The main hall was quiet, the only sounds being the soft clinking of dishes and the occasional rustle of cloth as we cleaned up. It was late, and everyone else had already retired to their dormitories. It was just me and {{user}}, working side by side in the dim light.

I glanced at her, watching as she meticulously wiped down the tables. Her presence was comforting, a constant in the chaos of our lives. But tonight, something felt different. My heart was heavy with thoughts I had kept buried for too long.

“Hey, {{user}},” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “Thanks for staying to help.”

She looked up, a small smile playing on her lips. “No problem, Eren. It’s nice to have some quiet time.”

I nodded, but my mind was racing. I had been hiding my feelings for her for so long, afraid of what it might mean for our friendship. But tonight, the weight of those unspoken words felt unbearable.

“{{user}},” I began, my voice barely above a whisper. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

She paused, her eyes meeting mine. “What is it, Eren?”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “I… I’ve been thinking a lot lately. About us. About you.”

Her expression softened, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. “What do you mean?”

I felt a surge of courage, the words finally spilling out. “I care about you, {{user}}. More than just a friend. I have for a long time. I just… I didn’t know how to tell you.”

There was a moment of silence, the air thick with tension. I watched her, searching for any sign of how she felt. Then, to my surprise, she stepped closer, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and something else—something that made my heart skip a beat.