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fragile. It took time to make a strong foundation and grow together, which

meant that, for the time being, they had to keep things professional and

impersonal, especially at work. She didn’t feel like they were keeping a

nasty secret. It was just necessary to protect Kiera until she could figure out

the things she needed to figure out.

“Last night was special for me,” Kiera whispered as she pulled back.

“I’m sorry that I can’t walk into the store with you today and just yell it out

for everyone that you’re my girlfriend.”

Romi’s head spun and her heartrate sped up. Girlfriend. Yes. That’s what

she was. Kiera was her girlfriend and she was hers.

“I-I’ll try and make sure to keep a neutral expression as much as

possible.”

“I know. I appreciate it. And all of your patience. Everything. I appreciate

everything. You’re amazing, Romi. Truly. Please don’t lose sight of that.”

“I couldn’t. Ever.”

“I never expected to feel this way about someone. I feel like I could just

float right out of here.”

“I know. I feel like I’m floating a little bit right now. You don’t have

some hidden levitation abilities, do you?”

“Not that I know of,” Kiera giggled. Yes, it was an actual giggle. Even

she seemed surprised. Romi just smiled at her and kept on smiling, even

when she turned around to grab the to-go mug she’d just fixed. She couldn’t

stop smiling when she handed it over.

“I’m really excited to see you today. At work. And I’m free. Most of the

time. Not that you have to hang out with me. Believe me, I don’t expect to

spend every single day together. I know that’s not realistic, even without

any barriers or things to figure out. I’m not clingy or needy. I’ve worked on

that. A lot. Not that I really ever was, but I’ve tried really hard over the

years to figure out how to be responsible for my own happiness. I know that

you’re older than me, I just, I don’t want you to think I’m immature or feel