Page 35 of Praising Haru

“I want to get very hot and sweaty with my gorgeous, sexy friend.”

* * *

After showering, Kyle lends me a pair of jogging bottoms and a T-shirt to wear so I don’t have to put my sweaty club clothes back on. They’re too big in every way, but I make them work by pulling the drawstring on the joggers tight and relying on the elastic around the ankles to stop the legs from falling over my feet.

“I don’t have a big breakfast on Sundays because I go to my parents’ for Sunday dinner.” Kyle’s expression drops.

“What?”

“Me realising I’m going to have to kick you out when I go.”

I laugh. “I’ll have worn out my welcome by then anyway.”

He puts his hands on my hips and kisses me. “You could never do that. Want me to make you a cooked breakfast?”

“Nah. I wouldn’t want you to go to that much trouble for me.”

“It wouldn’t be any trouble.”

“Toast or cereal will be great. I don’t eat big breakfasts ever.”

“Because you’re often running late?”

I wrinkle my nose. “You know me so well.”

“I’ll make toast. Make yourself comfortable or look around.”

I flash him a grin. “You’re giving me permission to be nosy?”

“Knock yourself out.”

While he goes to the kitchen area, I head to the bookshelf beside the TV and browse its contents. Framed photos sit along the top shelf. Two are of Kyle and his parents, one recent, one a few years old. He looks hot in his rugby kit as he prepares to kick the ball in another. The final photo is of Kyle in a smart suit, receiving a Player of the Year award. The next few shelves are packed tightly with books.

“I can see why you thought of alien abduction,” I say as he brings me a plate of buttered toast.

Nearly every book is science fiction. Some are classics, likeFahrenheit 451, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep,Brave New World, andDune, but there are also more modern titles.

I hold the plate in one hand and pluckWar of the Worldsoff the shelf. “Have you ever been to theWar of the WorldsImmersive Experience?”

Kyle shakes his head.

“You should. It’s amazing. Come and visit me when I’m back in London, and I’ll take you.” I put the book back and munch on the toast.

“You’ve read it?”

“I’ve listened to the radio play. Does that count?”

“Yes.”

“In the immersive experience, there’s this great bit where—" I shake my head. “Never mind. I don’t want to spoil it. You have to do it for yourself. Do you read anything other than sci-fi?”

“The odd thriller here and there. Do you read?”

“I tend to listen to audiobooks while I’m commuting. It’s easier than trying to read on the bus.”

Kyle wanders over to the sofa and sits. “You had a long commute?”

I follow and sit beside him. “Around an hour and a half. Each way.” I polish off the first slice of toast.