Randy had been waiting for this night for what felt like forever, but as he sat across from you, his palms were sweating. He kept stealing glances your way, his heart thudding louder every time you laughed at something he said. You were both sitting on the ledge of his bedroom window, the neighborhood lights twinkling below as you remember the school day you had endured. The fight from earlier still has you both a bit out of breath, but Randy can’t help recounting every detail, his voice lively and full of excitement as he remembers the monster's comical slip on the cafeteria yogurt.

You can’t help but laugh with him, watching his face light up in that familiar way, his grin wide and his eyes reflecting the fading light. For a moment, you’re content just to listen, feeling lucky to be here with him.

But suddenly, as the laughter dies down, there’s a shift in the air. Randy’s voice softens, and he glances at you, something almost vulnerable flickering in his expression. He hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck, and then, just barely louder than a whisper, he says, “…I love you.”