The Language of Love

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The evening air was crisp, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and freshly brewed coffee from a nearby café. The city was so alive but not overwhelming—just enough noise to remind them they weren't alone, yet enough quiet to make it feel like the world had momentarily slowed just for the both of them.

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, watching as he absentmindedly ran a hand through his hair. There was something about tonight, something was so different. Maybe it was the way his fingers occasionally brushed against hers, or the way his gaze lingered just a little longer than usual.

"You're so quiet," he finally said, breaking the comfortable silence between the both of them.

She hummed, tucking her hands into her sweater's sleeves. "i was Just thinking."

"Dangerous habit," he teased, giving her a side glance.

She smirked, nudging him with her shoulder. "You should try it sometime."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I do, occasionally. Usually about you."

She froze mid-step, turning to face "That was smooth."

"I try," he said with a grin, his dimples making a rare appearance.

The banter was familiar, but tonight, something was so different. There was an unspoken understanding between both of them—a silent acknowledgment that they were teetering on the edge of something deeper.

After a few moments, he grabbed her hand, tugging her toward a small park nearby. "Come on."

She raised an eyebrow. "Where are we going?"

He grinned. "You ask too many questions. Just trust me and follow ."

She rolled her eyes but followed, her fingers fitting perfectly into his. The park was mostly empty at this hour, the dim glow of streetlights casting long shadows on the pavement. They reached a bench, and he motioned for her to sit.

Once they were settled, he turned toward her. "I need you to tell me something."

She tilted her head. "Something?"

"Something real. No jokes, no sarcasm."

She hesitated, searching his expression for any sign of teasing. But there was none. Just sincerity.

"Okay," she murmured, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I used to think love was something I wasn't really meant for. That it was this… fleeting thing that belonged to other people."

His fingers absentmindedly traced small patterns on the fabric of his jeans as he listened.

"I spent so much time guarding myself, convincing myself that I didn't need it, that I was better off without it. But then you happened."

He inhaled sharply, his eyes locked onto hers.

"And suddenly, it didn't feel like something to be afraid of anymore," she whispered.

The silence that followed was with a thick emotion.

He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "I don't ever want you to be afraid of this. Of us."

She smiled, a real, unguarded smile. "I'm not. Not anymore."

He exhaled in relief, before his lips curved into a smirk. "Well, since we're having deep, meaningful conversations, I think it's only fair that I tell you something, too."

"Oh?" she challenged. "Go on, then."

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if he were about to share the world's biggest secret. "I have an embarrassing fear of pigeons."

She blinked. "Pigeons?"

"They're terrifying," he said solemnly. "Completely unpredictable."

She burst into laughter, doubling over as she tried to contain it. "You're serious?"

"Dead serious."

She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. "I can't believe you just ruined such a perfect moment with that."

He grinned. "What can I say? Gotta keep you on your toes."hehehehe.

Still laughing, she playfully shoved him. "You're ridiculous."

"And yet, here you are," he teased.

She rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered. There was something so easy about being with him. No walls, no pretense. Just them.

(The Truth or Dare Game)

At some point, they ended up at her apartment, sitting cross-legged on the floor, a half-eaten pizza between both of them.

"Okay," he said, popping a piece of crust into his mouth. "Let's play a game hmm."

She raised an eyebrow. "What kind of game?"

"Truth or dare."

She scoffed. "Are we twelve?"

"Scared?" he taunted.

She narrowed her eyes. "Fine. You first."

"Truth."

She tapped her chin, then smirked. "Have you ever had a crush on me before we got together?"

He grinned. "Oh, absolutely."

She blinked. "Wait, really?"

"Yeah," he admitted, leaning back on his hands. "First time I saw you, I thought you were out of my league."

She stared at him, genuinely taken aback. "That's so… unexpected."

He shrugged. "I may have a talent for hiding things."

"I probably do

She smirked. "Your turn."

He thought for a moment. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

His grin turned wicked. "I dare you to sing your favorite love song. Loudly."

She groaned. "You're the worst."

"Rules are rules."

Sighing, she cleared her throat, then dramatically belted out the first few lines of a cheesy 90s love song. He burst into laughter, grabbing his phone to record her.

"No!" she lunged for him, but he dodged, still laughing.

"That was beautiful," he teased.

She huffed, crossing her arms. "You're going to pay for that."

"I promise you

"I look forward to it."

(A Date to Remember)

The next evening, he surprised her with a date—nothing extravagant, but something undeniably them.

A rooftop picnic, fairy lights strung around, soft music playing from a speaker.

She looked around, stunned. "You did all this for me?"

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah. I wanted tonight to be special for the both of us."

She turned to him, emotion thick in her voice. "It is."

They ate, talked,, laughed. And then, as the night stretched on, he reached for her hand.

"I love you," he said softly.

Her breath hitched a little.

And then, without hesitation, she whispered back, "I love you, too."

"I love you Soo much

"And kissed each other

And just like that, the world disappeared.

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End of chapter 38