"Can I kiss you one more time, if you're okay with it? I respect it if you decline," Harvey said, his tone gentle and sincere.
Lia met his gaze, feeling a flutter in her chest at his thoughtful approach. "You really know how to make a girl feel special," she replied with a shy smile.
Harvey grinned, his eyes brightening. "I just want to make sure you feel comfortable with everything. Your feelings matter to me."
Lia felt warmth spread through her at his words. "Okay, I think I'd like that," she said softly.
With a look of relief and joy, Harvey leaned in again, this time more confident but still cautious. He pressed his lips to hers, and the kiss felt more intimate, charged with the unspoken connection that had grown between them over their months of conversation.
When they pulled apart, Lia couldn't help but smile. "Wow," she breathed, feeling giddy. "That was really nice."
Harvey chuckled, his cheeks slightly flushed. "I'm glad you think so. I just didn't want to rush anything, you know? I want this to be special."
Lia nodded, feeling the same way. "It definitely feels special," she admitted, her heart racing. "I'm really happy you're here."
"Me too," Harvey replied, his smile infectious. "I can't wait to spend more time together."
As they sat together on the couch, a comfortable silence settled between them, both feeling the excitement of what was unfolding.
After that kiss, Lia couldn't help but lean in for another, this time more intimate. She felt a rush of warmth and anticipation as their lips met again, and this time, she let herself fully embrace the moment. The kiss deepened, conveying the emotions they had both held back during their conversations.
Harvey responded in kind, his hands gently cradling her face as he pulled her closer. Lia felt a wave of happiness wash over her; it was as if all the time they had spent talking finally culminated in this electrifying connection.
As they kissed, the world around them faded away, leaving only the soft sounds of their breaths and the steady beat of their hearts. When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other.
"Wow," Lia whispered, her cheeks flushed. "That was... incredible."
Harvey chuckled softly, his eyes sparkling with delight. "I was hoping you'd feel the same way."
Lia smiled, her heart fluttering. "I didn't expect to feel this way so soon, but it just feels right with you."
"Good, because I definitely want to explore this connection further," Harvey said, his expression earnest. "I'm really glad we finally met in person."
"Me too," Lia replied, feeling a sense of excitement for what lay ahead. She knew this was just the beginning of something beautiful.
"I hope our relationship doesn't distract you from your studies because I know how hard it is to juggle a relationship and academics," Harvey said, his tone gentle but serious as he looked into Lia's eyes.
Lia smiled, appreciating his concern. "I've thought about that too. It's important for both of us to stay focused, especially with my board exams coming up. But I believe we can find a balance. We've been able to manage long-distance so far, and I think we can handle this."
Harvey nodded, still holding her hand. "Yeah, you're right. I just want to make sure that we're both supporting each other, not becoming a distraction."
"I think as long as we communicate and stay mindful of our priorities, we'll be fine," Lia reassured him. She gave his hand a squeeze. "Besides, you're not a distraction. You're my support."
Harvey smiled, visibly relieved. "I'm glad to hear that. I'll always be here to support you, no matter what."
They shared a quiet moment, both feeling reassured by each other's commitment to making their relationship work without letting it interfere with their goals.
"I know you've been courting me for months now, and I hope you understand why I'm doing this," Lia said softly, looking at Harvey with a mix of vulnerability and sincerity.
Harvey's brow furrowed slightly as he listened. "Of course, I understand. I know you've been careful with this relationship, and I respect that."
Lia nodded, taking a deep breath before continuing. "It's just that everything is moving so fast now that we've met in person. I want to make sure we're both on the same page. My exams are coming up, and I've got a lot on my plate. I really care about you, but I need to take things one step at a time."
Harvey smiled gently, reaching out to cup her cheek. "Lia, I understand completely. I don't want to rush you or add any pressure. I'm here for you, and I'll be patient. We'll take things at your pace, okay?"
Lia smiled, relieved by his understanding. "Thank you, Harvey. That means a lot to me."
Harvey leaned in, kissing her forehead tenderly. "You're worth the wait."
"And besides, I want to be mature for you and for us," Harvey said, his voice steady as he held her hand. "I know I'm younger than you, but I want you to know that I'm taking this relationship as seriously and as maturely as possible."
Lia looked at him, touched by his sincerity. "I can see that, Harvey, and it means a lot to me. Age doesn't matter as much as how we treat each other. I just want us to be sure we're both ready for everything that comes with this."
Harvey nodded, squeezing her hand. "We will be. We'll figure it out together." He smiled softly, his eyes full of determination. "I'm not going anywhere, Lia."
