"I don't know how well Jedao will understand that," Gonou admits. "I don't think his world has any sexual taboos that aren't about consent. But, ah... yes, my home is the same, that way.

"But I decided a long time ago that it wasn't worth it to deny myself happiness to be accepted by strangers." His voice is soft; his gaze drifts down to his hands and stays there, distant as he gazes into the past. "Not being accepted can bring difficulties of its own, of course. But hiding everything -- also does not make you safe."