Hiro whistled. "This is so perfect I'm angry about it."
“Now why are you angry?” Nyomi laughed.
Behind one twin, the other reached over his shoulder and snatched one straight from his hand.
The victimized twin glared. “Hey!”
“Can’t help it.” The thieving twin popped it into his mouth.
Another tray appeared.
“And here we have miso-maple pork belly.” She held out her hands. “Enjoy.”
The glossy cubes had been caramelized until the fat ran translucent. Each square rested on a tiny charred sheet of nori paper.
Daisuke took one, ate it, and closed his eyes. He said nothing for a long moment. When he opened his eyes, he looked at Nyomi like he was meeting her again for the first time. “If the Dragon doesn’t satisfy you, I am here. I am waiting.”
I sneered at him.
Nyomi winked. “Thanks, Daisuke. I’ll remember that.”
We continued to enjoy the drinks and food, eating, laughing, and reaching for more.
Another round of Roar Bites showed up because Reo had apparently asked for them personally.
I finished the Purple Riot and could feel myself getting tipsy, but I had no plan to stop drinking just yet.
I’m going to be fucked up tonight.
For a while, we stood there chatting and nibbling the food. Kaede, very slightly drunk, drifted into her orbit and tilted his head to study her hair. "Your braids are exceptional tonight, Tora. So lovely. I want to draw you."
She blushed. “Aww. I would love that.”
My jaw tightened.
Across the room, Hiro saw my face and laughed.
After a few more minutes passed, Nyomi clapped her hands. "Alright. Everyone follow me to the next surprise. Fair warning, this one is a bit. . .somber, but we need this."
She turned and began walking toward the opposite side of the ballroom where the second draped section was.
Hiro had a new lollipop in his hand, lapping at the top. The liquid swished inside. He got to my side. “I’m serious about the marrying her.”
“I gathered that. My only question iswhodo you think is marrying her?”
“Exactly.” He winked and headed off.
I shook my head.
Everyone fell in behind her in a ragged line.
The jazz band continued to play upbeat songs. I could tell that I was feeling too good because for a few steps I wanted to shake my shoulders with the rhythm, but I fought through it.
Instead, I picked up my pace and got back to her side, placing my hand right at the small of her back again.
She slowed her steps and leaned against my palm. “Do you think they’re enjoying themselves?”
“I think they’re having too much fun.”