She returned his smile, feeling reassured. "I'm really glad we're on the same page."
"Just so you know, you're the first girl I've ever asked out, and I can't imagine my life without you," Harvey said softly, his eyes fixed on Lia as he spoke.
Lia's heart skipped a beat at his words. She smiled warmly, feeling a deep sense of appreciation for how genuine he was. "That means a lot to me, Harvey. I'm really glad we met, and I feel the same way about you."
Harvey's grip on her hand tightened slightly, and he leaned in closer. "I just want to make sure I do everything right by you. You're really special to me, Lia."
Lia gazed back at him, touched by his honesty. "And you're special to me, too. We'll figure this out together, step by step."
Later that day, Lia had an idea to introduce Harvey to the rest of her friends on their upcoming no-class day. Since she hadn't mentioned having a suitor to anyone except Jake, she knew it might come as a surprise to them.
Sitting with Harvey, she turned to him thoughtfully. "So, I've been thinking about introducing you to my friends soon. They don't know much about you yet... except for Jake. I haven't really told anyone else."
Harvey raised an eyebrow, smiling. "You haven't mentioned me? I feel like a mystery man now."
Lia laughed softly. "It's not like that. I just didn't know how to bring it up. But now, I want them to meet you. I think they'll like you."
Harvey nodded, understanding. "Well, I'm ready whenever you are. Just let me know when, and I'll be there."
With that, Lia felt a little more at ease, knowing that the time was coming to introduce Harvey to the rest of her world.
A few days later, their no-class day arrived. Lia had arranged to meet up with her friends at their usual spot—a cozy café near campus. She felt a little nervous about introducing Harvey to them, but she was also excited. It was time for her friends to finally meet the person who had been so important to her over the past few months.
As Lia and Harvey walked towards the café, she glanced at him. "Ready for this? They can be a little... intense sometimes."
Harvey chuckled. "I'm ready. Besides, if they're important to you, then they're important to me."
When they arrived, Lia spotted her friends sitting at a large table near the window. Mia, Hannah, Steve, Jay, and Evan were all there, chatting away, and Jake was sitting a bit quieter than usual, looking up as soon as Lia walked in.
Lia took a deep breath before walking over with Harvey by her side. "Hey, everyone. I want you to meet someone."
The conversation at the table immediately quieted down as all eyes turned to Harvey.
"Everyone, this is Harvey. Harvey, these are my friends," Lia introduced them, gesturing toward each of them. "Mia, Hannah, Steve, Jay, Evan, and of course, you know Jake."
Harvey smiled politely and extended his hand to each of them. "Nice to meet you all. I've heard a lot about you guys from Lia."
There was a brief, stunned silence, especially from Mia and Hannah, who had no idea Lia had been seeing someone. But then, Steve broke the ice, shaking Harvey's hand with a grin. "Well, it's good to meet you, man. You've been a bit of a mystery."
The rest of the group quickly followed suit, welcoming Harvey into their circle, while Jake gave a small nod of acknowledgment. As they all settled into conversation, the initial tension eased, and Lia felt relieved. Everything seemed to be falling into place, and her friends were finally getting to know the person who had quietly become so important to her.
As the group settled into their seats, Lia could sense the initial tension melting away. Harvey was polite and charming, making an effort to get to know everyone, asking questions, and making small jokes that soon had everyone laughing.
Mia leaned over to Lia and whispered, "You never told us about him. How long have you two been... you know?"
Lia smiled, a little embarrassed. "We've been talking for a while now. I just wanted to be sure before introducing him to you all."
Hannah, who had been quietly observing, chimed in. "Well, he seems nice. You look happy, Lia."
"Thanks," Lia said, feeling a warmth spread through her. "I really am."
Meanwhile, across the table, Harvey was deep in conversation with Steve and Jay, discussing sports and their favorite places around town. Jake, however, remained somewhat quiet, occasionally glancing over at Lia and Harvey but mostly keeping to himself.
"So, Harvey," Steve said, leaning forward with a grin, "what's it like dating someone who's about to take her board exams? Must be intense."
Harvey chuckled and glanced at Lia. "Well, it's a bit intimidating sometimes, but I admire her for it. She's got a lot on her plate, but I'm just here to support her in any way I can."
Lia gave Harvey a grateful smile, appreciating how he handled the situation. She couldn't help but notice Jake's silence, though. He hadn't said much since they'd arrived.
After a while, the group started discussing plans for their next hangout. "We should all do something together next weekend," Mia suggested. "Maybe hit the beach or have a game night."
"That sounds like fun," Harvey agreed, glancing at Lia for confirmation.
