Jake takes a deep breath. "Wow."

He doesn't know where to start. He wants to find Kirin's parents and punch them, but he's pretty sure that would just make things worse. Unfortunately, so would kissing Kirin, probably.

"I'm pretty sure you know I'm gay," he starts. "I've been pretty open about it, but then, my parents would never do something like that."

He casts about for anything encouraging or reassuring he can offer. He comes up empty. "What you do-- or don't do-- about it is up to you, Kirin," he says finally. "And I don't think it'll be very easy. So please, let me help. Whatever you need."