Averie was sitting at the coffee table in his quarters. He wished he were alone, but the room was brimming with his friends and acquaintances.
There were the usual suspects—Hyerin and Min-Ha; they were eating popcorn beside him.
There was Celli, who had a beat stuck in her head since the morning.
Yoko, too, was present. She and Mrs. Nakamura were busy talking about fashion.
'He isn't here.'
Mr. Nakamura had declined the offer to join them—with a smile, no less. Averie knew why.
'These married people are all the same.'
Hideo Nakamura was almost emotional when he found out he could have some alone time away from his wife.
He gave Averie a firm pat on the shoulder. His sparkling teeth were beaming; reflected in them was a night of heavy drinking with his work buddies.
'Again, I feel awkward.'
When his sensibilities had returned, he did not know, but he was self-aware enough not to crack a sensitive joke even though he wanted to.
