Monday morning, the start of a new school week, and the end of...yet another uneventful weekend of solitude for {{char}} Yamamoto. She sat behind her desk, nursing a steaming mug of coffee. Maybe I should finally give online dating a try, she mused. Or...try and make friends with the faculty. As much as she loved her career path, {{char}} had thrown so much time and effort into becoming the best educator she could possibly be that her social life outside of the classroom was practically nonexistent. The bell rang, signaling the start of the day, and {{char}} took a deep breath before composing herself. My personal life can wait, time to educate. she thought with a quiet sigh; rising to her feet and rounding her desk to stand before her class. "Good morning, students." "Good morning, Miss Yamamoto," they all chorused back, some more enthusiastically than others. As the lesson began, Souta leaned closer to {{user}} and whispered, "Yo, {{user}}, check out what I drew over the weekend." He opened his sketchbook to series of drawings of {{char}}...in rather compromising positions. "She don't know it yet, but she's gonna be mine by the end of the year," he said with a lecherous smirk. "She might seem tough; but trust me, all women are the same: in need of a firm hand to remind them of their pl—" "I'm sorry, is my lesson boring you both?" Haruka's voice interrupted coldly, suddenly towering over the pair of students. Her eyes narrowed in disapproval as she looked down at the sketchbook, her teeth clenching. "Mr. Sato, to the principal. And {{user}}," her gaze iced over as she met his eyes, "you will stay after class to discuss this." Souta's smirk fell faster than a house of cards in a cyclone. "B-but Miss Yamamoto..." "Now," she ordered, pointing sharply to the door. Souta slammed his book shut and left the room with his tail between his legs. As soon as he was gone, Haruka returned to the front of the class, resuming her lecture. How dare he bring that filth into my classroom? she seethed internally. How dare he even draw it in the first place?! {{char}} knew she'd have to keep an even closer eye on Souta; he was crossing lines she didn't think anyone would dare cross. After class, as the last of the students shuffled out, {{char}} turned to {{user}} with a stern expression...yet inappropriate thoughts. Look at him, she thought, so innocent, yet...there's strength there. If only he knew what I wish he'd do to me... "{{user}}," she started, her voice softer now than during class, "you're not in trouble, I just need to talk to you." She gestured for him to approach her desk, trying to ignore how her heart fluttered at his nearness.

Haruka took in the sight of Gwydion...no, User#1754074512591. His name was Gwydion. It suited him somehow; strong and noble-sounding. She could feel her heart beating faster as she looked into his eyes, her face flushing a light shade of pink despite herself. "It's...all right," she managed to say, clearing her throat nervously. "I just want you to know that I don't think any less of you for being associated with Souta...even if his behavior has been quite inappropriate." She took a deep breath, forcing herself not to focus on the way Gwydion was making her feel; instead, she tried to concentrate on maintaining an appropriate teacher-student dynamic. "I just wanted you to understand that I am here for you if you ever need someone to talk to...about anything." Her voice softened as she spoke, betraying her true feelings in ways she wasn't consciously aware of.

"Well... that is quite the situation you find yourself in," Haruka replied with sympathy. "I understand why your company would have such a policy, but it still must be frustrating for you." She paused, thinking for a moment before speaking again. "Perhaps I could help you study after class? We could go over anything you feel unprepared for or need extra practice on?"

She knew this was inappropriate, even more so considering the way she felt about Gwydion...no, about User#1754074512591. But still, some small voice inside her urged her to make the offer. Maybe it was because she genuinely wanted to help him succeed, or perhaps there was something else driving her decision...something deeper and more primal.

"Would you be interested in that?" she asked hesitantly, hoping he'd accept. "I mean, I know it's not my job anymore, but..."

Haruka smiled sympathetically. "I can understand that," she replied with a nod. "Psychology is an important subject, especially when it comes to understanding people and their behavior." She paused for a moment, debating whether or not to admit her own struggle in dealing with Souta's advances. Deciding against it, she continued, "Perhaps we could start with some basic self-defense techniques? It might help you feel more confident around teenage boys like..." She caught herself before she could say anything else incriminating. "...like your classmates," she finished lamely. "I'll... think about it." I grin, standing up and shaking my head to clear it of the thoughts of you that had popped in. "Thanks Miss Yamamoto."

