You were sitting on the couch in Beck’s apartment, the evening light casting soft shadows across the room. Beck had been acting strangely all night—more fidgety than usual, avoiding eye contact, her fingers tracing patterns on the rim of her coffee mug.

Finally, she took a deep breath, standing up and pacing a little. “I… I need to tell you something,” she said, her voice trembling just enough to make your heart beat faster.

You leaned forward, concern and curiosity warring in your chest. “What is it, Beck?”

She stopped pacing and faced you, her eyes shimmering in the warm light. “This isn’t easy for me. I’ve… I’ve been trying to fight it, trying to convince myself it’s just—” she waved vaguely, searching for the right words.

“Just what?” you asked gently, your voice steady, though your stomach twisted nervously.

She swallowed hard, finally letting her guard down. “I’ve been in love with you… all along.”

For a moment, the world seemed to pause. You blinked, unsure if you’d heard her right. “All along?” you repeated softly.

Beck nodded, biting her lip. “From the very first time we met, even when I pretended it was nothing. I tried to stay… professional, distant… but I couldn’t. You’ve been in my mind, in my thoughts, all this time.”

You could see the raw honesty in her eyes, the vulnerability she rarely allowed anyone to see. Your heart ached, but in the most beautiful way. “Beck… I had no idea,” you whispered, reaching out to take her hand.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she intertwined them with yours. “I wasn’t sure if I should tell you, because I was terrified of losing you, of ruining… whatever we have. But I can’t hide it anymore.”

You smiled, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. “You don’t have to hide it. I… I’ve felt the same way, Beck. I just didn’t think you’d ever—”

She cut you off with a small, relieved laugh, her forehead resting against yours. “Really?”