"I like you, Natalie."
Brandon's eyes brim with hope, but Natalie freezes, caught off guard, unsure how to respond.
"Be mates!"
"Come on, Natalie, say yes to Brandon!"
The lab fills with the teasing cheers of their colleagues, but Natalie stays silent. Brandon's eyes redden, tears glistening faintly.
"Brandon, let's talk outside," she says.
He doesn't budge, stubborn. "Natalie, I like you. Will you be my mate?"
Memories of their recent moments together flood her mind—the late-night lab sessions, the sudden boost in research funding, the chance at the dean's election. She knows Brandon's behind it all.
After a long pause, her voice comes out hoarse. "Okay."
"Congrats, Natalie and Brandon!"
"Kiss her!"
Amid the hooting, Brandon leans in, his lips brushing hers, cool and soft. For
