"Some of us like having tastebuds."

If Kaoru minds? Too bad. These are the dire sacrifices made for love.

***

Another evening, another dinner.

Nationals next week.

Kei wants to be here. Bracing for the chaos of travel. Instead he keeps dropping lines of conversation. Twirling his chopsticks, or pushing food around his plate. Kaoru will probably have to repeat what was just said.