If it helps you, it's valid

"I think that it gives a lot more understanding of why you talk like this," you say. "No offense, it is...a lot. But I think I'm starting to get it for you. This had a very real, positive impact on your life."

She smiles. Again that pure white grin against a brown face. You reconsider that grin and the vibrancy behind it. It's health, both emotional and physical.

"Thank you, Ryan," she says, then admits. "I don't think I've opened up to anyone else here, like that. It sounds silly given how open I am about it, but I worry that if I were to go any deeper, the judgment would actually hurt."

"I'm surprised you're scared of being judged, honestly," you say.

"Everyone is," she says. Then amends: "But in particular, people who have lacked friends, in the past."

You sit with her, considering that. As you do, you think of your own confused sense of purpose, of trying to discover who you are, here. In contrast, you can't help but be fascinated by her utter certainty. Her confidence.

You don't realize, as the minutes pass, that you have been sitting with her in pure, contented silence, staring at the water and the sky. Not until she finally says. "You know, I thought that you were going to proposition me for sex."

You aren't sure whether the sound that issues from you is a laugh or a cough. A chortle? You look over at her, to see her smiling with good humor. Did she just intentionally tease you.

"I mean. Uh...I don't know. This was what occurred to me, instead. Just talking," you stammer out.

"Fair," she leans forward. "No. Ryan. I will admit something to you: This is much better...even if I wouldn't have been opposed."

You blink rapidly. "Wait. You wouldn't have been?"

There's a glint in her eyes. She strategically doesn't answer.

"Oh, God, you are messing with me," you say.

"May-be," she emphasizes, her hand grips your upper thigh. Then she says, "Well, Ryan, you convinced me to spend some time with you. But this is still a rough week, and I need to study. I assume you do, too."

"Oh, I absolutely do," you say.

With a smirk, and one last squeeze, she stands up. Despite the deep connection you've just fostered, you can't help but look again at her prominent backside, and wonder what it's like to sit with her ass. Is it like having a free seating cushion, wherever you go?

She catches you looking, and smiles. Does she jiggle slightly, intentionally, or did you imagine it? You can't figure it out before she's gone, down the quad and across the campus. Leaving you considering how much more there was to Yasmin than you ever assumed.

Yasmin (Love) +10