Page 38 of All the way home

Kieran’s a bit like a brand-new physics problem, actually. Like, yeah, Zach doesn’t understand how he works, but it’s suddenly of vital importance that he starts figuring it out.

“A little bit hokey, no?” Kieran lifts a mug by the handle. It’s plastered with a crowded graphic of the Rocky Mountains, moose antlers, and maple leaves, and alberta is printed around it in such large type that it’s impossible to see the whole word at once.

“I’m not going to lie, I don’t think you’re the target demographic for that.”

Kieran snorts.

Smiling, Zach takes the mug from him when he holds it out, and so what if his fingers brush Kieran’s in the process? “It’s sort of beautiful.”

“Is it?”

“This is art,” Zach tells him. “Straight-up. And I would know.”

“Would you?”

“Art history minor.”

Kieran blinks, slowly. Then he turns to Zach, incredulity spreading slow. “Really?”

“Really.” Nodding solemnly, Zach puts a hand against his chest. “Cross my heart.”

“Who’s your favorite artist?”

“Caravaggio.” With a quick smile, Zach puts the mug back on the shelf and adds, “Duh.”

“Duh,” Kieran echoes, smiling. “Hang on, I have to google something unrelated really quick.”

While Kieran whips out his phone, Zach turns and buries his smile in his own. He has a missed text from Mara.

What r u going to do without headphones?

you’re not going to believe this

You’Re with Turtleneck Boy

Aren’t You

😎

wait also

have you heard of the book song of achilles

He’s about to do a covert Google search himself when Kieran nods and hums approvingly.

“Oh, yeah. That fucks. I like what he’s doing with the red.”

“It’s my favorite color,” Zach agrees. “Because of him.”

Mara texts him again.

Zach Loren

did he mention the book

is that what ur telling me rn

yes?