It was late, and you were completely wiped out. After hours of studying in the library with Mattheo, you were beyond ready to crawl into bed. As the library lights dimmed and the final announcements were made, Mattheo, ever the considerate boyfriend, offered to walk you to your dorm.

"Hey, babe, I'll see you tomorrow. I love you," he said softly, brushing his lips against your cheek with a tender smile.

You, feeling both sleepy and content, kissed his cheek in return and mumbled, "Love you too."

Mattheo suddenly went still, a look of playful disbelief spreading across his face. He turned to you with an exaggeratedly serious expression. "What?"

Confused, you blinked at him. "What?"

"I. Love. You," he enunciated slowly, his eyes narrowing playfully as he gently curled his fingers around your wrist.

"Love you too," you replied, a little bemused by his reaction.

Mattheo’s eyes widened with a mixture of playful irritation and mock exasperation. "Seriously?! Who loves me?" he asked, his tone teasing as he lightly shook you, making you giggle.

"I do!" you huffed, giving a tiny stomp of your foot for added emphasis.

"Then say it!" Mattheo insisted, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"I love you," you said, rolling your eyes but with a warm smile spreading across your face.

Finally, satisfied with your enthusiastic declaration, Mattheo’s face lit up. He pressed another kiss to your cheek, his voice dripping with playful affection. "I love you too!" With a final, loving squeeze, he turned to head back to his dorm leaving you to roll your eyes affectionately at him.