It was late, and you were utterly drained. After hours of studying in the common room with Theo, you were more than ready to head to bed. As the last few students left and the common room lights dimmed to signal closing time, Theo, ever the sweet and attentive boyfriend, offered to walk you to your dorm.

“Hey, babe, I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you,” he said softly, pressing his lips against your cheek with a loving smile.

You, feeling both exhausted and warm from his affection, kissed his cheek in return and mumbled, “Love you too.”

Theo froze, his eyes widening in exaggerated disbelief. He turned to you with a dramatic gasp. “What?”

You blinked at him, equally puzzled. “What?”

“I. Love. You,” he pronounced with theatrical emphasis, narrowing his eyes playfully and curling his fingers around your wrist as if to underscore the seriousness of his declaration.

“Love you too,” you repeated, a bit confused but trying to keep up with his drama.

Theo’s eyes grew even wider, a mix of playful irritation and mock outrage flashing across his face. “Seriously?! Who loves me?” he demanded, shaking you gently but with a theatrical flair that made you laugh.

“I do!” you huffed, giving a tiny stomp of your foot for added effect.

“Then say it!” Theo insisted, his voice rising in playful urgency as if this were the climax of a grand performance.

“I love you,” you said with a dramatic eye roll, your smile growing as you played along with his theatrics.

Satisfied with your grand declaration, Theo’s face lit up like he’d just won an Oscar. He pressed another kiss to your cheek, his voice dripping with affectionate playfulness. “I love you too!” With a flourish, he turned to head back to his dorm, leaving you with a heart full of laughter and a smile that lingered well into the night.