Chapter 20 So what are we? An Invitation

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One week after my birthday, life had settled into a new kind of normal

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One week after my birthday, life had settled into a new kind of normal. I was finally feeling comfortable in my new routine, and the lingering anxiety that had plagued me was starting to dissipate. As my graduation approached, I was filled with both excitement and nervousness.

This particular morning, I was holding an official invitation to my graduation ceremony, neatly printed and enclosed in an elegant envelope. I had decided to personally invite D'Angelo, knowing how much his support had meant to me these past months. With a deep breath, I made my way to his office.

I knocked lightly on the door and, hearing no immediate response, pushed it open slightly. "D'Angelo, are you in here?"

The sight that greeted me made my heart skip a beat. D'Angelo stood with his back to me, shirtless, changing into a fresh shirt. His muscular back was a canvas of strength and discipline, each muscle defined and moving with a fluid grace that was impossible to ignore. I felt my cheeks flush and my gaze inadvertently lingered.

He turned around, catching me mid-stare. A playful smirk curved his lips. "Enjoying the view?"

I snapped out of my trance, mortified. "Oh! I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude," I stammered, my face burning with embarrassment.

He chuckled, buttoning up his shirt slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. "No need to apologize, Kylie. It's not every day I get caught like this."

Trying to regain my composure, I held out the invitation. "I came to give you this. It's an invitation to my graduation ceremony. I'd really like you to be there."

D'Angelo took the envelope from my hand, his fingers brushing against mine, sending a shiver down my spine. He opened it and scanned the invitation, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Of course, I'll be there. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

I exhaled a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Thank you. It means a lot to me."

He stepped closer, his teasing tone still present but now softened with sincerity. "You know, Kylie, you've come a long way. I'm proud of you."

I felt a surge of gratitude and affection. "I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for everything, D'Angelo."

He placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart flutter. "You're stronger than you think. And I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

The moment was charged with a mixture of gratitude, admiration, and something deeper that I couldn't quite define. I smiled up at him, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "I know. And I'm really glad you are."

As I turned to leave, I couldn't help but glance back at him one more time. He caught my eye, his smirk returning. "And Kylie? Next time you want to see me without a shirt, just ask."

I laughed, shaking my head as I walked out of his office. But I couldn't get the image of his muscular back out of my mind, nor the teasing glint in his eyes. I paused just outside the door, my heart pounding with a mixture of embarrassment and curiosity.

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