Page 49 of Praising Haru

“It’s fine and not your fault. Besides, for the most part, adults are a lot less cruel. Sometimes I get hit on in clubs because I look ‘exotic’.” I make air quotes and roll my eyes. “I tell those guys to fuck off.”

“I thought adoption services preferred to place kids with families of the same ethnicity.”

“I think they do, but I wasn’t adopted over here. Besides, even if I had been born and adopted here, it’s not always possible.”

“True. Have you ever been to Korea?”

“We went twice. Once when I was five and again when I was eleven. It’s an expensive trip, and there’s only so much culture you can soak up in a two-week holiday. I found it more confusing than anything. Was I British, or was I Korean? As a kid, I thought I had to be one or the other.”

“Do you still feel that way?”

“No. When I went to university, I decided to join the Korean society so I could explore and try to mesh my upbringing with my cultural heritage.”

“Did it help?”

“Yes. Plus, I met Tam and learnt I’m a submissive.” I grin.

Kyle pinches my chin between his thumb and forefinger. “I’m glad you know who you are.”

“Do you?”

“I’m Kyle Scott, and I’m fucking awesome.”

I smile. “Yes, you are.”

“I was confused for a while after finding out I was adopted. You remember.”

“I do.”

“I am curious about who my birth parents are, but being adopted doesn’t change how much my parents—the people who chose me—love me. Maybe one day I’ll try to find out more about my birth parents, but right now, I don’t feel the need to. I might have made a different decision if Dad hadn’t been so sick. Him being in hospital and us not knowing if he’d survive or not put things into perspective.”

I fling my arms around Kyle and hug him. We’ve talked about this before, but it’s still nice to hear him say the words out loud. The conviction in his voice was palpable. He knows who he is.

He kisses my hair. “I’m glad fucking hasn’t ruined our friendship.”

“Me too.” My phone alarm rings. “Dinner’s ready.”

I sit opposite him at the table while he eats. For the first few mouthfuls, he makes happy noises rather than speaking.

“This is great,” he says before scooping up another forkful.

“It’s not that good.”

He gives me a stern look. “It’s amazing, beautiful. Don’t you believe me?”

I suck in a breath. “I believe you.” ‘Sir’ is on the tip of my tongue. “Would you read to me again after dinner? I want to know what happens in the book.”

“I thought you had the audiobook.”

“I do, but you read it better. Please?” I flutter my lashes.

“Fine. I’ll read a couple more chapters, but only because you’re so cute.”

I fold my hands on the table and shuffle down so I can rest my chin on them. “How was work and rugby?”

“Tiring but good. We’re making good progress on the school. Mick thinks we’ll be finished bricklaying ahead of schedule, which gives everyone else more time to get their bits done.”

“Everyone else?”