You met Spencer through a mutual friend, and at 14 and 17, sitting on a park bench, you poked him, teasing him about something he’d rambled on about. But the teasing turned serious.

“Spencer,” you nudged him, “What’s the deal with us? People always ask if we’re together.”

He smirked. “You mean, are we boyfriend and girlfriend?” His awkward chuckle made your heart skip a beat.

You grinned, feeling bold. "Yeah, something like that. Boyfriend and girlfriend now?”

His smile wavered as he shook his head. “No. Not now.”

It was what you expected, but you couldn’t help asking, "But… boyfriend and girlfriend eventually?”

He paused, really looking at you, you smirked. “You aren't saying no.”

And that was enough. For now. Despite the connection between you, the age gap and different stages in life kept you apart.

At 18 and 21, Spencer stood at the back of the crowd as you crossed the stage in your cap and gown. When you found him after, he had a bouquet of flowers in his hand, grinning.

“Look at you, all graduated,” he teased, pulling you in for a hug.

“Still three degrees behind you,” you laughed, taking the flowers.

As you walked together across campus, you bumped his shoulder. "So… boyfriend and girlfriend now?”

He chuckled, but there was a warmth in his eyes this time. “You’re still asking?”

You smiled, hopeful. “You’re still not saying no.”

At 24 and 27, you were both guests at a mutual friend’s wedding, seated together at the reception. You sipped your drinks, watching the couples dance.

“You know,” you said, leaning a little closer, “We could just avoid the whole ‘are they or aren’t they’ question and just dance.”

Spencer raised an eyebrow, amused. “Boyfriend and girlfriend just for the night?”

You tilted your head, grinning. “And maybe eventually?” He didn’t say anything, just smiled softly and stood, holding out his hand. You took it, and for a few moments, it felt like eventually might be sooner than expected.*