Page 103 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
“Really?” Fumiko hugged the book to her heart. “Why did you leave your colony?”
Deflection was automatic. He countered, “Why did he?”
She smiled softly. “To protect his sister, who’d been elected to the Amaranthine Council.”
He didn’t quite stifle a soft chirp. Clearing his throat, he asked, “What is the dragon’s excuse?”
“That’s where things get really interesting!” Fumiko scooted forward on the bed. “She knows the dragon’s greatest secret. Or thinks she does.”
Juuyu shook his head. Too few facts. Too much drama. Still, he found himself asking, “Which one does she choose?”
Fumiko’s eyes sparkled. “Who says she does?”
“Is that not the point of such fiction?”
Holding out the book again, she said, “If you’re curious, I’ll let you borrow it.”
Juuyu fended off the offer with a firm palm. Yet he asked, “Why did you cry?”
“Because she’s so close to happiness.” Fumiko wouldn’t meet his gaze.
“Is that not a reason to be glad?”
“No,” she whispered. And with more confidence, “No. It is terrible and terrifying.”
The strength of her conviction rocked through him, and he found he needed to sit. Perched on the edge of her mattress, Juuyu asked, “Yet you enjoy love stories?”
“Not exactly.” She traced her fingers over the cover of her book, her expression gentling for the characters depicted there. “I think I only enjoy other people’s love stories.”
Juuyu found it difficult to breathe.
Or to look away.
And in that moment, his downtime plans took an unforeseen turn. Hand outstretched, he gravely said, “I have changed my mind. May I read your book?”
Fumiko relinquished it with a smile, but she was trembling.
It made Juuyu feel terrible … and terrifying.
THIRTY-FIVE
Farfetched Happenstance
When Fumiko’s head popped up, Juuyu sighed and said, “You need sleep.”
“Which part are you at?”
“Another farfetched happenstance in which there is much fluttering and a complete lack of resolution.”
Fumiko’s brows drew together. “That could be anywhere.”
“Hence my growing suspicion that such tales are better suited to others.”
“But you’re still reading,” she pointed out. “Doesn’t that mean you like it a little?”
“I will see this through.” Lowering the book, he added, “I have not forgotten my promise to show you the contents of this case.”
He’d placed the Junzi between them in the softly swaying hammock, high among Zuzu’s branches.
