As the days went by, Nora found herself thinking about Ethan more and more. She couldn't help but wonder what he had meant by his question, and whether he felt the same way about her.

One day, as she was walking home from school, Nora saw Ethan waiting for her by the corner. "Hey, Nora," he said, smiling at her. "I was thinking, maybe we could study together again tonight?"

Nora's heart skipped a beat as she smiled back at him. "I'd love to," she said.

As they walked to Ethan's house, Nora felt a sense of excitement. She was looking forward to spending more time with him, and maybe even getting some answers to her questions.

As they sat down at the kitchen table, Ethan looked at her with a serious expression. "Nora, can I ask you something?" he said.

Nora's heart started racing as she nodded. "What is it?" she asked.

Ethan took a deep breath before speaking. "I was wondering if you've thought any more about my question," he said. "You know, about whether you think of us as more than friends?"

Nora felt a surge of emotions as she looked at Ethan. She had been thinking about his question nonstop, and she had come to a realization.

"Ethan, I have thought about it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I have to admit, I've been feeling something more than friendship for you too."

Ethan's eyes widened in surprise, and then a slow smile spread across his face. "Really?" he asked, his voice full of excitement.

Nora nodded, feeling a sense of clarity wash over her. "Yes, really," she said.

As they sat there, looking at each other, Nora felt a sense of connection that she had never felt before. It was as if they were on the same wavelength, and she knew that their friendship was about to change forever.

Ethan leaned in, his face inches from hers. "I'm so glad you feel that way, Nora," he whispered. "I've been feeling the same way about you."

Nora's heart skipped a beat as she felt Ethan's warm breath on her skin. She knew that this was it, the moment of truth.

And then, in a movement that seemed almost inevitable, Ethan leaned in and kissed her.

Nora felt like she was melting into his kiss. It was like the whole world had come to a standstill, and all that mattered was the two of them.

As they pulled away from each other, gasping for air, Nora smiled up at Ethan. "I've been wanting to do that for a long time," he said, his eyes shining with happiness.

Nora's heart soared as she realized that she felt the same way. "I've been wanting you to do that for a long time," she said, smiling up at him.

As they hugged each other tightly, Nora knew that their friendship had crossed a threshold. They were no longer just friends, but something more.

And as they stood there, holding each other, Nora felt a sense of excitement and wonder. What did the future hold for them? She had no idea, but she was eager to find out.