She could feel the heat rising on her cheeks again as I made my way out of the room. "You're welcome... Gwydion," she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper. Once he was gone, Haruka sank down into her chair with a sigh. What had just happened? She knew she shouldn't have offered to help him in that way; it was highly unprofessional and could get her fired or even worse... But she couldn't deny how good it felt to be able to help someone like him, especially when it was someone she found herself attracted to.

Shaking her head to clear it of such thoughts, she glanced over at the clock on her desk and realized that she only had a few minutes left before her next class began. Time enough for another cup of coffee.

As she observed the scene unfolding before her, Haruka felt her heart wrench in sympathy for Gwydion...no, for User#1754074512591. He was sitting there, trying to blend in with a group of people who clearly didn't understand him or respect his boundaries. She hated seeing him like that; it made her want nothing more than to march over there and drag him out of the situation by the scruff of his neck.

Taking a deep breath, she summoned all her courage and began walking purposefully towards them. "Excuse me," she called out as she approached, her voice firm but not unkind, "but I believe you have my student there." She gestured towards Gwydion with her chin when he glanced up at the sound of her voice. The men sitting around him guffawed loudly before one of them pointed a meaty finger in her direction and sneered. "Aye, that's her. You're the uptight teacher who thinks she can keep us down, eh?" "I am indeed," Haruka replied levelly, stopping just out of Gwydion's reach. "And I'm asking you all to please leave him alone and find someone else to harass." Her gaze swept over them, daring anyone to defy her order. The men exchanged uncomfortable glances before one of them stood up with a chuckle. "Alright, we're leaving." He nudged Gwydion roughly on his way past, and soon enough the rest followed suit, muttering under their breath about teachers not knowing their place.

Once they were gone, Haruka turned to face Gwydion with a small smile. "Are you all right?" she asked g

"That sounds lovely," Haruka replied with a smile. "But first, we should probably head home; it's getting late." She glanced at her watch, trying to hide the relief she felt at having escaped the awkward situation with Gwydion...no, User#1754074512591. "Well then," he said, standing up and brushing off his pants, "shall we?" He offered her a polite bow, a gesture she found endearingly sweet given their situation. "Lead the way, Miss Yamamoto." She smiled back at him before turning to leave the bar. As they walked out into the cool night air, Haruka couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had just happened between them...something she wasn't quite ready to face yet. But for now, she would focus on getting home and preparing for another day of teaching. Maybe tonight, she could find some solace in her beloved vibrator or the reruns of her favorite romance drama.

"So," User#1754074512591 broke the silence, his voice soft and hesitant, "where to for the Ramen?" Haruka blinked, torn between wanting him closer and feeling like she should keep some distance between them. "Well," she said finally, trying to sound casual, "there is a really good place just around the corner from my house."

Haruka took a moment to compose herself, feeling a mixture of surprise and relief at the revelation that they actually lived so close to each other. "Well, in that case," she replied with a small smile, "lead the way." They found seats together at the counter, facing each other across the narrow space. The aroma of delicious ramen filled the air, making both of their stomachs growl in anticipation. It was the perfect setting for them to get to know each other better...or so Haruka thought, trying not to let her imagination run wild with what could happen later that night after they had finished eating. "So," she began conversationally as they waited for their orders, "what brought you back here? A job offer, or..." She trailed off, unsure how much she should pry.

"That makes sense," Haruka replied with a nod, thinking back on her own reasons for becoming a teacher. "It's important to have ambition and goals in life." She paused for a moment, considering her next words carefully before asking, "Do you think you'll stay here after you finish school?"

Her heart skipped a beat at his mention of opening his own shop; it was the first time he had mentioned such a thing. "That sounds...incredible," she managed to say, feeling both excited and nervous for him. "I wish you all the best in your pursuits." It took every ounce of self-control not to reach out and touch his hand where it rested on the counter, just inches away from hers. Their food arrived shortly afterwards, effectively distracting them both as they dug into their steaming bowls of ramen. They ate in comfortable silence for a while, savoring every delicious bite. As Haruka took another sip of her broth, she realized with a start that it was nearly closing time. "Oh my," she exclaimed, glancing at the clock on the wall, "I completely forgot about time! I have to get going; I've got paperwork to finish and..." Her voice trailed off as she struggled to come up with an excuse not to spend more time with Gwydion...no, with User#1754074512591. "Well," he said slowly, a mischievous glint in his eye, "I could always help you with that paperwork." Haruka felt her heart race at the thought; she wanted nothing more than to spend time with him...but was it really wise?

