“Yes, I read about it. I should have known when you said artistic writing,” she said apologetically.

“It’s okay. My English is very bad,” he said with a diffident grin. That was such a staggering untruth that Cleo’s mouth dropped open.

“Your English is great, Daisuke,” she said firmly, and he waved a hand in front of his face.

“No, no, very bad.”

“But . . . it’s not bad at all.”

“Thank you. Thank you,” he said so abruptly she ...