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Behind me I find Kai watching as I turn in a circle inspecting all the items, just now noticing the hanging lanterns with colorful glass that I imagine will reflect at night, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns on the canvas walls.

“I did. Do you like it?”

“I love it. Can we just hang out in here the whole time?”

“I like that idea.”

Sounds come from behind Kai and he looks out the open entry. Beyond I spot Endo and Keiko in the distance. Their tents are at least fifty yards away, through a few spread-out trees and bushes offering some separation from his family. Endo and Keiko are great but my interaction with his mother wasn’t the introduction I had hoped for. I should have listened to Kai and just not gone to the party. At least then I could have continued to lie to myself that the rest of his family is more like Kai than the rumors and gossip make them out to be.

“I need to go talk to Endo. Will you be okay by yourself for a few minutes?”

Kai sets our bags at the edge of the genie bed and brings my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles.

“I think I’ll be fine, just don’t leave me alone for too long. If anyone shows up and tries to talk to me, I can’t promise what I’ll end up saying.”

“I’m sure it’ll be something charming and educational. Don’t worry Blossom, I just need a few minutes. Then I plan on being attached to your tail the entire equinox.”

His tail reaches up and curls around mine peeking out from under my shorts. In the time we’ve spent together I’ve grown less concerned with hiding it, at least from other non-humans. I still have to hide it from humans, of course, since they don’t have tails. But I’m less embarrassed by it. Kai likes it, a lot if how he likes to play with it is any indication, and that’s enough for me.

Chapter 22: Kai

Leaving Daisy alone only minutes after arriving at the festival was not my plan, but when I spotted Endo with only Keiko around, I knew it was my best opportunity to talk with Endo. With everything going on and my desire to remain as far from my parents and their guests as possible, I haven’t been able to talk with him about me and Daisy.

“Kai,” Endo calls as I hustle over to the area he’s claimed for himself, thankfully the rest of the family is farther away. “You and Daisy made it. I wasn’t sure you would.”

“Yeah, her brother wasn’t going to let her back out of coming this year and as much as I don’t want to see Mom or Nysa, I wasn’t going to let her miss it either. It is her first after all.”

“No shit? Well, I hope she enjoys it. Are you still planning on breaking it off after?”

“Shhh,” I shush my brother’s big mouth and look around to make sure no one heard him. Pulling him to the side of his tent I lower my voice. “No, I don’t okay.”

“But I thought she was just a temporary fix to get Mom off your back? I know you’ve gotten kind of smitten with her, but I thought the plan was the same,” Endo thankfully whispers in a lower tone than his previous loud-mouthed statement.

“It’s different now. It’s real. She’s mine now and I don’t plan on letting her go.”

“So, you’re going to stay in Snowberry? That is very unlike you.”

“If that’s what she wants, yes. I’d do anything for her.”

“That’s a long way from a short fling and having a little fun.”

Endo looks at me, like really looks at me. Eyes narrowed and lips pursed reading every minute expression on my face. I hope it says how much I care for Daisy, how much she means to me.

“Do you love her?” he asks, in a non-sarcastic way. The answer comes immediately.

“Yes.”

“Then I’m in full support of you.”

“Good because I may need you to run interference between us and the family. I’d rather not have a repeat of the party. I want her first equinox to be memorable in a good way.” I beg my brother with my eyes, being far more serious than I’ve ever been.

“Of course. You know, I think Daisy is good for you. I’ve never seen you this way, all sincere and mature. I like party Kai, but I think I like in love Kai even better.”

“Me too.”

“Aw look at you all red and blushing.”

“I’m always red you ass.”