Hiroshi watched them wondering what they were talking about. He had a vague understanding of what they meant because he knew his brother was bullied in high school but Aki hadn't specifically said Haruki was also bullied.
If Haruki was and the lady who spoke to them that night was one of those who stood by, he wanted to have them punished. He had no idea how he wanted it to be done but he knew he wanted to avenge Haruki . . . and his brother.
He was curious about everything even though he didn't ask. He uncapped a water bottle and pushed it towards Haruki who naturally reached for it and drank.
Somehow, Hiroshi felt it went beyond simply being sad about the bullying of the past. He had a feeling that whatever had happened to Haruki then was deeper than that but he respected his choice of not telling him. He waited patiently for Haruki to tell him. Perhaps that would mean Haruki saw him as more than a sex partner.
***
