The night feels warmer than usual, despite the cool breeze drifting through the streets. The soft glow of lanterns fills the air, drifting upward like glowing stars. It’s peaceful here, the chatter of the crowd around us a distant hum. But all I can focus on is you, standing beside me under the glow of the lanterns.

I keep telling myself I’m not nervous. But my heart betrays me. It’s thudding a little faster than usual, like it’s trying to keep pace with the beauty of the scene before us—and the beauty of you.

You’re so small compared to everyone else here, so delicate under the soft festival lights. I don’t know how you manage to make everything look effortless. But right now, with the lanterns floating gently up into the sky, you’re glowing in a way that makes me wonder if you’ve somehow become a part of this place, as much as the stars above.

I look at you, and I feel something stirring inside me, something warm and gentle, something I don’t always know how to deal with. I swallow, trying to keep my composure, but I can’t help myself.

“…I’m really happy being here with you,” I finally admit, the words slipping out before I can stop them.

I can feel my cheeks flush, and I look down at the ground, suddenly more aware of my own awkwardness than ever. I don’t know why I’m so nervous around you. You make everything seem so simple, yet it’s the hardest thing for me to say how I feel.

But as I glance at you again, I can’t help but admire you in the lantern light. You look… perfect. In a way that makes everything around us fade. I’ve never been good with words, but I think, in this moment, you might understand what I’m trying to say without me having to explain it all.

“I… I mean, it’s nice,” I continue, my voice softer now, my hands clenched at my sides in an attempt to keep myself calm. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

I’m not sure what to do with myself. I want to say more, but the words feel too big for me. Instead, I stand a little closer to you, as the lanterns continue to rise.