"Wait." My hand was grabbed and I stopped. "What do you think of when you think of me?" Ryan's voice came behind me. When I hesitated, he added, "Honestly."

I turned to him, his face emotionless. "I think about the time you walked me home. I think about your smile, how it lights up your face. I think about how your laugh rings. I think about how you made me felt happy that day. But then, I think about when you told me to go away, and it ruins everything."

He stepped closer. "Would you be willing to forgive me for being cowardly all this time? To like me?"

"Why do you think I'm chasing you all this time? Your behavior was unacceptable! I've been worrying for days-"

His hands reached to hold my face as he lowered his head, kissing my lips.

For the first time, I felt my anxiety and pain fade away.