Marie Lu

You cannot have love without fear. The two coexist

I suppose chivalry isn’t dead,

“I’m checking in because I miss hearing from you,” he says. “Does that help?

“When can I see you again?”

Hideo shakes his head once. “No reports. Just your company.”

Just my company. His gaze is calm, but I notice the way he’s turned toward me, the light in his eyes. “After the first game,” I hear the words stumble out of me.

Hideo smiles, and this time, it is a secret smile. “I look forward to it.”

“I’m glad you’re here.”

I search his eyes, trying my best to steady my heartbeat. “You are?”

“Perhaps I’ve been too subtle.”

He talks about you often enough

I’ve wanted to kiss you, Hideo thinks to me, leaning closer, since the night I saw you in that white dress.

Well? I ask him.

Well. His gaze falls on my lips. Perhaps we should do something about that.

hesitates for an agonizing second. Then, his head tilts down toward me. The soft skin of his lips presses against mine, and before I can even register it, he’s kissing me.