"I'm trying really hard."
He watched me without interrupting.
"I'm trying every day not to think about all the negative things."
I laughed softly, the sound watery.
"I'm not going to tell you that I don't deserve you."
"I'm not going to tell you to find someone better."
I shook my head firmly.
"I think… I think this is the Goddess blessing me."
"I believe coming to Novaterra was more of a blessing than a curse."
Another tear rolled down my cheek.
"So…"
I looked down at my hands, suddenly shy again.
"I don't know much."
"I don't really have anything to offer."
"But…"
"I want to spend a long time with you."
"I want to walk beside you in public."
"I don't want us to just be some rumor people argue about on the internet anymore."
A tiny, hopeful smile appeared on my face.
"I want us to really be together."
"An official announcement…"
"Something."
I laughed awkwardly, cheeks burning.
"I don't know."
"And…"
I looked back up at him, heart in my throat.
