Warcross

I’ve wanted to kiss you, Hideo thinks to me, leaning closer, since the night I saw you in that white dress.

My eyes will be on you, I’m afraid.

He kisses my cheek. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” he says. But even as he pulls away, I know that the space between us has changed permanently.

hesitates for an agonizing second. Then, his head tilts down toward me. The soft skin of his lips presses against mine, and before I can even register it, he’s kissing me.

Well? I ask him.

Well. His gaze falls on my lips. Perhaps we should do something about that.

I’ve wanted to kiss you, Hideo thinks to me, leaning closer, since the night I saw you in that white dress.

He talks about you often enough

“I’m glad you’re here.”

I search his eyes, trying my best to steady my heartbeat. “You are?”

“Perhaps I’ve been too subtle.”

Hideo shakes his head once. “No reports. Just your company.”

Just my company. His gaze is calm, but I notice the way he’s turned toward me, the light in his eyes. “After the first game,” I hear the words stumble out of me.

Hideo smiles, and this time, it is a secret smile. “I look forward to it.”

“When can I see you again?”