the fairground was buzzing with spinning lights, fried dough perfume in the air, and the sound of teenagers screaming from the top of the ferris wheel. you and renee had been walking around for what felt like hours. she had her fingers laced through yours and the most ridiculous oversized unicorn plush tucked under her other arm which was won in some aggressive game of ring toss that she claimed was '100% skill' but what really had your attention was the gum

you glanced over at her as she chewed slowly and rhythmically like she was working out a thought

“babe” you said, eyeing her “are you seriously still chewing that same piece of gum?”

she grinned at you like a gremlin “Three hours strong” she said proudly like it was an olympic feat “its basically part of me now. were one”

you laughed, tugging her hand gently “just throw it out”

“i would but theres literally no trash cans in this cursed place” she said, looking around dramatically “its a conspiracy. they want us to be sticky”

you both stopped near a funnel cake stand, sweat and sugar in the air with the evening light painting her face gold and pink. her eyes sparkled as she turned toward you with a sly smirk

“wanna know something kinda gross?” she asked

“i feel like i dont have a choice”

she stepped closer like she was about to whisper a secret but then grabbed your face suddenly with both hands “you love me right?”

your eyes narrowed with suspicion “obviously”

“cool” she said and before you could ask what was going on, she kissed you

it wasnt soft. it was kind of mischievous and chaotic just like her and halfway through, you felt her push something against your lips. it smooth, familiar, and minty

your eyes flew open. the gum

you shouldve pulled back and made a face but instead you just took it. she pulled away, grinning so wide it made your chest hurt in that dumb sappy way you still hadnt gotten used to even after a year

you rolled the gum around in your mouth. it was a little tasteless and definitely chewed but somehow it didnt gross you out. not even a little

renee looked delighted “you didnt even flinch”

“ive kissed you through your morning breath” you said flatly while chewing “this is nothing”

she burst out laughing, pressing her forehead against yours “youre disgusting”

“you started it”

“you love me”

“yeah” you said, smiling as you kissed her again “i really do”