Page 99 of When We Ignite

“What was your sister talking about? The family drama?”

He let out a deep sigh, then shrugged. It took him a moment to decide if he wanted to confide in me before finally offering a vague, “Adulting.”

I chuckled. “Care to expand?”

His hand left my hair as he rubbed his temple. “I was supposed to pick a major. Back in March.” He paused, watching my face as if gauging my reaction.

“And?”

“And I didn’t. I asked for an extension. Now I have until before the fall semester starts. I haven’t told my parents.” His gaze dropped to his lap.

“What’s so wrong about that?”

He clicked his tongue. “My mom’s already pissed I didn’t go pre-law, and my dad wants me in business, engineering, or whatever the hell else—as long as it’snotpre-law, just to spite her.”

I tilted my head. “Okay, but what doyouwant?”

Another deep sigh. “I don’t know, Ash. How am I supposed to decide my whole future? Nothing sticks out to me. Nothing is interesting enough. What if I fuck up and regret it for the rest of my life?” His words sped up, his eyes drifting away from mine.

“This doesn’t define your whole future,” I said, reaching for his neck.

He shook his head but didn’t meet my gaze. “You probably knew what you wanted when you were my age.”

“Yeah, I did.” The certainty in my voice made him look up. “But it’s in therecentyears that doubt has started creeping in. It’s not just your age—italwaysfeels like life decisions are set in stone. But they’re not. You make choices, you change your mind, you pivot. The only thing set in stone is death.”

The corner of his lip twitched. “That’s a little morbid.”

I chuckled. “It’s the truth, though. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. You’ll figure it out. And if you pick the ‘wrong thing,’ you’re allowed to change your mind.”

“That easy?” His smile was relaxed this time. Something warm settled in my chest.

“That easy. Send me over your options—I’ll help you figure it out.”

His brows lifted in surprise. “Really?”

I squeezed his thigh playfully. “Yes, really. Why else would you date someone older if you’re not going to take advantage of theirwisdom?”

His laugh was like music.

“Alright, I’ll take you up on that,” he said, his pale eyes bright again.

“You’ve got such a great mind.” I tapped my finger on his temple. “You’re clever and cunning, analytical to a fault. You’ve got this, okay?”

He gave me a sharp nod. “Thanks.”

“It’s no problem, darling. Just telling the truth.” I leaned back, rolling my shoulders. A deep, ominous crack sounded as I stretched my neck.

Ethan winced. “Are you sure you don’t want me to take off?”

I shook my head. “It’s been a long day. Having you here makes it better.”

“Itwasa long flight.”

I turned to him, brushing my thumb over his lip as I leaned in. “It’s been an even longer wait.” His breath hitched, and I smiled. “Don’t worry, darling. I’m not implying anything.”

“I actually wanted to talk to you about that,” he said, hesitant.

“About what?”