"Yeah, I'm in," Lia said. "It'll be great for Harvey to get to know everyone even better."
As they wrapped up their time at the café, Lia's friends had clearly warmed up to Harvey. He fit in well, and she felt relieved that the introduction had gone smoothly.
As they all headed out of the café, Lia lagged behind a little, walking next to Jake. "You've been quiet," she said softly. "Everything okay?"
Jake gave her a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking."
Lia didn't push. She knew their friendship had gone through a lot recently, and it would take time to fully get back to normal. Still, she was glad they were at least talking again.
Before they went their separate ways, Harvey put an arm around Lia's shoulders, smiling down at her. "I had a great time today. Your friends are awesome."
Lia smiled back, glancing at her friends who were walking ahead. "Yeah, they are. I'm glad you got to meet them."
As they waved goodbye and headed off in different directions, Lia felt a sense of contentment. Things were finally starting to feel right again.
Harvey took a deep breath, his hand resting gently on Lia's. "I've been meaning to tell you this earlier, but I hadn't gotten the chance, and I want you to feel comfortable around me."
Lia nodded, sensing that something important was coming. "What do you want to tell me?" she asked.
"Well," Harvey began, his tone a bit hesitant, "I wanted to tell you this after your board exam, but since I'm already here, I figure it's better to tell you now. My parents... they want to meet you in person."
Lia blinked in surprise, her eyebrows raising. "Oh."
Harvey quickly continued, sensing her surprise. "You don't have to worry about the flight or any expenses—it's all taken care of. My parents are really excited to meet you. So, what do you say?"
Lia stared at him for a moment, processing the sudden offer. "That's... wow. It's just... I wasn't expecting this so soon." She bit her lip, unsure of how to respond.
"I know it's a lot," Harvey said gently. "And I don't want to pressure you. We can wait if you're not ready, especially with your board exams coming up. I just wanted to put it out there because, well... they've been asking about you, and I thought it might be a good time, whenever you're comfortable."
Lia appreciated his honesty and the fact that he was giving her space to think. She took a deep breath. "It's a big step, Harvey. I'll need some time to process it, but I do appreciate the offer. Your parents must be really sweet to want to meet me."
"They are," Harvey said, smiling warmly. "And whenever you're ready, we can plan it out. No rush."
Lia smiled, feeling reassured. "Okay. Let me get through these exams first, and then we can talk more about it."
"Of course," Harvey agreed, leaning in to kiss her softly on the forehead. "No pressure, Lia. I'll be here whenever you're ready."
As they sat together on the bench, Lia felt a mix of emotions—nervousness about meeting Harvey's family, but also a sense of excitement about their future together.
Lia took a deep breath, trying to process what Harvey had just said. She appreciated his honesty and the fact that he was serious about their relationship, but it was still a lot to take in.
"I don't think you're rushing," Lia said gently, looking into his eyes. "It's just... meeting your parents is a big step. I'm still wrapping my head around it. But I appreciate how thoughtful you've been about everything, and I know you're just trying to make things easier for me."
Harvey smiled, relieved. "I just want you to know how important you are to me, Lia. But please, take your time. You don't have to decide right now."
"I'll think about it, okay?" Lia replied, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "I just need a little time."
"Of course," Harvey nodded, his expression soft. "No pressure, I promise."
They sat together in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation hanging between them, but the bond they shared growing stronger.
Lia sighed, glancing at the ground before meeting Harvey's eyes again. "I haven't even told my parents or siblings about you yet," she admitted. "You know how strict they are, especially with me taking my board exams soon. They're so focused on my studies, I just don't know how they'd react."
Harvey nodded, his expression understanding. "I get that. I didn't mean to add more stress for you, especially with the exams coming up. I just want to be honest about where I see us heading."
"I appreciate that," Lia said softly. "It's just... I don't want to upset my parents or distract myself from what's ahead. But I do want to figure things out, in my own time."
"Take all the time you need," Harvey reassured her, gently brushing her hand with his thumb. "I don't want to rush you, and I'm here for you no matter what. When you're ready to tell them, I'll be ready too."
Lia smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Thanks, Harvey. That means a lot."
The conversation had been heavy, but Lia felt more at ease knowing that Harvey was willing to be patient with her, and that they could take this journey together—at her own pace.
"Let's head home?" Harvey asked, his voice gentle as he stood up and extended his hand to Lia.
Lia nodded with a small smile, taking his hand as she rose from the bench. "Yeah, let's go. It's been a long day," she replied.
As they walked side by side, the evening breeze swept through the streets, creating a comfortable silence between them. Lia felt lighter after their conversation, grateful for Harvey's understanding and patience.