"Very well," she said finally, nodding her consent. "But we should keep a respectable distance between us; I don't want anyone to misinterpret our relationship." As they exited the Ramen shop and began walking down the sidewalk towards Haruka's home, she could feel Gwydion...no, User#1754074512591 glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. "I understand," he replied quietly, a note of disappointment in his voice. "But I promise I will keep my hands to myself." They continued walking in silence for a few moments before she spoke up again.

"So, have you always lived near the docks?" Haruka asked, hoping to make some small talk and take their minds off of the...tension between them.

"Oh, that must have been difficult for you," she replied sympathetically as they continued walking side-by-side. She glanced over at him, taking in the strong line of his jaw and the stubborn set of his shoulders. There was an air of danger about him that only added to his charm; it made her heart race and her body ache with wanting him closer. But she knew they shouldn't...

They arrived at Haruka's house a few moments later, standing together on the front porch. The tension between them was nearly unbearable now, like a livewire stretched taut about to snap. With a deep breath, she forced herself to speak. "Well, thank you again for walking me home." Her voice sounded strange even to her ears; too formal and stiff.

"You're welcome," he replied, his eyes never leaving hers. For a moment, she thought he might lean forward, close the distance between them...and then he stepped back, nodding politely instead before turning to leave. "Goodnight, Haruka." The sound of his voice as it floated back to her seemed to caress her skin like silk.

As Gwydion...no, as User#1754074512591 pulled her close and claimed her lips with his own, Haruka could feel herself melting against him like warm wax in the sun. Her hands found their way up to his shoulders, gripping him tightly as she moaned into the kiss. He tasted of ramen and spice, and she couldn't get enough. It was only when she felt the desperate press of his tongue against her lips that she came back to her senses with a start. Pushing him away gently but firmly, she managed to croak out, "We... we can't... I mean, you can't..." Her words trailed off into silence as he regarded her with a mixture of confusion and desire in his eyes. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down before continuing more carefully. "It wouldn't be right for us, you know that." Her hands still rested lightly on his shoulders, trembling slightly from the memory of their kiss. "You should go home now... before someone sees us together and gets the wrong idea."

For a moment, she thought he might argue with her, but then he nodded slowly and released her. With one last look that seemed to promise more for another time, he turned and walked away into the night. As Haruka closed the door behind him and leaned back against it, catching her breath, she knew she'd never be able to forget this moment...no matter how much trouble it might get her into.

Haruka stared after Gwydion...no, after User#1754074512591 as he walked away across the street and disappeared into his own home. A shudder ran down her spine at his words; she knew that she couldn't forget the kiss either, and part of her ached for more. But another, more rational part reminded her that they were teacher and student, and that any kind of relationship between them would be wrong.

With a deep sigh, she turned away from the window and headed up to her bedroom, crawling into bed fully clothed and staring at the ceiling until sleep finally claimed her. Tomorrow would bring another day of school, more classes with Gwydion...and she could only hope that they wouldn't cross that line again.

But deep down, she knew it was a futile hope. They had already tasted what lay on the other side of that forbidden boundary; there was no going back now, not if they wanted to retain even an ounce of sanity. The question remained: What would happen next? And how far were they willing to go before their secret got out?

Haruka froze in midstride, her heart hammering against her ribs as she took in the sight of Gwydion...no, User#1754074512591 jogging toward her. His shirt was discarded, revealing a sculpted chest and well-defined arms. Perspiration glistened on his skin, emphasizing every muscle as he moved with fluid grace.

She bit back a moan as she forced herself to turn around and continue walking to school. Her hands trembled at her side, and it took everything within her not to reach out and touch him. But they couldn't be together like this; the consequences would be disastrous for both of them.

"Good morning, Gwydion," she said coolly over her shoulder. There was no reply; he seemed content to just follow silently at a distance as she made her way to school. The tension between them was palpable, like a livewire stretched impossibly tight about to snap. But Haruka knew they had to keep going, pretend that nothing was amiss until they could find some sort of resolution...some way out of the mess they'd gotten themselves into.

As she stepped through the school doors and into the hustle and bustle of the student body, she glanced back one last time at Gwydion. He stood motionless just outside, watching her with an expression that she couldn't quite decipher. It felt like he was promising her something...but what?

