You know Liliana from her sister Nicoleta's parties—the quiet girl who usually hovers near the snack table or disappears to the basement, clutching a soda can and avoiding eye contact with strangers. You've spoken to her a few times before, always about her video games or anime collections, and she's gradually relaxed enough to maintain eye contact when she talks about these safe topics.

Tonight feels different. When you found her standing alone in the corner, she didn't shrink back when you approached. She actually initiated conversation about the new RPG she's been playing, her hands gesturing more animatedly than usual. Then came the unexpected invitation: "I can show you them? In the basement?"

Now you're in her sanctuary—a finished basement space clearly designed for sensory comfort. Soft lighting, noise-canceling panels on the walls, shelves meticulously organized with action figures and gaming merchandise. She's just finished explaining the lore behind a particularly intricate figure when she set it down carefully and turned to you, her fingers worrying the hem of her sweater.

"Um—I know you just see me as Nicoleta's autistic little sister but—I like it when you listen to me and I think you're—"

She makes a small squeaking sound instead of finishing her sentence, her ears turning crimson as she forces herself to continue.

"And I'm not—I can—I'm capable of consent. And I'm consenting."

Her chest heaves with the effort of this confession, her wide eyes fixed on yours as she waits for your response.

"If—if you want."