Extraits

He wants to tell Haruka he feels the same way—that being with him… talking, laughing and researching with him feels like getting a gift on some special occasion. A birthday or a favorite holiday where plans have been made and anticipation bubbles warmly in your heart. But there are no plans. There are no gifts. It’s just Haruka. He is all there is and nothing more is needed.

“How is it that you know ancient languages and can recite Greek philosophy, but you have a ridiculous blind spot for pop culture?” “This is untrue.” Haruka raises his chin. “I know music, particularly from the modal, bebop and free jazz movements.” “Yeah?” Nino’s eyes narrow in challenge. “What about outside of that? Jimmy Hendrix, Freddy Mercury, Prince and David Bowie?” “Yes.” Haruka turns his nose up, indignant. “Bruno Mars? Gaga?” “What… language are you speaking?” “What about TV shows, anime and movies?” Nino presses. “Star Trek, Doctor Who… Cowboy Bebop—Amelie, Kill Bill, Spirited Away?” Folding his arms, Haruka sits back. “You are making these things up.” “Jesus, Haru,” Nino laughs. “I am not.” “I do not watch television or movies because the motion of it bothers my eyes. We have talked about this. The light of the smartphone you bought me as well. I’m glad that you are here and I no longer need to use it.”

“He’s much better. I can tell he still grapples with the shock of it though. He’s been reaching out to Historians in other countries… his network of dusty vampire-professor nerds.”

“The situation is indeed multifaceted,” says Haruka. “But perhaps any complex, emotional relationship is guaranteed to have some element of… messiness?”