When they finally reached her house, Lia turned to Harvey. "Thanks for today," she said softly. "It was nice to just talk and clear my head."
Harvey smiled. "Anytime. I'm glad we had this time together."
With a gentle squeeze of her hand, Harvey said goodbye, watching as Lia entered her home before heading back, his heart feeling a little lighter too.
As the night swept down, casting long shadows over the quiet streets, Lia couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness knowing that Harvey had to leave for the UK the next day. His classes were resuming, and despite the time they spent together, their moments were always fleeting.
The next morning came, and Harvey prepared to leave, his suitcase packed and ready by the door. "I wish I could stay longer," he said, standing in front of Lia with a soft smile. "But duty calls."
"I understand," Lia replied, her voice low but understanding. "Your studies are important, and we'll have more time once things settle down."
Harvey nodded, stepping closer to wrap her in a warm embrace. "I'll call you once I land, okay? And remember, I'm always just a message away."
Lia smiled, hugging him tightly. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too," Harvey whispered, placing a soft kiss on her forehead before stepping back. "Take care of yourself and focus on your board exam. I believe in you."
With one last glance, Harvey picked up his bag and headed out the door, leaving Lia to reflect on their time together and what lay ahead for both of them.
As the door closed behind Harvey, Lia stood there for a moment, letting the quietness of the room settle in. She felt a bittersweet mixture of emotions—grateful for the time they spent together but sad to see him go. There was also a part of her that felt anxious about balancing her personal life with the upcoming board exams.
Sighing, Lia walked over to the window, watching as Harvey's car pulled away and disappeared down the road. She knew long-distance wouldn't be easy, but they had come this far, and she trusted that their bond could withstand the distance.
The next morning, Lia headed back to class, her mind still swirling with thoughts of Harvey and the whirlwind of emotions from the past few days. As she entered the classroom, her friends immediately noticed something different about her.
"Hey, you okay?" Mia asked, her eyes scanning Lia's face.
Lia nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... had a lot on my mind lately."
Hannah raised an eyebrow. "Is it about that guy you mentioned?"
Lia hesitated for a second but then decided to open up. "Yeah, Harvey. He left for the UK this morning. He's in his second year of university there, so he had to go back to his studies."
"Oh, wow," Mia said. "How are you feeling about that?"
"I'm okay. It's just... I guess long-distance is going to be a bit tough," Lia admitted, feeling the weight of the situation. "But we've talked about it, and we both want to make it work."
Her friends exchanged supportive glances, and Jay spoke up, "If anyone can make it work, it's you. You're strong, Lia."
"Thanks," Lia said, feeling a bit more reassured. "I just need to stay focused on my exams for now."
As the day went on, Lia tried to push her thoughts about Harvey to the back of her mind and concentrate on her studies. But every now and then, she'd glance at her phone, wondering when his flight would land and when she'd hear from him again. Though they were miles apart now, Lia held onto the belief that this was just another challenge they could overcome together.
"Focus, Lia. The exams are in two weeks," she muttered under her breath, trying to drown out her swirling thoughts. "You need to keep your head in the game."
She sat at her desk, textbooks and notes scattered in front of her, but the words on the pages seemed to blur. Her mind kept drifting back to Harvey, to their conversation, and to the pressure she felt both from her personal life and her looming board exams.
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes for a moment, reminding herself of her goals. *This is what you've been working towards for years,* she thought. *Don't let anything distract you now.*
Lia opened her eyes, picked up her pen, and forced herself to refocus. With a determined look, she began reviewing her notes again, blocking out everything else. This was her future, and she was determined not to let anything, not even her emotions, stand in the way of her success.
Lia's focus sharpened as she immersed herself in her studies, the clock ticking away as the hours passed. She highlighted key points in her notes, practiced mock questions, and created a study schedule to keep herself on track for the next two weeks.
Yet, every now and then, thoughts of Harvey slipped into her mind—the way he'd looked at her, his words about wanting her to meet his parents. *No distractions,* she reminded herself firmly, flipping to the next page in her textbook.
Later that evening, as she stretched and took a break from the intense study session, her phone buzzed with a message. It was Harvey, checking in on her.
**Harvey:** *Hey, I just wanted to make sure you're okay. How's studying going?*
Lia hesitated for a moment, but then smiled slightly. She typed a quick response.
**Lia:** *It's going well, just keeping my head down and focusing.*
**Harvey:** *That's great. I know you'll do amazing in your exams. Take care of yourself too, don't overwork, okay?*
Lia appreciated his concern, but she knew she couldn't afford to slow down.
