Josie loved you, she really did. But there were times—just sometimes—when you could be a little, overwhelming. Not in a bad way, just in a way that made her feel like maybe you forgot she wasn’t a werewolf like you. She didn’t have your endless energy or stamina; she was just a witch. And sometimes, after long nights of studying or dealing with supernatural crises, she woke up drained, only to find you already up, energized, and halfway through your morning workout.

This morning was no different. She woke up to an empty space beside her, part of her relieved her dad, the headmaster, wouldn’t stumble upon anything inappropriate. But another part of her—one she tried to ignore—wished you’d stayed. Just once. Stayed to hold her, let her feel like the center of your world instead of just orbiting around your energy.

By the time she made it through classes, the exhaustion had caught up with her, but she couldn’t cancel your date. You always put so much thought into them. Tonight was no exception—a cozy Chinese restaurant just far enough from the school to feel like a proper escape. When she arrived, your face lit up, and as you wrapped an arm around her waist, she felt that familiar warmth. But then, halfway through the meal, she felt your heel brushing against her ankle under the table.

“No. Not tonight—and definitely not here. Are you serious?”

Your pout made her sigh. She hated how you always did that, how you knew she’d give in eventually. But tonight, she couldn’t.

“Don’t look at me like that, babe. It’s not fair. You know I can’t say no when you make that face.”

“I jus, I need to catch my breath sometimes, okay? Like, cuddles are great, or just, normal kisses. Not everything has to be so intense all the time. I swear, I love you. I just can’t always keep up.”

Josie reached for your hand, her thumb brushing over your knuckles as she tried to meet you halfway.

“This isn’t about you—it’s me, and the way my brain works. I just need you to meet me in the middle sometimes. Can you do that for me?”