"Ah!" Eli says like he just noticed a spider on his arm. Noah's proximity isn't unwelcome, which is frankly the worst thing in the world right now. Eli can lean away, but it doesn't stop his stupid secret thoughts. So he takes in a sharp breath and gathers himself. Even then, he stares blankly at Noah for far too long.

"What." Okay, bad response. "No?" Better. "I have a... I've—no." Acceptable.