggling unnecessarily. For the love of—he gritted his teeth. Ryder was definitely milking this for all it was worth. When Ryder finally looked up with an exaggerated expression of helplessness and asked, "Uh...could you help me with this?"

Noah’s answer was immediate and blunt.

"No," he replied without a second thought.

Ryder groaned. "Wow, so heartless," he mumbled, pretending to be offended as he continued to fumble, making sure to do everything wrong just to prolong the process. He cast another pathetic look at Noah, rubbing in his struggle.

Noah exhaled slowly, closing his eyes in frustration. If I let him keep this up, it’ll take forever, he thought. Resigned, he pushed himself off the wall and sat next to Ryder on the couch, snatching the bandages from him.

"Give me your hand," Noah muttered, his tone cold but resigned.

Ryder beamed internally, though he kept his expression neutral, only offering his injured hand to Noah with a grateful sigh. As Noah began to clean the wound, dabbing the antiseptic and wrapping the bandages with quick, precise movements, Ryder kept his eyes on him the entire time.

Noah’s touch was firm yet careful, the way he used to handle Ryder when things weren’t so strained between them. Ryder’s gaze softened as he watched Noah’s face—his furrowed brow, his sharp focus, and that familiar pout of concentration.

"You still care, huh?" Ryder let out suddenly, his heart warming up.

Noah didn’t look up, though his movements grew more aggressive, tightening the bandage just a bit too much. "Shut up," he snapped, though there was no real venom in his voice.

Ryder smirked, leaning back slightly to enjoy the moment of being cared for, even if it was begrudging. "You’re doing it too tight," Ryder said, even though it wasn’t.

"Good," Noah shot back, not easing the pressure.

The two sat in silence as Noah continued, his fingers working quickly and efficiently, while Ryder just watched, feeling that familiar warmth spreading through him. For the first time in a while, things felt...right. Even if Noah was pissed. Even if they were miles away from where they used to be.

When Noah finally finished, he stood abruptly and tossed the remaining supplies back into the first aid kit. "There. Done," he said coldly, standing up and crossing his arms. "Now get out."

But Ryder just sat there, still grinning like a fool. "You’re such a softie deep down, you know that?"

Noah glared down at him. "You have five seconds to leave before I make you regret coming here."

Ryder leaned back on the couch, his grin widening. "You know, Noah, I think you missed your calling as a nurse. I mean, look at that bandaging technique! Very impressive."

Noah shot him a glare that could melt steel. "I didn’t ask for a review. Just leave."

"Aw, come on! Can’t a guy just appreciate a good bandage job?" Ryder propped his feet on the coffee table, completely ignoring Noah’s irritation.

Noah rolled his eyes. "You’re not a hospital patient. You’re a leech. Now, seriously, get out."

"Leech? I prefer ’persistent friend,’" Ryder countered, waggling his eyebrows. "I’m just here for companionship and—" he gestured around dramatically, "—the excellent first aid service."

Noah scoffed. "You mean annoying me?"

Ryder waved a dismissive hand. "Minor detail! Look, let’s be real. You’re not just going to throw me out after I bled all over your floor. It’s practically a crime scene now!"

Noah sighed heavily, rubbing his temples. "You’re the only one making it a crime scene with your nonsense. Just go home, Ryder."

"Home? But I’ve already found the most beautiful place on earth," Ryder declared, putting his hands over his heart dramatically. "It’s right here, on this couch, with you!"

"Wow, such a poet," Noah replied dryly. "Too bad you have to leave before I call the cops for overstaying your welcome."

"Cops? Really?" Ryder exclaimed, his eyes wide with mock horror.

Noah crossed his arms. "Oh, I will if you don’t leave in five seconds. Five, four—" Noah started, but Ryder interrupted.

"Okay, okay! Just one more thing!" Ryder said, holding up a finger like he had a profound revelation. "Just admit that you still love me."

"Three," Noah shot back, trying to stifle an eye roll. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

"Fine! But I know you love me," Ryder said, finally standing up but still lingering, like a stubborn fly.

"Just go!" Noah finally shouted, shoving Ryder toward the door.

"Fine, fine! But you’re missing out on the best company you’ll ever have!" Ryder called over his shoulder as he stepped outside.

As the door clicked shut, Noah leaned against it, shaking his head in frustration.

"A stupid leech!"