Chapter 199

Chapter 199
Stella:

My pulse quickened. "Persistent how?"

"Just... a lot of detailed feedback. Analysis of the characters' psychology. Suggestions for where the story should go." He shook his head. "Some of the comments are so specific it's almost like they know the characters personally."

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. "Maybe they just really connect with the story."

"Maybe." But he didn't look convinced. "The thing is, this subscriber—StarGazer28—they've been getting more... I don't know. Flirtatious? In the past few weeks?"

"Flirtatious how?"

"Like, commenting on the male lead's physical descriptions. Suggesting he should be more forward with the female lead. Saying things like 'I bet he'd be good with his hands' in reference to a scene where he's helping her with something." Noah's cheeks had gone pink. "It's been kind of distracting, honestly."

I couldn't help it. I laughed.

"What?" He looked confused.

"Nothing. I just... I think it's sweet that your subscribers are so invested."

"Sweet isn't the word I'd use." He ran a hand through his hair. "Honestly, some of the comments have been so on-the-nose about what the characters should do next that I've wondered if this person is somehow watching my actual life."

Oh, Noah. If only you knew.

"So what are you going to do about this persistent subscriber?" I asked innocently.

"Ignore them, mostly. I mean, I appreciate the engagement, but some of the suggestions are..." He trailed off, looking uncomfortable. "Let's just say if I actually drew what they're suggesting, the comic would need a much more explicit rating."

I pressed my lips together to keep from grinning. Last night, unable to sleep after he'd left, I'd left a comment suggesting the next chapter should include a scene where the male lead finally stopped being so careful with the female lead. That he should show her exactly how much he wanted her.

I'd been thinking about us when I wrote it. About how much I wanted him to stop treating me like I might break.

"Maybe this StarGazer person has a point," I said carefully. "Maybe your readers want to see the characters take more risks."

"Maybe." He was studying my face now, and I could see the wheels turning. "But I can't just... I have to think about the story. About what makes sense for the characters."

"What if what makes sense is for them to stop holding back?" I leaned closer. "What if they're both tired of pretending they don't want each other?"

His breath caught. "Stella—"

"I'm just saying, as someone who teaches relationship psychology, sometimes the most realistic thing is for people to stop being so rational. To let themselves feel."

"Is that your professional opinion?"

"It's my personal one." I reached out and traced my fingers along his jaw. "Stop being so careful with me, Noah. I'm not going to break."

He kissed me then, and it was different from before. Less gentle, more desperate. Like he'd been holding back and finally couldn't anymore.

When we broke apart, we were both breathing hard.

"I need to tell you something else," he said quietly. "About why I wanted you to know about the comic."

"Okay."

"I make enough money from it that I could take a leave of absence from school. Just for a semester, maybe two." His eyes searched mine. "If I'm not your student, we're not breaking any rules. We could be together. Openly."

My chest tightened. "Noah—"

"I know it's a lot. And I'm not asking you to decide right now. I just wanted you to know it's an option." He cupped my face in his hands. "That there's a way forward that doesn't involve you risking everything."

I looked up at this brilliant, impossible man who'd been drawing me into his story since the day we met. Who'd been taking notes on every comment I left, not knowing he was taking direction from me.

Who was offering to upend his entire life just so we could hold hands in public.

"Let me think about it," I whispered. "Please."

"Take all the time you need." He kissed my forehead. "I'm not going anywhere."

After he left, I sat on the couch for a long time, staring at nothing. Then I opened my laptop and pulled up Luna Nightshade's Patreon page.

My username stared back at me. StarGazer28. The top subscriber. The one who'd been leaving increasingly bold comments, watching him squirm.

The one who'd been flirting with her own boyfriend without him knowing.

I pulled up a new comment box and started typing.

StarGazer28: I think it's time the female lead stopped running from what she wants. Time she admitted that sometimes the scariest thing is also the rightest thing. The male lead has been patient enough. She should show him that his patience is worth it.

I hit send, then added another comment.

StarGazer28: P.S. - The creator of this comic is even more talented than they know. And braver than they think. Whatever they're afraid of... they should trust that the story will work out the way it's supposed to.

Two minutes later, my phone buzzed.

Noah: Just got the weirdest comments from that subscriber I mentioned. It's like they're talking directly to me.

Me: Maybe they are.

Noah: What do you mean?

Me: Maybe some of your subscribers understand the story better than you think. Maybe they can see where it's going even when you can't.

Noah: You're being cryptic.

Me: I'm being hopeful. There's a difference.

Noah: I love you.

Me: I love you too. Even your persistent subscribers.

Noah: Ha. Very funny.

If only he knew.