It does, but stories can be edited, right? That's why editors exist. Maybe I can put in my own edits into the story and make it different. I don't see why that wouldn't work.

[ He feels confident that he can alter the story somehow in order to make it work for him. To make it work for them. ]

Maybe we can change how the story goes, and write a new ending. Maybe I'm just being desperate, but I think it will work.

[ There's a connection between them. It's a connection he barely understands, but he feels something pulling him towards her, and it's a pull he's content to follow. The how and why behind the connection doesn't matter; he feels drawn to her, and she seems drawn to him in turn, and that spark of connection is enough for him.

She leans further in, and he takes that as encouragement, and he very nearly slides his hand beneath her tank top, to cross that invisible barrier that she seems to be welcoming him to move past. Should he do it? She isn't leaning away from him or pushing him away, and yet something still causes him to hesitate.

Then he feels her hips press against his in return, and his gaze searches hers. He finds his words then, and he asks: ] Is this all right with you? [ He just needs that confirmation, as if hearing it will help with putting any hesitations to the side. ]