Emily sat beside him, her eyes glued to the passing scenery, but her mind was far away. She couldn't stop replaying the kiss in her mind-the way Alex's lips had felt against hers, the w

anged, and she wasn't sure if

aught her eye. His expression was

" he asked, hi

st with herself. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... processing, I guess." Sh

o make sure you're not feeling pressured.

It's not about pressure. It's just... I'm not used to feeling like this. I di

hint of sadness in his eyes. "I get that. Believe me, I

ing to let herself be too vulnerable just yet. "I didn't expect it either," she said

t of them, a sense of uncertainty settled between them. The car came to a

ut, I want you to know that I'm not trying to rush anything. I'm not trying to make you feel somet

rself on being in control, on not allowing her emotions to get the best of he

she said softly, her voi

r of them moving. It was as if neither of them knew

just... take it slow? One day at a time. We'll

t. "Yeah. I think that's the

Emily saw a softness, a sincer

apartment. They stood there for a moment, neither of them sure what

w?" he asked, his voi

eady despite the butterflies in

t-she could feel it. And yet, despite the closeness, the shared confessions, and the kisses, there was still so much uncertainty. Sh

r routine, but thoughts of Alex were never far from her mind. She found herself wondering about him in way

in her favorite coffee shop, her phon

kend. What do you think about a movie night at my place? I'l

rough her chest. The idea of spending time with him, without the weight of

ounds nice. I

day night then? I'

ect. I'll s

m. The more time she spent with Alex, the more she felt a connection she hadn't expected. They we

Not just as a temporary arrangement, but as something that could be long-lasting. But even as she a

cking out something comfortable but not too casual. A soft sweater, jeans, and her favorite pair

lt a flutter in her chest. His presen

ith a smile, his eyes b

ying to keep her voice st

ase. The space was cozy, with soft lighting and a comfortable couch that seem

d up," he said. "But feel f

ink. "I'm sure whatever y

lowing easily as they joked and talked about their favorite films. But there was someth

the back of the couch, dangerously close to her. It was as if they we

ant you to know that I'm not rushing anything. I'm not asking for more than you're willing to give. But I d

ted to run, to put up a wall, but another part of her, the part that had been g

ce steady despite the emotions swirling w

, tentative kiss. It wasn't just a kiss; it was a promise. A p