Page 217 of Mercy Written in Blood

Renji stepped closer. Haruki did not move. The narrow space between them became deliberate.

"I want you in my home," Renji said. "At my table. Beside me when I discover things I do not know how to survive."

The words affected Haruki visibly. His breath changed. The hand holding the folder lowered to his side. Renji could hear hisheartbeat. He had always heard it. Tonight, he allowed himself to notice.

"You are not required to respond," Renji said.

Haruki stared at him.

"That may be the most ridiculous thing you've ever said."

"I am trying not to pressure you."

"You invited me into your life one sentence at a time and then told me I don't have to respond."

"Yes."

"Cruel."

"That was not my intention."

"I know."

Haruki placed the folder on the railing. Then he turned fully towards Renji.

"I came to your apartment after the warehouse because I needed to see you."

Renji said nothing.

"I kept the photograph because they used your face to threaten me."

"I know."

"No. Kael assumed they wanted to test whether you mattered."

Haruki moved closer.

"He was right."

Renji's body became entirely still. Haruki's voice lowered.

"You mattered before I knew what to call it."

The last distance between them remained. Small enough to cross. Large enough to choose. Renji looked at Haruki's mouth. He had done so before — in the apartment, at the hospital, during dinner when Haruki leaned close to speak quietly. Each time, he had looked away before the desire could become decision.

He did not look away now.

Haruki noticed.

"Renji."

"Yes."

Haruki lifted one hand. Slowly. He gave Renji time to refuse before his fingers touched the side of Renji's face. The warmth of his palm settled against Renji's cheek. Renji leaned into it. The movement was slight. Haruki's eyes closed for half a second, as though the acceptance had hurt. When he opened them, the uncertainty remained. It made him more beautiful. Not his confidence. Not the authority he wore so easily. This — the willingness to wait.

"You are certain?" Haruki asked.

Renji could have answered with words. Instead, he placed one hand against Haruki's chest. His heart beat beneath Renji's palm. Then Renji closed the distance.