I was in the shower——where all the best ideas seem to happen——and I was considering new story ideas and wondered: what would a romcom look like with an asexual MC and an ace and aromantic love interest? And here we are!

Analeigh and Drew’s story is about two kids who don’t experience relationships the way the majority of people do, because Analeigh is asexual (so she has little to no sexual attraction) and Drew is asexual and aromantic (no sexual or romantic attraction). Both of them believe this means they will always be alone. But although their love story might not include some of the typical things expected from a romantic relationship (like kissing, hand-holding, cuddling . . .), their connection is like anyone else’s at its core: deep, meaningful, and so very important. So the “not so typical” part of their relationship is because ace and aro identities are often seen as atypical to the rest of the world, but when you dig deeper, the part of their story that’s about two people finding someone who understands them so completely, they’re able to show their full selves? That part is so very human, it’s at the core of any deep connection—romantic or otherwise. So the path that Analeigh and Drew take in order to connect with each other might not be the typical route seen in society or portrayed in media, yet the conclusion to their story is the same as any other: a deep, unbreakable bond. On the other hand, fake-dating your academic nemesis/the girl who’s been your anonymous online BFF for years? Now that’s certainly not your typical love story!

My last name is pronounced with an “a” sound as in “apple” and “verett” as in “everett.”