Page 10 of Spoonful

“Okay,” Jaylin forced out, still not looking up. Big surprise there. How many fuck-ups did someone like Hiro come across in his life?

“But I’m stunned to hear that a student of your caliber is falling behind somehow.” Hiro’s fingers tapped on the table. “I’m happy to help however you think I can.”

That got Jaylin jerking his head back up. “What?”

“If you think I really could be of assistance, I’d like to be.” Hiro’s smile seemed… gentle. “I can tell you’re going to go places. I’d be honored to help you on your way.”

“Oh,” Jaylin got out before his throat closed up.

“How about this,” Hiro said. “I’ve already taken a lot of your time, and I know you’ve got to write down that paper. Let me give you my number. Then you can reach out to me when you’re available, and we can arrange another meeting. One we’re both planning for, where we can really sit down and talk this all through. Sound good?”

“Yeah,” Jaylin was able to say. “Sounds good.” He fumbled with his phone, pressing the button to add a new contact. “Ready.”

Hiro gave Jaylin his number and Jaylin punched it in without trouble. Phones were easy, because the numbers were in specific positions. Then he paused. “How, uh, how do you spell your name?”

“About how it sounds.” Hiro grinned. “H-I-R-O.”

Keyboards too, were easy enough, if Jaylin knew what letters he was supposed to type. He wasn’t going to try to type out Hiro’s full name, but four letters were doable.

It sank in that Hiro actually did want to see him again. Jaylin hadn’t messed up so badly that Hiro thought he was a lost cause. It made him smile down at his phone. It was a nice feeling, that Hiro thought Jaylin was worth more of his time.

His phone chimed in his hand then, and Jaylin flinched. It was the specific chime that Jaylin set as Brent’s, so Jaylin always knew to check the message.

“Something wrong?” Hiro asked.

“No,” Jaylin said quickly, looking down at his phone with dread. Brent couldn't want to see him again already, could he? Usually Jaylin got at least a day or two of respite.

Nerves made it harder for Jaylin to read the message, but at least it was short.Dinner at 7. Pack a bag.

So there’d be a meal at least, Jaylin thought dully, texting back anok.A meal, and then he’d be the entertainment after, expected to stay the night. His stomach hurt just thinking about it. Brent had been demanding more and more of his time lately. Demanding more and more of Jaylin, too.

“Are you sure there’s nothing wrong?” Hiro asked again, concerned.

Jaylin shook his head, trying to shove aside his humiliation. “It’s fine. Just, uh, thinking about my schedule.”

“Okay,” Hiro said. He didn’t look convinced, but he mercifully allowed the subject change. “About that—you wouldn’t happen to be free tomorrow, would you? I know it’s short notice, but the rest of my week is pretty packed. And I’d like to get started.” He said it apologetically, like he was worried about putting Jaylin out.

Jaylin glanced back down at his phone. He had until seven today to study for business law and astronomy, watch his ASLvideos again, dictate his paper, and painstakingly go over it to check for typos. In between he had to make sure he took a nap at some point before showering and getting ready to be picked up for dinner.

“It’s obviously okay if you can’t,” Hiro said. He rubbed the back of his neck and gave Jaylin what could almost be an embarrassed smile. “I’m eager to work with you. But we could schedule for later–”

“Sunday’s fine,” Jaylin said in a rush. If Hiro was eager to work with him, Jaylin needed to jump on that. “Just, uh, in the afternoon? Is that okay?”

“Sounds great,” Hiro said. “How about meeting for lunch? My treat, of course.”

Of course?

But it was another free meal. Jaylin wasn’t going to turn that down. “Yeah. That, uh, that works. If you’re sure.”

“Awesome,” Hiro said warmly. “Twelve-thirty?”

Brent would definitely want Jaylin out of his hair way before then. “Sure.”

“Great.” Hiro paused. “Would you, ah, like to pick where we went?

Jaylin blinked at him. He’d never been asked to choose before. He was always just taken.

“I just don’t want to pick a place too out of your way,” Hiro explained. “Or a place you aren’t comfortable going.”

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