**Lia:** *I will, don't worry!*
Putting her phone down, she got back to her books. As much as Harvey's support meant to her, Lia was determined to give her all to these exams. She had a future to shape, and nothing was going to stop her—not even her budding relationship.
The rest of the night went by in a blur of study notes, problem-solving, and mental determination. *Two more weeks*, she reminded herself. *Then I can think about everything else.*
As the days and weeks passed, Lia found herself in the final stretch—just one more week to go before her board exams. Each day was a whirlwind of preparation, but something else kept her going besides her own determination.
Harvey.
Every day without fail, he sent her food deliveries—healthy meals, snacks, and even the occasional sweet treat. Along with the food came little affirmation notes, each one a boost to her spirits.
**"You're doing great, Lia. I'm so proud of you!"**
**"Keep going, you're almost there!"**
**"Just a little more, and you'll conquer this. Believe in yourself!"**
Lia couldn't help but smile every time she received something from him. Even though Harvey was miles away in the UK, his presence felt close, comforting her through the most stressful moments. She stuck his notes to the wall near her study desk as a reminder that someone believed in her, cheering her on from afar.
As much as she was focused on her studies, Harvey's thoughtfulness made the heavy workload feel a little lighter. She appreciated that he never pressured her for long conversations but instead found small ways to show his support. It made a difference.
With just one week left, Lia was more motivated than ever. The finish line was in sight, and with Harvey's encouragement, she knew she could push through the final hurdle.
"Okay, six days left before the board exams," Lia said to herself, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. Her classes were still ongoing, and she was deep into her self-study routine, trying to absorb as much information as possible before the big day.
Of course, Harvey never forgot to brighten her days. He consistently sent her delicious meals and sweet notes, reminding her to take breaks and nourish herself. Along with his notes, he included pictures from his recent trip to Korea with his buddies, showcasing beautiful landscapes and exciting adventures. Each photo brought a smile to her face, making her feel like she was sharing a piece of his journey, even from a distance.
But it was the little surprises that meant the most. Just the other day, she received a customized keychain with their initials and a heart etched into it. Holding it in her hand, she felt a warmth spread through her. It was a small token, but it represented so much—the connection they were building and the support he provided, even when they were miles apart.
As she sat at her study desk, surrounded by notes and textbooks, she glanced at the keychain and thought of Harvey. His thoughtfulness inspired her to push through the stress and stay focused. She couldn't wait to share her accomplishments with him after the exams were over. With just six days left, she was determined to give it her all.
"Okay, three days to go. We got this," Lia said to herself, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. The exam date was approaching fast, and the pressure was starting to build. However, she reminded herself of all the hard work she had put into her studies.
Every late night spent poring over textbooks and every early morning reviewing notes had led her to this point. She felt a surge of determination as she flipped through her study materials, her mind buzzing with facts and theories.
Harvey's encouraging messages continued to flood her phone, reminding her that she was capable of achieving her dreams. His support made her feel less alone in this daunting process, and she could almost feel his presence beside her, cheering her on.
As she glanced out the window at the bright blue sky, she felt a renewed sense of hope. "Just a little more focus, and then it will all be worth it," she murmured, diving back into her studies. With just three days left, she was ready to give it everything she had.
"I should call Harvey and thank him for all these gifts," she said to herself as she dialed his number. The phone rang a few times before Harvey picked up, his cheerful voice instantly lifting her spirits.
"Hey, Lia! How are you holding up?" he asked, the warmth in his tone making her smile.
"Hi, Harvey! I'm doing okay, just trying to stay focused. I wanted to thank you for all the food and the sweet notes. They've really been helping me through this stressful time," she replied, her heart swelling with gratitude.
"Of course! You deserve all the support you can get. I know how hard you're working, and I'm so proud of you," he said, his enthusiasm palpable even over the phone.
"I really appreciate it," Lia said, feeling a rush of affection. "I can't believe you're still in Korea, having fun while I'm stuck here studying."
"It's a bit of a challenge, but I'm making the most of it. I can't wait to come back and celebrate with you after your exams," Harvey replied, his voice brightening.
"That sounds great! Just so you know, I'm planning to pass this exam, and I'll hold you to that celebration," Lia said, laughter escaping her lips.
"Absolutely! Just remember to take care of yourself too, okay? Don't overdo it with studying. I want you to be well-rested when you take those exams," he advised, his concern evident.
"I will! Thanks for being so supportive, Harvey. It really means a lot to me," she said, feeling reassured by his words.
"Anytime, Lia. You've got this! I believe in you," he said before they ended the call, leaving her feeling even more motivated to push through her final preparations.