Page 82 of Praising Haru

“What? I want to support my son’s boyfriend.”

“And you like rugby,” Faith says.

“Aye, I do. Do you support the Rhinos, Kyle?”

“Yes. My dad and I are season ticket holders.”

Haru gives me an ‘I didn’t know that’ look. I shrug and smile at him.

“So am I. We should go to a match one day. Maybe we can persuade Haru to come along with us,” Evan says.

“I’d like that.”

It’s strange hearing Evan refer to Haru and me as boyfriends. Haru had warned me that’s what they thought. I figured we’d put them straight together, but how do we tell them we’re friends with benefits? Besides, part of me doesn’t want to make them think differently.

“Have you always lived in Leeds?” Faith asks, moving the conversation away from sports. Does that mean she isn’t a fan of rugby?

“Yes.” As far as I know anyway.

Was I born in Leeds? Could I have passed my parents on the street without even realising? I shake the thought loose. Most of the time, I’m fine with not knowing, but sometimes curiosity creeps up on me.

“Do you like it here?” Evan asks.

“Yes, it’s a great city.”

Evan glances at Haru and raises his eyebrows.

“You’re older than Haru,” Faith says.

“By six years.”

“You must have more relationship experience. Anyone serious?”

“Mum.”

“It’s fine,” I say. “No. I’ve never had a serious relationship.”

“Is that because you’ve never wanted one?”

“No. I want to settle down. I’ve never found the right person before.” Before? Why the fuck did I say that? Probably to keep Haru’s parents happy.

“Haru is special.”

My heart swells. “Yes, yes, he is.” I said that aloud too, didn’t I?

Haru blushes and rubs his neck.

“We’re hoping he’ll stay,” Evan says.

“London is a long way,” Faith says.

“Maybe you’ll be the one who convinces him it’s better up north.”

My breath catches in my throat. What do I say to that? Would I love Haru to stay here? Absolutely. But he can’t follow his dreams here. His parents must know that.

“Haru said you were online friends first.” Evan makes brief eye contact with Haru. Does he know the type of forum we met on?

“Yes. We met on a forum for adoptees. I needed to talk, and Haru was there for me.” I put my hand on his knee and squeeze gently.