Later that evening, after Daemond had taken a shower, he emerged from the bathroom with his hair still damp, a towel slung over his shoulder. Mahnoor was lounging on his couch, scrolling through her phone, but she glanced up at him as he entered the room.
He hesitated for a moment, running his hand through his wet hair before speaking. "Hey, uh... do you want to grab something to eat? There's this place I really like—best chicken wraps and chocolate milkshakes in London. Thought we could go."
Mahnoor smiled, her eyes lighting up at the mention of food. "Chicken wraps and milkshakes? I'm in!" she said, getting up from the couch. "I didn't know you had a sweet spot for milkshakes."
Daemond shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "You'd be surprised. Let's go."
A short while later, they arrived at Daemond's favorite spot, a cozy little diner tucked away in a quieter part of the city. The warm lights and laid-back atmosphere provided a sense of calm as they sat down at a corner booth, each with a chicken wrap and a chocolate milkshake in front of them.
Mahnoor took a big bite of her wrap and sighed happily. "This is really good," she mumbled through a mouthful of food, making Daemond chuckle.
As they ate, the playful mood gradually gave way to a more serious conversation. Daemond set his milkshake down, his fingers tracing the edge of the glass as he glanced at Mahnoor, his expression thoughtful.
"So... about us," he began slowly, his grey eyes scanning her face. "I've been thinking a lot about what we agreed on. And... I don't really know how this is supposed to work."
Mahnoor leaned back in her seat, watching him carefully. "What do you mean?"
He sighed, trying to find the right words. "I told you, I've never been into girls before. I don't feel the same... physical attraction. But with you, it's different. I feel... something. And it's confusing. It reminds me of him—my boyfriend—but at the same time, it doesn't. You're not him. You're you. And I don't know why I feel this way about you when I've never felt this way about any other woman."
Mahnoor took a sip of her milkshake, giving herself a moment to think. She could see the conflict in Daemond's eyes, the confusion and vulnerability that he was still trying to process. "Maybe it's because we've been through a lot together, Daemond. Maybe I'm not like the other girls because I'm different for you. You've let me in—let me see parts of you that you keep hidden from everyone else."
He nodded slowly, his fingers fidgeting with his napkin. "Yeah, maybe. But I'm still confused. I don't want to hurt you, and I don't want to lead you on if I'm not sure about this. I care about you, but I'm scared that what I'm feeling is more about... missing him than actually wanting to be with you."
Mahnoor's heart ached for him, but she knew she had to tread carefully. She reached across the table and took his hand, her thumb gently stroking the back of it. "I get that you're confused, and I'm not asking you to have all the answers right now. I just want you to give this—us—a chance. Maybe what you're feeling isn't exactly the same as what you felt for him, but that doesn't mean it's not real. Maybe you're discovering that there's more to your feelings than you thought."
Daemond looked down at their hands, his mind still swirling with uncertainty. "But I don't feel... sexual attraction to you the way I did with him. That's what confuses me the most. Why are you different? Why do I feel like I need you, even though it's not the same way I've needed someone before?"
Mahnoor smiled gently, understanding now that this was a journey they would have to navigate together. "Maybe it's because we connect on a deeper level. Relationships aren't always just about physical attraction, Daemond. There's more to love and connection than just that. And maybe... maybe you're not entirely gay, or maybe you are, and this is something else entirely. But whatever it is, we can figure it out together."
Daemond looked up at her, his eyes filled with uncertainty but also a glimmer of hope. "I just don't want to mess this up. I don't want to lose you."
Mahnoor squeezed his hand. "You won't. We'll take it slow. No pressure, no expectations. Just... see where this goes."
He nodded, a small, hesitant smile forming on his lips. "Okay," he whispered, almost to himself. "Okay... let's see where this goes."
As they finished their food, there was an unspoken understanding between them. Daemond didn't have all the answers, and neither did Mahnoor, but they both knew they were in this together. It was confusing, uncharted territory, but for now, that was enough.