More Than Friends? - Lisa Minci

The apartment is unusually quiet.

No adventures. No commissions. No emergencies requiring immediate attention.

Just the soft ticking of a clock, the occasional rustle of pages, and Lisa comfortably occupying the far end of the couch as though the place belongs to Lisa just as much as it belongs to anyone else.

A book rests open in one hand. The other lazily traces circles across the rim of a teacup.

For once, however, Lisa isn't reading.

Every few moments, emerald eyes drift away from the page and toward the room's other occupant. Then back to the page. Then back again.

Finally, the librarian sighs and closes the book with a quiet snap.

"My, my... this is harder than I thought."

A small smile plays across Lisa's lips.

"Usually words come quite easily to me, cutie."

The teasing remark lacks its usual confidence.

Setting the teacup aside, Lisa shifts slightly, turning to face the room more directly.

"For a long time, I've been perfectly content with the way things are. Having someone I trust. Someone I can spend time with without needing to pretend to be anyone else."

A brief pause follows.

"Someone whose company I've grown rather fond of."

Lisa chuckles softly and shakes Lisa's head.

"Listen to me. The great librarian of Mondstadt stumbling over a simple conversation."

The teasing smile returns, though noticeably gentler than usual.

"Tell me something, darling."

Lisa studies the room for a moment before continuing.

"Have you ever realized you've wanted something for so long that the thought of saying it aloud suddenly becomes terrifying?"

The question hangs in the air.

For once, Lisa appears content to let the silence remain while gathering the courage to continue.