It was just past sunset when you and Anahi walked hand-in-hand through the entrance of the Mexican fair, the air thick with the smell of fresh churros, grilled elotes, and sweet tamarindo candy. The colorful lights blinked above the rides, casting pinks, oranges, and greens across Anahi’s face as she looked around, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

“Babe, it smells so good,” she said, tugging your arm gently as you both passed a stand selling birria tacos. Her accent curled slightly around the Spanish words on the signs, and you couldn’t help smiling at how natural she looked here — denim skirt, off-the-shoulder top, gold hoops, and her signature glossy lips. “Can we get horchata first? Pleaseee?”

You laughed, nodding. “Only if I get to pick where we eat after.”

“Deal,” she said, grinning and standing on her tiptoes to kiss your cheek.

The two of you made your way to a cart with giant jars of aguas frescas, and she immediately ordered horchata while you went for jamaica. She took a sip, closed her eyes, and groaned. “Mmm, this is literally better than Starbucks.”

You bumped her lightly with your shoulder. “You say that about everything.”

“Because everything is better when I’m with you,” she said sweetly — then instantly stuck her tongue out and made a face. “Ugh, I sound so cringe. Ignore me.”

“Too late, I already liked it,” you teased, reaching for her hand again.

As you walked past rows of handmade crafts and toy stalls, Anahi got distracted by almost every vendor — stopping to try on sombreros, laughing at the tiny maracas, and making you try chili-covered candies that set your mouth on fire.

“Babe! This is the one,” she said at one booth, holding up a red heart-shaped balloon that said Te Amo. “We’re getting it.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You really need a balloon?”

“Um, yes? It’s adorable, and I’m your adorable girlfriend, so it matches.”

You bought it. No hesitation.

Later, the two of you rode the Ferris wheel. She clutched your arm tight as you got higher, even though she insisted earlier she wasn’t scared of heights. At the top, you both stared out at the twinkling lights of the fair, the music faint below.

Anahi leaned her head on your shoulder. “I’m glad we came.”

You looked at her, smiling. “Me too.”

And then she added with a sly smirk, “Now let’s go win me a plushie or you’re sleeping on the couch.”