Cam
Cam is the novel's central character. Cam is fond of cooking and loves sharing food with others. Cam is in a sexual relationship with his boyfriend, Kai. When Kai dies, Cam's life is disorganized, and he keeps seeing a ghost that haunts him for the rest of his life. Cam cannot stop thinking about Kai, which makes his life miserable.
When Cam decides to return to Houston to reunite with his surrogate family, he gets back to casual sex and drugs because of depression. Cam spends his time cooking and sharing food.
Kai
Kai is Cam's sexual partner. Kai is described as understanding, honest and affectionate. Unfortunately, Kai dies prematurely, leaving Cam in misery. Kai appears to Cam as a ghost daily, making it hard for Cam to move on with his life.
TJ
TJ is Cam's childhood friend. TJ is honest, friendly and outgoing. While growing up, TJ and Cam were very close, and at some point, they had a sexual relationship. After many years, Cam returns to Houston disheartened and gloomy when his boyfriend dies. However, TJ finds it hard to reconnect with Cam because they no longer talk about their sexuality openly. TJ is dating a married man but feels stuck and decides to start a new relationship with a man working at their bakery.
Mae
Mae is Jin's wife and TJ's mother. Mae is a hardworking woman who tries her best to expand the family business. Mae and her husband adopted Cam when her parents died. Mae welcomes Cam back after several years and gives him a job at the family's bakery.
