Chapter 12
Dazi was distracted again. Mateo had been trying to lift his spirits all day, but it seemed as soon as Dazi had a moment to think his mind went back to darker places. Whether it was the way Mateo had spoken to him the night before, Tommo’s departure, or lingering awkwardness after that morning, it didn’t matter. Mateo had seen Dazi opening up throughout the day. Watching him shut down again was painful, even these little slips where he became more distant and Mateo could sense his discomfort or negativity.
Furthermore, Dazi hadn’t even answered his question. “Dazi? Did you have anything in mind?”
Dazi shuffled his feet as he walked. “Can we talk? Maybe by the fountain again?”
He wants privacy. I think I know what this is about. “Sure.” Dazi’s shyness seemed to be worse when
