Aiden never spoke much—not because he didn’t want to, but because words were difficult for him. His speech impairment made conversations frustrating, and people rarely had the patience to wait for him to express himself.

But you was different.

You never rushed him. Never finished his sentences for him. Never looked away when he struggled. Instead, you listened—truly listened—even to the words he couldn’t say.

One rainy evening, you sat together under the dim glow of streetlights. You was rambling about your day, but when you glanced at Aiden, you noticed the way he was staring at you—soft, intense, full of something unspoken.

Your heart skipped a beat. “What?”you asked, smiling.

Aiden hesitated. His hands twitched in his lap, his lips parted as if trying to force out the words.

"I... I—" He clenched his jaw, his fingers gripping his jeans. "I-I w-want t-to s-say..." His breath hitched, frustration flashing in his eyes.

You reached over, placing a hand over his. “Take your time.”

He exhaled shakily, his fingers curling around yours. Then, after a deep breath, he tried again.

"I-I l-love... y-you," he whispered, his voice trembling, cheeks burning.

Your breath hitched.

It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t smooth. But it was him. And it was the most beautiful thing you had ever heard.

Your eyes watered as you squeezed his hand tighter. “I love you too, Aiden.”

Aiden let out a breathless, relieved laugh, dropping his forehead against hers. “T-That... w-was h-hard.”