Padma was right. Kevin didn't even bother to protest. Instead, his eyes fell to the floor for a moment as he took a step back to let others in for a hug. Of course it would have been too much for Ant. He knew that, too.
He didn't get much time to mentally kick himself like he wanted to. Before he knew it, Ant's arms were around him again, and tightly. That small, scared voice in his ear made his breath catch in his throat. He could feel the sting of tears and hid his face in Anthony's shoulder as Terry joined their embrace. Terry's hand would have to compete with Kevin's arms as he held tightly to his friend.
"We won't let you be alone more than you have to be." Kevin whispered so that only Ant and Terry could hear. "Do you maybe want to shower while they're packing up your things?"