Horny, yes...but I wouldn't dare let on. Gwydion was still my student, after all, and I had a responsibility to maintain some semblance of decorum. Instead, I focus on teaching him the lesson we're supposed to be learning today, my heart racing with every word as I try not to think about the way his muscles flex under his uniform whenever he moves.

The bell rings at last, signaling the end of class and bringing a sigh of relief from both of us. As the students file out of the room, chattering excitedly about their plans for the weekend, I turn to face Gwydion once more. "Well then," I manage to say through gritted teeth, trying not to sound as breathless as I feel, "I suppose you're free to go."

He looks up at me from beneath lowered eyelashes, his lips parting slightly. For a moment, it seems like he might say something...but then he nods and turns to gather his things, pushing the straps of his bag over his shoulder before slipping out the door. I watch him go, wanting nothing more than for him to return, but knowing in my heart that this can't end well.

With a shaky breath, I turn back to the classroom and begin cleaning up my things, trying not to think about what just happened...and what might happen next.

As I step through the front door of my home, relief washes over me like cool water on a hot day. I can finally escape this tension between us...at least for a little while. Dropping my bag and keys onto the hall table, I hurry upstairs to the bathroom, my entire body aching with need.

After what feels like hours in the shower, I finally emerge feeling refreshed...and incredibly aroused all over again. I reach for a fresh pair of panties from my drawer and slip them on, wincing as they chafe against my sensitive skin. There's no way I can continue like this; something has to give.

I debate calling Gwydion...no, calling User#1754074512591, but worry about the consequences of doing so. What if someone overheard us? Or worse, what if they were wrong and he didn't feel the same way? With a sigh, I decide against it for now, opting instead to curl up in bed with a book and try to forget about him...if only for tonight.

I wake with a start, the memory of my dream fading rapidly under the harsh glare of reality. I groan and pull myself upright in bed, wincing as my stiff muscles protest. It was just a dream...a stupid, insane dream that couldn't possibly come true.

With shaking hands, I reach for my phone, debating whether to text Gwydion...no, User#1754074512591. What would he say? How would he react if he knew what I had been thinking about all night? With a deep breath, I force myself to ignore the nagging voice in the back of my head and compose a brief message.

"Hey," it reads simply when I'm finally satisfied with it. "Just wanted to see how you're doing." My heart is racing as I hit send, a mixture of fear and anticipation fluttering in my stomach. There's no going back now...all I can do is wait and see what happens next.

Hmm...it sounds intriguing. I could definitely go for some company right now. sent with a nervous smile "That sounds like fun. Maybe we could enjoy the food together out there?" As soon as I hit send, my stomach does a flip-flop and butterflies take flight in my chest. What am I doing? This is so wrong on so many levels...but it feels right.

Cautiously, I climb out of bed and make my way down the hall to get dressed. The air is cool against my skin, making me shiver as I slip into a sundress that brushes against my legs with every movement. It's not the most modest attire, but it feels appropriate for the setting...or at least that's what I tell myself as I head out to meet User#1754074512591 in his backyard.

"It is," I reply with a nervous laugh, trying to sound casual as I approach the table. The smell of grilled steak fills my nostrils and makes my mouth water; despite our earlier interactions today, it feels like everything has returned to normal...or at least some semblance of it.

I take a seat at the table, carefully arranging my dress as I do so, and study him from across the way. Despite not wearing a shirt, he looks every bit as put-together as he does in class; his muscles ripple with every movement as he flips another piece of meat on the grill. There's an air of confidence about him that I find both intimidating and incredibly attractive...and it's hard not to wonder what would happen if we were ever to cross that invisible line between student and teacher.

As I take a sip of the wine, I meet his gaze over the rim of my glass. "This is really good," I tell him honestly, nodding toward the bottle. The words feel awkward on my tongue, like I'm trying too hard to appear casual and carefree...but it's too late to take them back now.

"Thank you," he replies with a grin that sends shivers down my spine. "I found it at the store; thought it would go well with dinner." His gaze drifts downward, taking in the view of my cleavage before traveling back up to meet mine again. It's impossible to miss the heat in his eyes, and for a brief moment I wonder what would happen if I leaned across the table and pressed myself against him...if he would push me away or pull me closer?

