“Iris,” I began carefully, “I care about you. I want you. And I do feel… something. But I’ve worked hard to get where I am. I’m not sure I can handle a relationship right now. I want one, but I don’t need one. I don’t want to waste your time too because I don’t know exactly when I’ll get over this” She nodded, as if she had expected that answer. Then she surprised me. “What if it doesn’t have to be a relationship?” she asked. I blinked once. And twice. “What do you mean?” She leaned back, crossing her legs. A then take face showed up. The naughty one. “What if we keep things simple? We don’t have to label it. We just… enjoy each other’s company. No strings, no expectations.” I stared at her, trying to process what she was suggesting. “You’re talking about something casual.” “Yes,” s

