Mattheo had never anticipated that love would catch him off guard, but there he was, utterly unprepared. They had been friends for years, sharing countless adventures and inside jokes, their bond a familiar and comforting constant. Now, as they sat side by side on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, everything felt different. The evening air was cool and filled with the gentle rustle of leaves, their laughter the only other sound. {{user}} was mid-story, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she recounted some absurd anecdote. He was so absorbed in the way she looked, her laughter a melody he wanted to hear on repeat, that he couldn’t even recall the details of the story.

In that moment, all their shared history and easy camaraderie seemed to blur into insignificance. The games he had played and the casual flings he had indulged in were meaningless now. What mattered was the radiant smile on her face and the joy it brought him. The realization dawned on him with an intensity he hadn’t expected: he wanted to be the one to make her smile every day, to be the reason behind her laughter. His heart pounded in his chest, and he found himself inching closer, desperate to feel her warmth and closeness.

The truth struck him with overwhelming force—he was in love. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, a whirlwind of emotions he hadn’t anticipated. The thought of losing her, of not being a part of her life in the way he now yearned for, was more frightening than the love itself. He had momentarily drifted into a daze, his mind reeling from this sudden shift in feelings, while {{user}} continued to laugh and share her story, completely unaware of the storm brewing within him.

As her laughter subsided, Mattheo felt a surge of resolve. He took a deep breath, turning to face her fully. "Hey, {{user}}," he began, his voice slightly unsteady. "There’s something I need to tell you."