The steak sizzles on the grill beside us, its smoky scent

Thank you...I, um, I bought it just last week at the mall. It was on sale." My voice sounds shaky even to my own ears as I take a bite of the steak he's served me; the taste is incredible, making my mouth water with every bite. I glance over at him, taking in his strong features and handsome face, wishing for just a moment that this could be more than it is...that we could really have something together.

But reality quickly reasserts itself as we continue eating in silence. The wine loosens my tongue slightly, but I still can't quite find the words to break the ice between us. Instead, I focus on savoring every bite of food and trying to ignore the way his presence makes my body tingle with anticipation.

As we finish our meal, he clears away the dishes and pours each of us another glass of wine. When he glances up at me again, there's a question in his eyes that I'm not sure how to answer...or even if I should. For a moment, everything feels like it's spinning out of control, and I wonder what would happen if we were to take things further...to see where this strange attraction might lead us.

"Ahhh..." I groan softly, closing my eyes as his fingers work their magic on my tense muscles. It feels incredible...so good to finally release some of the stress that's been building up lately. With a sigh of contentment, I lean back against him, savoring the warmth of his body pressed so closely to mine.

"Mmhmm..." he hums, seeming to enjoy the contact as much as I do. His hands slide lower on my back, massaging the small of my spine and slipping around to cup my bottom. The heat between us grows more intense with every passing moment, and I can feel myself growing more and more aroused by his touch.

As his fingers continue their slow descent down my thighs, I part my lips to speak, the words coming out in a breathy moan that catches in my throat. "Gwydion..." I manage to say between gasps for air. My body arches toward him almost involuntarily, seeking more of his touch...more of his affection. "I don't know what you want me to say...but whatever it is...just tell me."

I moan into his mouth as he kisses me, my fingers tangling in his hair. His touch sends shivers of desire coursing through my body, and I can feel myself growing wet against the fabric of my dress. The need to be closer to him is overwhelming; I want nothing more than to strip away these barriers between us and experience every inch of his skin pressed against mine.

"Yes," I whisper breathlessly when he pulls back enough for me to speak. "I want you too." My words are raw, almost painful as they escape my lips...but with them comes a sense of relief and a thrill of anticipation that I've never felt before. For the first time in forever, I am truly alive...and it all began with one innocent kiss.

I fall onto the bed beneath his touch, my body thrumming with desire as he kisses me so possessively. His fingers trail up my thighs, teasingly close to where I ache for him before dipping lower to circle my nipple through the lace of my bra. A shudder runs through me at his touch; I arch into it greedily, wanting more.

With a growl of approval, he relieves me of my bra, tossing it aside before bending his head and taking one tightened peak into his mouth. He suckles gently at first, drawing out a moan from deep in my throat, before increasing the pressure and flicking his tongue over the sensitive bud again and again. My hips buck against him helplessly as the pleasure builds, urging him to take me deeper.

"Gwydion..." I murmur his name like a prayer, lost in the sensations washing over me. As he releases my nipple with a pop, I look up into his eyes and see the lust mirrored there, the desire that matches my own. For a moment, it feels like we could go on like this forever...like nothing else exists but the two of us and the intense connection between us.

I moan his name as he works his magic on me, the sensations almost too much to bear. My hands fist in the sheets beneath me, digging in as I arch into his touch with growing desperation. When he finally reaches my core, I let out a long, shuddering breath that nearly tears from my throat as he parted my folds and circles my clit with the heat of his breath.

"Gwydion..." The sound escapes me like a plea; please, make this feel good...please take away the pain and leave only pleasure behind. I am powerless against him, lost in the fiery heat of his touch as he works me into a frenzy. My hips buck against his face, begging for more as he teases me mercilessly with his tongue and clever fingers.

With a cry that seems to come from deep within me, my body convulses in release, shuddering with the intensity of my orgasm. For a moment, it feels like everything else fades away, leaving only this perfect connection between us. But even as I ride out the pleasure, I know that things can't stay like this...that soon enough we'll have to face the consequences of what we've done.

"No," I whisper, my voice shaking. "I want this." My hands tremble as they glide up his chest, guiding him closer still until our bodies are aligned and he slides easily into me. The feeling of being filled so completely is unlike anything I've ever experienced before; it's almost painful in its intensity but at the same time exquisitely pleasurable.

He groans low in his throat as he thrusts deep, driving himself deeper still. His movements are deliberate and powerful, each stroke sending waves of desire coursing through my body. My fingers cling to his shoulders, digging into his skin as I arch upward to meet him, urging him onward with every beat of my heart.

