Sawatari's father could tell that something was bothering his son at breakfast the next morning. But he wasn't sure what could have happened overnight to upset him. The boy had been pretty happy when he went to bed the night before. He wondered if maybe his son might have had a nightmare. But before he could ask, the boy spoke. "Papa? Would you still love me if I was gay?"
"Of course I would!" his father said in surprise. "You're my son! If a parent doesn't love their child unconditionally, then they shouldn't bother having kids in the first place!"
Sawatari relaxed a little. "I… think I am gay…" he admitted. His father patted him on the shoulder supportively. "Is there any boy in particular that makes you feel that way?"
Sawatari nodded. "Yes, it's… Sakaki Yuya…"
His father was quiet for a moment. Then he raised an eyebrow. "Him? Of all people?" His son nodded again. "Yes but… I don't know if he'd be interested in me…"
"Why wouldn't he be interested in you?" his father asked. "Does he think he's too good for you? If anything you're too good for him!"
Sawatari quickly shook his head. "No, it's not that! I just… I don't know if he's attracted to guys," he explained. "I mean, I've known him for a while, and he hasn't really shown any interest in boys, but for all I know he could just be in the closet. And I can't just ask him because I don't want to risk ruining our friendship if he's straight."
"I see," his father said. "Well, do any of your friends know you're gay?"
"I think they've figured it out," Sawatari admitted. "And I'm pretty sure they know I like Yuya. But I don't think they know if he likes guys or not."
"Well, maybe you could have one of them ask him," his father suggested. "They could just say that they know a boy that likes him and wants to know if he likes boys. That way if he doesn't like boys, it won't make things awkward for you."
Sawatari blinked. "That's a great idea! Thanks, Papa!"