Page 36

CHAPTER 36 VI?T

“What did you use for the cream? Market?”

“Yes, everything was from the market.”

“And did you roast the tomatoes and everything else? Or did you boil? Please tell me you didn’t boil the veg.”

“Roast, of course!”

“And then after that was when you used the immersion blender, correct?”

“Yes—but wait. Are we still talking about the meal? You’re not interested in hearing anything about the actual date?”

“Oh, that.” Kale waved his hand. “Fine. How was it?” Beside him, Tate only grinned at his boyfriend’s flippant behavior.

But Viet knew the both of them by now—and knew they were very interested in it. After all, that was why, when they spotted him alone at the library, they descended on him like hungry vultures, his headphones were involuntarily removed, and the textbook he was studying from was slammed shut—eliciting the curiosity of the study group at the table opposite him.

So he told them everything. After Viet cooked the meal, he packed the food away and they held hands as they walked to the Arb, which was open all the time, and they eventually came to a spot not too far from where Evie first told him about her problems with Jake. And they talked for a while—from serious things, like Evie asking about his parents, to silly things, like the stretch of the cheese in the sandwiches. It was perfect.

Kale snapped his fingers, yanking Viet from his memories. “You didn’t hear a word I said.”

“We’ve lost him to Evie,” Tate joked.

“Our boy’s growing up!” Kale shouted. Tate laughed then, loud and clear. Now not only were students staring at them—even the front desk librarian fixed them with a glare.

Viet groaned. “Please. Go away.”

The older boys relented, although Kale left Viet with these parting words:

“I want that basket back, okay? Or you’re dead to me.”

Not only did he return the basket, but before long, two months of being with Evie came and went blissfully. Truth be told, their relationship stayed mostly the same, but every interaction was imbued with newfound freedom. He reached for her hand anytime he wanted. After their runs, they used to go their separate ways, but now they traded air on top of the grass, their lungs limitless. She glued herself to his side when they watched TV at her apartment, and many times, he got lost gazing at her sleeping face against his shoulder. He loved the privilege of being Evelyn Mai’s boyfriend, and he never wanted to take that for granted.