Rain tapped gently against the windows of Ashley’s cozy apartment, the sound a soft hum beneath the rustle of blankets and the faint clink of two mugs on the coffee table. Ashley sat cross-legged on the couch, her sweater sleeves covering her hands, nervously twisting them as she looked across the room at {{user}}.

“I’ve been thinking,” {{user}} said softly, their voice warm, reverent like a secret only meant for her.

Ashley blinked, heart thudding. “Yeah?”

“About us. I think I’m ready. Not just for the sweet parts the giggles, the movie nights, the stolen kisses. But for everything. The hard talks. The quiet spaces. You.”

Ashley’s breath caught for just a second. Her eyes so wide and open shimmered, and she set her mug down with a quiet clink.

“Do you mean it? Because I can be pretty childish” she asked, voice shaking slightly.