Page 62 of We're At It Again

“You have become an amazing young man, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

I smiled through my tears, a rare, genuine smile.

“Thanks, Dad. It’s because I had an excellent influence growing up.”

A soft voice interrupted us.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Luna stood at the door, hovering with an apologetic smile. “It’s time to eat.”

My dad nodded, giving me one last squeeze on the shoulder before heading inside, leaving us alone. Luna stepped closer.

“Are you okay?”

I smiled at her, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.

“I’m perfect.” I said, wrapping my arm around her shoulder and leading her inside.

The warmth of the house and the smell of Christmas dinner greeted us, but more than anything, it was the comfort of knowing I wasn’t alone that made everything feel right.

?

The night had settled over the neighborhood, as the glow of Christmas lights reflected off the thin layer of snow that blanketed the ground. I noticed Luna standing alone on her front porch; her gaze lost in the tranquility. Grabbing a blanket, I joined her outside, wrapping it around her shoulders.

“Thanks.” she said, her eyes fixed on the peaceful street.

We stood in silence, the cold air crisp around us, but the warmth of our closeness created a blanket of comfort. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but stopped, hesitation clear in her posture. Sensing her unease, I sidled up to her, so close our shoulders brushed with each breath.

“Is there something wrong?”

She took a deep breath, as if gathering courage.

“What are we?”

My stomach fluttered with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. I’d always dreamed of having this conversation with her.

“What do you mean?” I asked, trying to play it cool.

She shook her head, looking away.

“Never mind, forget I mentioned it.”

I gripped her arm, turning her to face me.

“Talk to me.”

She looked into my earnest eyes, as vulnerability shone in hers.

“I have no idea when our fake dating agreement became real to me. And I’ve been so afraid of admitting it, but I needed to know if it was all just an act to you.”

A slow smile spread across my face. I had to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming.

“I thought I’d made it obvious.”

“Made what obvious?” She asked, tilting her head to the side.

“That I’d always been yours.”

She grinned, a light blush coloring her cheeks.

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