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"M-Mark..." she stammered.
He didn't hesitate. He stepped into the room, gently closing the door behind him, his eyes locked onto hers.
"Never," he said slowly, voice trembling, "ever think you're a burden on me."
Tears brimmed in his eyes as he moved closer. She didn't step back, she couldn't. Her feet felt glued to the floor as he reached up, cupping her cheek with a shaking hand.
"You have no idea how long I've been in love with you, Tiff," he whispered. A tear slipped free, trailing down his cheek. "All these years. And you've never, not once, been a burden to me."
Her lips quivered. A small, broken sob escaped her.
"Do you hear me?" he murmured, brushing away her tears with his thumb. "I love you. I really, really love you."
He pulled her into his arms, wrapping them around her waist like he was afraid she might disappear. She clutched the fabric of his shirt, pressing her face into his shoulder.
"Mark-"
"Please," he whispered, voice cracking as he rested his forehead against her shoulder. "Just...stay like this for a moment."
She hugged him back, holding him just as tightly. "Mark...listen to me," she whispered. "I love you too. I don't even know how to explain what you do to me."
He slowly pulled back, hands sliding up to frame her face. He smiled, soft, fragile, wiping away the tears that kept falling.
"We can try long distance," he said quickly, almost desperately. "We can make it work. I'll come see you, you'll come here, and when you graduate-"
"I'll move here," she said.
He froze.
"I'll become a doctor here," she continued, eyes steady despite the tears. "If it means being close to you...being with you."
His breath hitched. He smiled, thumb brushing along her cheek.
"Can I...can I kiss you?" he asked softly.
She smiled through her tears and placed her hand over his. Then she nodded.
He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and they leaned in together, slow, careful. Her hands cupped his face as his arm wrapped around her waist, the other still holding her cheek.
When his lips met hers, something in him shattered and mended all at once. The kiss was gentle at first, full of everything they'd never said. She tilted her head, kissing him deeper, eyes closing as her arms slipped around his neck. His grip tightened, lifting her slightly off the floor.
He pulled back with a breathless laugh. "I love y-"
"Shut up," she whispered with a smile, kissing him again.
He laughed softly into the kiss, setting her back down but keeping her close. When they finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers, breathing her in.
"We'll work it out," she whispered.
"We will," he said, eyes closed. "You'll get experience in Houston, I'll help you move here. We'll buy a house. We'll build a life." His voice softened. "I love you so much, Tiff."
She hugged him tightly, pressing her face into his chest.
"I love you more, Mark."
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