Page 11 of Praising Haru

Yes.

I miss the bus most days. I’m not a morning person. I perch on the narrow, angled seat at the bus stop, which is too tall to be comfortable, and munch my toast. It’s cold, but it’s food.

How about you? Any plans, or are you working too?

Work and then rugby practice.

It’s ridiculous that such a boring, mundane conversation can make me smile. He could send a picture of dog shit, and I’d still smile because it’s from him. I especially like it when he sends me pictures of the outfits he’s wearing to ask my advice.

Don’t wear yourself out.

What does it matter if he wears himself out? Get a grip, Haru.

LOL. I’ll try not to. I’m going to need your help this weekend.

My help?

We’re playing a charity match and then having a gala dinner thing afterwards. All to raise money. But it’s meant to be posh, so I need my fashion guru’s advice on what to wear.

I design kids’ clothes for a supermarket.

I like how he called me his fashion guru, so maybe I shouldn’t complain too hard.

You know more about fashion than me.

You always look good.

Delete. I can’t send him that message.

I’ll help you choose what to wear.

Better.

Thanks. You’re the best.

It’s amazing how such a small amount of praise can make my heart skip. What would Kyle do if I told him how much I adore it? Not that I’m going to. The most I’ve ever done is send a blushing emoji when he compliments me.

Shouldn’t you be working?

Coffee break.

Ugh. I’m on my way to work, and he’s having a coffee break already. At least it’s a nice day to be working outside. Almost two hundred miles south of Kyle. Is the sun shining in Leeds? I can’t imagine still living there. I left for uni and never went back, although my parents keep dropping cruise ship-sized hints that they’d like me to.

When is the next bus due?

I consult the timetable on the shelter and check my watch.

In ten minutes.

I should be able to keep you company until it arrives.

How long are your coffee breaks?

Long enough.

Uh-huh. I don’t want to be the reason you get into trouble for slacking off.

I won’t get into trouble. I’m a hard worker.