Page 55 of The Jorogumo

After he left, I closed the shop, then made my way upstairs to my apartment. Haruto and I didn't have plans to meet today, which was rare for us. We'd seen each other practically every day since we started dating, and while we'd texted, neither of us had brought up our evening plans. Maybe a day apart would be good for us. Distance makes the heart grow fonder and all that jazz.

By the time I climbed under the sheets, I was starting to miss the warmth and solidity of Haruto's body beside mine. I missed his arms around me, and his soft breaths against my ear. Could I seriously not spend even a day away from him? Was this because of our bond or just because of how much I loved him? Were they even two different things?

My phone buzzed, and I practically leaped for it, almost falling off the bed in my haste.

Haruto: Are you asleep?

Me: No.

Haruto: I thought you might need some space, but I really miss you.

Me: Why would I need space?

Haruto: I'm not good at sticking to a human pace. I was worried I was rushing you.

Me: You're not. And I miss you too.

There was silence for a long moment, and then my phone buzzed again.

Haruto: Can I come over?

I had to type and erase three times because I kept getting the simple words wrong in my haste, but I finally managed to send him a text.

Me: Yes please!

Haruto: Be there in ten.

Putting my phone away, I struggled to my feet, then glanced down at myself. I was dressed down in an old Marvel t-shirt with frayed edges and a few holes near the hem, and shorts that ended just below my thighs. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing clothes like these in front of people, but Haruto was...he was different.

Taking a deep breath, I shook myself, then went downstairs to unlock the door. The apartment didn't have an outside exit, so I had to open up the store to let Haruto in.

Like he'd promised, he showed up in less than ten minutes, dressed in another button-down and the same jeans he'd worn to the club.

He stepped inside, and I locked up after him before turning to face him. My cheeks heated up when his eyes roamed over me, and a smile curved his lips.

"You look cute."

"Don't make fun of me," I grumbled, tugging at the hem of my t-shirt.

His brows shot up, and he closed the distance between us, placing a possessive hand on the small of my back and tugging me forward. "I'm not, sweetheart." Then he kissed me, and I would've forgiven him for anything.

Twenty

Haruto

It'd been a weeksince our club date, and I'd decided I was going to ask Liam to move in with me. He'd already expressed his desire to live at the Sanctuary, even if he didn't know I'd heard it, and that was more than enough for me.

Liam had the day off today, and he'd be coming over at any moment. Our plan was to have a quiet day at my place. We were going to cuddle and watch a few Marvel movies, and I was going to pop the question at some point.

I didn't think Liam would say no, but I still didn't feel as confident as I wanted to. While I had complete faith in our bond, in Liam's love for me, I knew most humans dated for a lot longer before moving in together. But Liamwantedto move in with me, so it should be okay, right?

"Youokay? You look like you're gonna puke." I glanced over at Khush, and wondered when he'd slithered up. How lost had I been in my thoughts that I hadn't noticed him?

"Where's your better half?" I asked, curious. Khush didn't really leave his mate's side these days, so it was strange to see him without Dustin.

"Touya, Bellamy, and Dustin are having a 'human hangout,' and they kicked me out."

Translation: Dustin made shit up to get Khush to stop hovering for a bit.

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