The quiet of the night was filled only by the soft crunch of snow beneath your boots. The world around you was painted in shades of white and silver, the streetlights casting a golden glow over the falling snowflakes. The cold bit at your cheeks, but you didn’t mind—it was peaceful, just you and Simon walking side by side, your breaths forming small clouds in the air.

For two months, you had been seeing each other, wrapped in a whirlwind of late-night talks, stolen glances, and the quiet understanding that something deeper was growing between you. Simon wasn’t a man of many words, but his actions spoke volumes—the way he’d pull you closer when the wind picked up, how he always walked on the side of the street closest to traffic, or how he remembered the smallest details about you.

But tonight felt different. There was something on his mind.

He stopped suddenly, turning to face you, his dark eyes searching yours. Snowflakes settled in his hair, melting as they touched the warmth of his skin.

“I need to say something,” he began, his voice quieter than usual, as if choosing his words carefully. “I don’t—” He sighed, shaking his head slightly. “I’m not good at this. At talking.”

You stayed silent, giving him the space to speak.

“But these past two months…” He hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering to the snow-covered ground before locking back onto you. “They’ve meant more to me than I know how to say.”

Your heart swelled at his words, warmth spreading through you despite the freezing air.

A soft smile tugged at your lips as you reached up, your mitten-covered hand dusted with snow, and gently placed it against his cheek. The sudden coldness made him flinch, his body reacting instinctively as he pulled back slightly, his breath hitching.

You couldn’t help but laugh, the sound light and breathless. “Too cold?”

Simon exhaled, his expression shifting from surprise to something softer, something more vulnerable. He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head at you. “You could’ve warned me.”