The question comes as a shock. The better part of a month has gone by since Michael backed off. He was sure they understood, they always understand him. And why would they still want to kiss him, anyway? Why did they ever want to? He stares at them, confused and upset, a sleepiness still hanging around his face. It takes him a while to form an answer.
“I want you to be safe,” he says. “I don’t want anything bad to happen.”