Kim Black

"It's hard to say. How about this: I'll wait for you. When the time comes and you find yourself wanting to see me when I'm not around, when being together makes you never want to part from me, you tell me. Then I'll confess my feelings again and ask if I can be your boyfriend. How does that sound?"

"Sounds good."

He lowered his head, trying to hide his blush, but I noticed. I let go of his hand and gently ruffled his hair. He seemed accustomed to it, turning to smile at me. Once I was satisfied, I continued driving. Compared to Ethan and Harry’s journey, it felt like we were far behind.

"Ryan, thank you," Neil said, gripping his seatbelt with both hands but turning his body towards me.

"For what?"

"I used to think that in the city, everyone was really assertive. I thought someone like me just had to follow their lead and do what they told me. If I couldn't, I'd have to sneak away. But you, Ryan, you were the first person to ask me if things were okay, to ask for my opinion. It made me