It was unlike anything Maaya had ever expected, and yet still so much like what she always dismissed as stories. There was no way real life could ever match the pages in her books; that was what she used to think. It was all artistry, all made up by wordsmiths who took a dull concept and turned into poetry, the hopeless ones lost in the throes of young love who though every first kiss was a sign of forever. There was no way a simple touching of lips could mean that much.

I think eventually they would understand," Maaya continued encouragingly. "I mean, they seem to have gotten better with Adelaide, right?""Yeah, well, she's the savior of the world," Marit grumbled."I wasn't when I left," Adelaide argued gently. "When I left I was a stubborn, headstrong brat. But I was a confident one. I knew what I wanted and I took it. The only exception was Maaya, where I asked politely.

So, my love, what is it you want to ask me? If you want my hand in marriage I just figured that was an inevitability by this point-""No! I mean, not that I don't want... I just haven't... okay, stop. Let me start over.

You aren’t embarrassed as easily as you used to be, and it’s a little disappointing,” Adelaide pouted.“I know you like a challenge,” Maaya replied, then gasped as Adelaide pulled her in for a kiss, leaning her back and holding her in her arms. Maaya was vaguely aware of an appreciative whistle or two from some bystanders, and felt the familiar sensation of her cheeks starting to burn.When Adelaide finally let her up, she grinned.“Oh, darling, you are nowhere near challenging for me just yet.