They drove back, and Kenji asked, “I know it’s sort of late, but do you want to sleep over? I have to work in the morning, so you can let yourself out. You have the key to my place, right?”
“Yes, and yes. Thank you. Why do I like your place better than mine? We have the same floor plan.”
Kenji thought and then said, “Do you want me to smile politely, or do you want the truth?”
“The truth, of course, unless it’s going to hurt.”
Kenji smiled politely.
James laughed and play-slapped Kenji’s shoulder. “Okay, tell me the truth.”
“You need to redecorate. Your place seems like just a house, not a home. There’s a difference. All the rooms are one color. Add color to different rooms. Consider painting ceilings different colors. Sorry.”
James sighed. “If that’s how you feel, I don’t want to s
