Chapter 14 : The Confession

That evening, after the party, James and Sophie sat on the school rooftop, watching the sunset. The sky was painted in shades of orange and pink, and the air was filled with a sense of calm.

Sophie turned to James. "Thank you for today, James. It was the best birthday ever."

James smiled. "I'm glad you liked it, Sophie. You deserve the best."

There was a moment of silence, and then Sophie spoke again. "James, can I ask you something?"

"Of course," James replied, his heart beating a little faster.

Sophie hesitated, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "Do you ever feel like… we're more than just friends?"

James was taken aback by her question. He had been struggling with the same feelings for weeks, but he had never dared to voice them.

"I… I don't know," he stammered, unsure of how to respond.

Sophie looked down, her expression a mix of disappointment and hope. "It's okay if you don't feel the same way. I just wanted to be honest with you."

James took a deep breath. He knew this was his chance to be honest too.

"Sophie," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "I do feel something more. I just didn't know how to tell you."

Sophie's eyes lit up, and a smile spread across her face. "Really?"

James nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. "Yes, Sophie. You mean so much to me. More than you'll ever know."