“Now is a fine time. What’s up?”
“Okay, so first of all, I got an offer for something very exciting. There’s a big name game developer who’s making this new card trading game. I don’t know all the details because I’m not big into video gamesbut, it’s going to be based off volleyball.Everyone is going to get their own card in the game and they’re going to have a few voice lines. Everyone on our team has already agreed to be part. You wouldn’t have to do much, just record yourself saying a few lines that’ll be added to the game when your card is picked during the game.”
“Okay,” I say slowly, writing down a quick note. “That sounds agreeable. Please put me down as a yes to participate.”
“Awesome,” Cleo says brightly. “I know you and Blue are close. I was thinking of getting in contact with him to do a sponsored stream once the game is out. Or at least get the developer and Blue in contact with each other.”
“That could be arranged, I’m sure.”
“Okay, so on that note, I wanted to ask,” Cleo starts to say, her voice sounding a bit unsure. “Are you planning on going public with your relationship?”
My eyes snap up to Rin’s once more. His back is to me as he stirs our food. He’s swaying back and forth, humming something softly for only him to hear. My chest swells with affection.
“We haven’t discussed that yet,” I tell Cleo, not wanting to leave her hanging. “As soon as we’ve talked about it, I will let you know. I won’t do anything without telling you first.”
“Thank you, Maki. I know these things are delicate. I think we should wait until you’re mated, just to be on the safe side. I’m glad Rin understands how important being in the public eye can be. It’ll make all of this much easier for the both of you.”
“I understand.”
“The last thing is your contract with Beat Box Blues,” Cleo says, sounding more like herself. I know she hates having to put her nose in our personal lives like this, but it is part of her job as our manager to make sure these types of things are taken care of. Whenever Oli gets into a mess online, she’s the one to bail him out. “They want to renew you for another year if thatsounds okay? You’ll do another photoshoot and a few recorded ads talking about your headphones.”
“That’s agreeable. Please send me the contracts to sign.”
“Perfect! That’s everything. Do you have any questions?”
“Not right now. Thank you, Cleo.”
“You’re welcome, Maki! Enjoy the rest of your day,” she says before the line clicks, signaling that she’s hung up the call.
I put my phone down and stand up, walking around my breakfast counter. I step behind Rin, putting my arms around his waist and resting my chin on the top of his blue head.
“Hi,” he says softly.
“Hello again. That looks like it’s done.”
“It is,” Rin says, nodding towards our bowls. “Grab those for me?”
As much as I don’t want to let go, I realize eating is important and go to grab the bowl but not without leaving a kiss to the back of his head first. Rin gives a happy little hum that fills my stomach with warmth.
After filling our bowls, we move to the breakfast island, sitting side by side. I slide my notebook back to its place and out of the way. Rin sits so close that his knee sits against my thigh. I like this.
“Can we go back to your question?”
I nod my head. “I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter.”
Rin takes a bite of food, giving himself a moment to think. I follow his lead, doing the same. When he swallows, he gives me a soft smile.
“I haven’t thought about mating too much,” Rin says softly. “I guess, being human, we don’t have a special mating practice. That’s not to say I haven’t thought out our future, because I have. I’ve thought about it a lot, Maki.”
“What have you thought about?”
“Whenever I imagine the future whether it’s one year from now or five or twenty, I always picture the two of us together.”
The words hit me like a truck slamming into a brick wall. I feel completely and utterly shattered, my entire being put back together by Rin’s gentle hands. I’m startled by how forceful the emotions are hitting me. I knew I loved Rin, but I didn’t realize that hearing him voice my same feelings would feel like this.
“Good,” I say, surprised by how steady my voice sounds despite how shaky my insides feel. “That’s really good, because I feel the same way. I want to be with you. I want to stay with you through the hard times and the good times. I want to come home to you someday. I want everything you’re willing to give me.”
“I’m willing to give you everything, Maki.” Rin sets his fork down and takes one of my hands in his own. “I want to give you all of myself because I love you.”
