The Things We Punish Ourselves For

Eli Serrano hated flirty people.

Unfortunately, Nolan "Noha" Fletcher found that absolutely adorable.

They met in an MBA classroom, where Noha decided that annoying Eli was far more interesting than paying attention. Eli was quiet, particular, and almost obsessively intentional about the little things-keeping his notes organized, his surroundings clean, and his life exactly where he thought it belonged.

Noha, naturally, had no intention of staying out of place.

What started as harmless teasing slowly became something neither of them quite knew what to do with. Because behind Eli's careful routines, neat spaces, and composed expression was someone carrying more than Noha could see.

Noha thought Eli was simply difficult.

He would later realize that Eli was trying very hard not to fall in love.

Unfortunately, Noha had never been particularly good at leaving things alone.