Spencer’s first semester at Ravens College is going surprisingly well. For starters, she actually likes her roommate, and soon finds herself settling into a routine of eating all her meals with the same two people, studying in the library with Nick, an upperclassman she finds only a little insufferable, and hanging out at the local coffee shop.

Her new environment also means she’s trying new things like Tinder dating. But Spencer can’t figure out why the idea of sex makes her want to run for the hills. That is, until she comes across the word “asexual,” and for the first time, she doesn’t feel so alone.

As Spencer and Nick begin to spend more time together, she realizes she doesn’t feel any panic or revulsion when they touch, and wonders if that means there’s hope for a fulfilling, loving relationship without sex.

But despite reciprocating her feelings, Nick has reservations of his own, leaving Spencer to wonder if the risk is worth it.

A note from the author: While this story ends with a happily-ever-after (HEA), it deals with many sensitive topics, including, but not limited to: acephobia, attempted sexual assault/sexual coercion/sexual harassment, domestic abuse/abusive parent (mentioned), emotional abuse/gaslighting from a parent, some blood, alcoholism, and emetophobia (descriptions of vomit). If any of these are triggering for you, I encourage you to practice self-care and be kind to yourself while listening.