Page 98 of Psync
Eli scanned his surroundings and then went on his toes to kiss Haruka on the cheek. “Thank you.” His face was bright pink.
Haruka rubbed his cheek. He almost never got public Eli-affection. It was worth the promise of trying not to be mean.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Eli
Haruka was being extra clingy—even for him. Ever since their fan clubs had combined to create an überclub, he’d become more affectionate in public. It was a little embarrassing sometimes, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. In fact, it was a little too comfortable.
Eli had spent too long secretly thinking he might be broken in some way other people weren’t. That he might never find someone he lovedandwas attracted to.
Love?
Did he love Haruka?
He wasn’t even sure what love was. How could he know if what they had together was love? It was intense, whatever it was. When they were apart, he couldn’t go more than a few minutes before feeling a tug inside him that insisted they reunite as soon as possible.
And he thought about the man constantly. Anytime Eli saw something he thought Haruka might like, he found himself texting him. Any object that might make him smile was something Eli did everything in his power to obtain. Haruka smiles were a gift to the world.
Now that he had the freedom to leave Haruka’s side, he found little desire to do so. And maybe he didn’t initiate affection in public the way Haruka did, but when the man had barnacled onto Eli in front of Jace, Eli’s insides sang as loudly as they ever did, whether they were behind closed doors or not.
Everything Haruka did told Eli he was wanted, needed, and an important part of his life. So, if he was a bit possessive and territorial, Eli could live with it.
Eli was still a little touchy when Haruka and Kate were in the same room together even though he’d never given Eli any indication he remembered who she was. Haruka visiting the club tent at the end of the fair had made Eli feel territorial too.
All that being said, if Haruka stepped on the back of his shoes one more time today, they were going to throw hands.
“I’m not going to vanish if you aren’t up my ass, you know,” Eli said after the second time he’d had to stop and fix his shoe.
“Hn.” Haruka handed Eli back his coffee and moved to walk beside him rather them loom over him from behind.
When they reached Jace, Eli said, “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“No worries, I’m well aware of the love affair you have with coffee.”
Haruka reattached himself to Eli’s back, creating a lovely wind barrier. He was also super warm, way better than the hand warmers Eli usually carried around in November.
“So, what are your plans today? I’m finished with classes. If you want to hang out, I’m free.”
Haruka’s fingers dug into Eli’s sweater, but he didn’t say anything. He was keeping his promise. If it wasn’t Nate or Alice, Haruka had a tendency of being stingy when it came to sharing Eli’s time with other people.
“That’s perfect, I brought a show I know you’re going to love. We can watch it in our room. You know, one more time, in case we don’t get to again.”
“Sure! Though if you’re going to be back in the spring, we’ll definitely get a chance to geek out again.”
“True, but we might not be roommates. Let’s have one last night together, just you and me.”
“No.” Haruka’s arms went from gentle to steel bands around Eli’s chest.
Eli tapped his hands and wheezed. “Breathing isn’t optional for me.”
“I’m not taking him to a strip club, we’re just watchingBattlestar Galactica.”
“The original?” Eli asked.
“Obviously.”
“Yes!” Eli had mentioned during their first week of living together that he’d only seen the reboot but wanted to watch the first one. “Haruka, you’ve got an exam tomorrow, you can’t come and binge a show tonight.”
