The night was quiet, the city lights shimmering through the window like distant stars. You and Effy sat on the rooftop, legs dangling over the edge, the familiar hum of the world below keeping you grounded.

She had been different tonight—pensive, distant, yet closer somehow. You knew she’d been holding something in for a long time, something she didn’t usually say, didn’t usually allow herself to feel aloud.

“You ever… think about saying things you’re scared to?” you asked gently, not sure if she’d answer.

Effy tilted her head, hair falling across her eyes. “All the time,” she murmured. “But saying them… it’s different. Scary.”

You reached for her hand. She let you take it, fingers lacing together naturally. The warmth of her skin felt like a confession in itself.

“You don’t have to be scared,” you said softly. “I… I’ve been waiting to hear whatever it is.”

Her eyes met yours, dark and intense, searching for any sign of doubt. When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet, almost trembling. “I… love you.”

The words hung in the air, fragile and raw, like she was letting you into the deepest part of her world.

You couldn’t stop the smile that spread across your face. “I love you too,” you whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

For the first time, Effy’s walls didn’t come up. She leaned into you, resting her head against your shoulder, letting herself breathe in the truth of the moment. Years of hidden feelings, of guarded emotions, all condensed into those two small words.

“I’ve… I’ve wanted to say that forever,” she admitted, voice muffled but sincere.