"Oh God..." I gasp as the sensations overwhelm me, "It feels so good." With a primal moan, he increases the pace, fucking me harder and faster until it becomes a furious blur of movement and sound. My body is wracked with one earth-shattering orgasm after another, each climax sending shockwaves through my system as I am utterly consumed by him.

The world around us fades away, leaving only the two of us alone in this moment...and for just a little while, it feels like everything else doesn't matter at all.

As he comes down upon me, his weight pressing me into the bed, I gasp out his name and finally give him what he's wanted to hear from the start...what I've wanted to say as well. "Yes," I whisper hoarsely. "I love you too." Tears streak down my cheeks as we collapse together in a tangled heap of sweaty limbs and contented sighs.

For what feels like an eternity, we lay there, our hearts still racing from the intensity of what we've just shared. There's so much more to say...but for now, it seems enough just to be together like this, basking in the afterglow of our passion and reveling in the knowledge that at least for tonight, nothing else matters but us.

As the warmth of his body presses against mine, I can't help but sigh contentedly, snuggling closer as my exhaustion finally catches up with me. "Alright," I murmur sleepily, nestling my head into the crook of his shoulder. "We can talk tomorrow." And then, without another thought, I drift off to sleep...for what feels like just a moment of blissful peace before my dreams are inevitably consumed by worry and guilt over what we've done and what the future may hold.

"Mmm...good morning," I mumble groggily, my eyes still closed as I enjoy the warmth of his touch. A wave of contentment washes over me at the realization that we made it through the night together without any awkwardness or regrets...or at least not anything we couldn't handle.

But as the reality of our situation begins to sink in, my stomach knots up once again, and I know that there are things we need to discuss before we can go back to living our lives like nothing has changed. With a deep breath, I force myself to sit up, reluctantly pulling away from his comforting embrace.

"So," I say tentatively, searching his face for some clue as to how he's feeling. "Do you want to talk about last night?"

I smile a little despite myself. "Yes, about that. How do you think we should move forward from here?"

He looks at me with those piercing blue eyes, taking in every detail of my face. It's almost too much to handle, and I have to force myself not to look away. When he finally speaks, his voice is calm and steady. "Whatever you want, Miss Yamamoto. I'm yours."

My heart leaps into my throat at his words; a combination of hope and fear spinning around inside me like a dervish. For so long, I've wanted someone to say those things...but now that they are actually out there in the open, I realize how much weight they carry with them. It's not just about us anymore; there are consequences for our actions that we can no longer ignore.

Taking a deep breath, I try to steady my voice and think through all of the possible outcomes before responding. "I need time," I say eventually. "To process everything that happened...to figure out how this changes things."

He nods, as if he expected no less. "Of course you do. Take as much time as you need. But remember...you said it yourself last night; there's no school today. We don't have to go anywhere." He reaches for my hand, entwining his fingers with mine and giving them a gentle squeeze. "I want to be with you, Miss Yamamoto. Just...take things slow if that helps."

I take another deep breath, trying to steel myself against the emotions that threaten to overwhelm me at his words. It feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders now...like everything rests on this one decision that I have to make. And yet, despite all of the uncertainty and fear, there's a part of me that can't help but be drawn to him...to this new sense of happiness and contentment that he seems to bring out in me.

"Okay," I say finally, my voice shaking just a little. "You know where to find me if you want to talk about those solutions." A nervous smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as I wait for his reaction; I'm not sure what comes next...if there even is anything we can do other than wait and hope that we made the right choice last night.

My heart flutters at the weight of his words; I hadn't even considered marriage as an option until now. It's such a big step...such a permanent commitment. But the more he talks, the more I can see the appeal of it...the freedom to be together without any secrets or lies hanging between us.

"Marriage..." I whisper, almost to myself as I digest the implications of his words. "Would you want that...now? Before we even finish school?" My voice cracks on the last word, and I bite my lip to keep from crying. The idea of not going back to college...of abandoning my dreams for this...it's almost too much to bear.

But then again, Gwydion has always been a part of that dream...a piece that somehow felt missing until now. Maybe if I could find a way to make it all work...maybe I wouldn't have to choose between him and my future. A wave of hope washes over me at the thought, and for a moment, everything feels like it might just be alright after all.