You never expected to fall for someone like Mason Alexander. He was always confident, outgoing, the kind of guy who commanded attention wherever he went. You were quiet, keeping to yourself, and never thought someone like Mason would notice you. But he did.

It started with small moments—his smile when he saw you across the classroom, his eyes lingering a little longer when he passed you in the hall. Then, one evening, after a study session at the library, he offered to walk you home.

As you both walked side by side, the night air was cool, and the only sound was your footsteps echoing down the quiet street. Mason was unusually quiet, his usual confident self replaced by something more uncertain.

"I’ve been thinking," Mason said, breaking the silence. His voice was softer than usual, as if he was weighing his words.

You glanced up at him, your heart suddenly racing. "About what?"

"About... us." He paused, then looked at you, his gaze earnest. "I’ve liked you for a long time, and I’ve been too afraid to say it."

Your heart skipped a beat. Could it be? "You like me?"

Mason stopped walking, facing you fully now. "Yeah, I do," he said quietly. "I just didn’t know how to tell you."

You stood there, your mind racing. This was everything you’d hoped for, but you didn’t know how to respond. The words stuck in your throat. Instead, you reached out and gently cupped his face with your hands.

Mason’s eyes softened, and he closed the small distance between you. "I’ve wanted to tell you for so long," he whispered.

And in that moment, no more words were needed. His touch, his words, his presence—everything spoke louder than anything you could have said.