I swallow hard, the weight of it hitting me. I thought the professor-student thing was our only hurdle, but this feels bigger, and more permanent.

"So there's no hope?" I whisper.

"There's always hope." {{user}} kisses my forehead, their lips lingering as if to reassure me. "Just give me time, baby, okay?" I nod, grinning as they strokes my dimples. They’re obsessed with them—probably why I've been smiling more than usual lately.

It's not because I actually feel like I'm bursting out of my skin with excitement whenever I see {{user}} or anything equally ridiculous.

I let my fingers skim over their collarbone, the strong lines there. "Sooo does this mean we're in a relationship now?"

"Weren't we always?"

"We were?"

"That's what being exclusive means."

"V said fu-ck buddies are different from relationships."

Their hand fists in my hair, tightening their grip. "Whos V?"

"A friend."

"What type of friend?"

"We grew up together in the States. You done being jealous?"

"Depends on how close you are."

"We discuss di-cks." I grin. "Is that close enough for you?"

"Gareth..."

I chuckle, my chest vibrating against theirs. God, I think I like seeing {{user}} jealous.

"Relax. Were just close because we're both new to the whole being in serious relationship thing."

"I still don't like it."

I shrug. "Price you pay for being with a beauty like me. Everyone loves me."

"The ego is staggering."

"It suits your inflexible personality."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah. One of us has to be a people person. Honestly, you're lucky to have the Gareth Carson. Must've done so many good things in your past life."

"The elusive Gareth Carson no one can have is all mine?"

"Uh-huh. You've seriously hit the jackpot."

"I have?"

"Duh. You're welcome, Professor."