It was briefly awkward when Ioni told the rest of the friend group that she and Raber were a couple, but they warmed to the idea quickly. They had to admit that they were all curious as to when it was going to happen anyway and Ioni found herself wondering if her friends were hiding a betting pool concerning when she and Raber would get together.
On that first night, it turned out that she was an awkward chicken-s**t. Raber had driven her home and walked her to her door where they stared at their feet for a few minutes before he placed a hand under her chin and lifted her eyes to his. He placed a soft, closed-mouthed kiss on her lips and whispered a goodbye into her ear before taking his leave. Ioni watched his retreating back, confused and disappointed. She stupidly assumed that he woul
