I can't believe you turned that into an excuse to call me unsmooth.

[It's not really wrong, though. If Noel has any access to the school rumor mill at all, it's not rare for there to be yet another rejection under Rowan's belt, another overture of friendship or more turned down. Rowan has never had interest in anyone but Noel.

His scowl melts away, though, replaced with something more tentative and vulnerable. He reaches to ruffle his older brother's hair.]

Hey, so, this is gonna be awkward and kind of stupid to say right now, but... Don't worry about [jerk-off gesture], okay? You seem pretty fussed, but I know how it is.