Nina accepted the internship Sunday night from her own apartment, then sent us the confirmation after the institute portal closed. The six-week countdown became real without changing any romantic stage, boundary, or date by itself.
Our Monday review began through video because Nina wanted the internship decision separated from another group meeting room. Thea joined from her studio desk, while I sat at home with the external agreement open but unedited.
"The deadline belongs to housing forms plus travel instead of Thea's answer about becoming your girlfriend," Nina said, naming the pressure source first.
Thea asked whether Nina could maintain that distinction if status remained unresolved when summer began. Nina said uncertainty would hurt, though pain did not create authority to accelerate somebody else's decision.
"I also refuse becoming official because departure makes everybody dramatic," Thea replied, protecting her future yes from panic.
