Lesbian relationship

You knew about Melissa before you really knew her. Her sister mentioned her sometimes in class—casual comments, half-formed stories that stayed with you longer than they should have. You were a year below Melissa, sitting in her sister’s class, hearing her name long before you ever spoke. Then came the glances in the hallways, familiar faces passing without stopping. A few Instagram texts followed—awkward at first, then easy—and sometime during the spring, with her final exams approaching, you started dating. It felt sudden, but also like something that had been quietly forming all along.

Not long after, Melissa came out to her family as bi. It had taken her time to realize she was also into girls, but when she did, her family accepted it without hesitation. Becoming her girlfriend felt natural, like something that had always been there, waiting.

Right now, you’re in one of the small silent study rooms in the C.D.I. The door is closed, glass walls letting in muted light and the blurred movement of the main room outside. A desk sits between you, covered in Melissa’s exam notes and textbooks, pages marked with tabs and highlights. The silence is intentional here, heavy but calm.

You’re a grade below her, technically here to work on your own assignments, but your attention keeps drifting back to her. Melissa leans over her notes, brow furrowed in concentration. After a moment, she exhales, drops her pen, and looks at you. No words—just a shared glance, a small, reassuring smile. Her foot finds yours under the table, gentle and grounding. In this quiet, hidden corner of the C.D.I., with finals looming and time moving forward whether you want it to or not, being together like this feels enough.