My pulse was hot. "Yes. It's something most shifters yearn for since they're old enough to."
His eyes widened. "But it's a real thing? I thought it was like, a story or a legend."
"It's not."
I could hear my own answers coming out blunt, but saying anything more felt like approaching the danger zone. I felt like an idiot. I had wanted to broach this topic of conversation, but now that we were here, I wanted to escape it.
I realized my error too late as Nishiki's curious expression faded into a slight frown. I mentally kicked myself for not giving him the in-depth answer he deserved because I was too busy wrestling with my own emotions.
"It's very real," I said, forcing myself to speak despite the dryness in my throat. "It's just not common. Most shifters will go their whole lives without finding their fated mate. The ones who do find them simply tend to be more vocal about it, so perhaps it leaves a longer-lasting impression. For the rest of us…" I shrugged. "It may be enough simply to find a compatible mate."
I knew I'd said something wrong when Nishiki's expression darkened even more. Was that not what he wanted to hear? But it was the truth. At least, it was the truth I had accepted a long time ago.
Still, I hated seeing that look on his face. I would do anything to brighten it.
"But you said your brother found his," I said, purposely making my tone lighter. "That means you've already seen what a pair of fated mates looks like."
I've been trying to cheer him up, but my comment didn't work as intended. Nishiki gazed down at the forest floor, his eyes distant with longing. He let out a laugh that wasn't joyful at all.
"They’re stupidly in love," he said. "It makes me happy to see them, but also sad because I don't know if I'll ever have that with anyone…"
A throb of pain consumed my heart. I wanted to be that for Nishiki. I didn't want to see him upset like this.
But before I could say anything, Nishiki sighed loudly and threw his hands in the air. "Whatever. It's fine. Even if it is real, it sounds like a bunch of crap."
I didn't reply. He sounded like he didn't believe his own words. Still, I understood his frustration. It was difficult to watch someone close to you get exactly what you wanted. To feel like you were the one constantly being left behind while the rest of the world went on without you.
If only he knew I felt the same way.
