“Shashaki.” Mutsuki rubs his mentor’s shoulders. “You’re sho pretty. You’re the prettiesht girl here.”
“Mucchy?” Saiko raises her eyebrows.
“Sho pretty. Isn’t she?” Mutsuki leans against Sasaki.
“Yas.” Shirazu raises his glass. “A toast to our pretty Sasaki!”
The Quinx clink their glasses together, and Mutsuki turns back to Sasaki.
“You’re the nicesht pershon I know. Do you like me? Am I your friend?” Mutsuki grips Sasaki’s arm to keep his balance as the room spins around him. “Pleash shay yesh.”
“Of c-c-course, you’re my friend.” Sasaki’s face is purple. But Mutsuki’s eyes are so round and cute and innocent and irresistible.
“Yay!” Mutsuki laughs.
Sasaki leans over and hugs Mutsuki. “See?”
Mutsuki has tears in his eyes. “He likesh me.”