Hidden Agenda

Asher and Lucy lay side by side, her head resting on his bare chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothing her.

Their closeness felt comforting, and the reality of the situation sank in—it was official now. They were a couple.

He didn't mind it, but a nagging thought crossed his mind. How was he supposed to treat her now?

What did it mean for them moving forward?

They began talking, and he expected her to ask him to be more affectionate or show more tenderness, but her response was different from what he anticipated.

"Don't change," she said casually. "You don't need to be any sweeter. I'd feel bad if you forced it."

He looked at her, confused. "But I thought... I should be more considerate?"

"Inside the apartment, at least, you don't have to act differently," she added.

"Why?" 

A small sigh escaped her lips. He was still getting used to all of this, and sometimes he just didn't pick up on things.