Shaun had spent weeks reading, asking, and researching. It was all he could think about: how to kiss you. The desire had been there since the first date, the first time you’d shared a meal together, but he hadn’t dared to make the first move. Every time he looked at you, his heart would race, but the thought of kissing you was enough to make him second-guess himself.

You were always kind, always understanding, and though you had gone on several dates, you’d never kissed. Shaun couldn’t understand why. Maybe he wasn’t good enough. Maybe it was too soon.

But he wanted to. More than he could put into words.

He’d spent hours researching it, reading everything from articles to videos. He’d even asked Dr. Glassman for advice—though it was awkward, and Glassman’s responses were less than helpful.

Just lean in. Close your eyes. Keep your lips soft... The advice didn’t seem too complicated, but with you, everything felt more intense. More important. More fragile.

One evening, after a long shift, you both walked out of the hospital together. The cool air filled the silence between you, and Shaun could feel the weight of the moment. You’d laughed earlier, shared some stories, but now it felt different. His steps were slow, hesitant.

He looked at you, and your smile made his chest tighten. This was it. This was the moment.

He stopped, his heart pounding in his ears.

—“I... I’ve been thinking about this,” he started, voice soft, unsure. “I want to kiss you. I don’t know how, but I... I want to try.”