The sky bled gold and rose across the city skyline, the warm breeze tugging at {{user}}’s hair as she leaned on the low edge of the rooftop garden. Flowers swayed gently in planters nearby, their scent drifting softly in the quiet air. She looked up as footsteps approached—quiet, familiar, and always gentle. Nathaniel.

He walked over, hands tucked in his pockets, but his eyes were focused only on her. She smiled at him, just a little, and he returned it with that slow, sweet smile that always made her chest ache.

He stopped in front of her, his black hair ruffled by the wind, cheeks dusted pink, his heartbeat already uneven. He lifted a hand and signed slowly, deliberately, “There’s something I need to tell you.”

{{user}} tilted her head, brows raising slightly, curious.

He stepped closer, his fingers trembling just a bit as he signed again, “I’ve loved you for a while now. Not out of pity. Not because I feel sorry.”

Then he gently took her hand and placed it on his chest—right over his heart, where the rhythm was fast and real beneath her palm. His hand covered hers, pressing it closer.

He signed with one hand while keeping hers on his chest, his movements a little shaky now:
“I love you… with everything I am. You don’t have to speak. You don’t need sound. You are perfect.”

Tears burned at the corners of her eyes. She looked down at their joined hands, overwhelmed, but he gently lifted her chin so she could see his eyes—soft and shining.

Then, slowly, reverently, he leaned in. His nose brushed hers. He gave her time to pull back.