The stars glittered softly across the sky that night as Ethan and Aria sat together on the terrace. The cool wind brushed against them, and silence filled the air — the kind of silence that felt peaceful, not awkward.
Aria leaned back, gazing at the stars with dreamy eyes. "The sky looks so endless," she murmured.
Ethan looked at her instead of the stars. "Maybe because we're looking at it together," he said softly.
A shy smile formed on her lips as she turned to him. "You always know what to say."
He chuckled quietly. "Not always. Sometimes, words just… find me when you're around."
They both laughed lightly. After a while, Aria leaned her head gently on his shoulder. Ethan froze for a moment but didn't move — her warmth against him felt perfect.
The night grew quieter. After some time, Ethan said softly, "It's getting cold… should we go back down?"
No reply came.
He turned his head slightly and found her asleep, her eyelashes resting softly on her cheeks, breathing even and calm. She looked peaceful — like she trusted him completely.
A smile appeared on his face. "You really can fall asleep anywhere, can't you?" he whispered.
He stood up carefully, making sure not to wake her. Then, with a gentle motion, he lifted her in his arms — carrying her in bridal style. The house was silent; his parents were already asleep. As he walked through the hallway with her sleeping in his arms, her head rested lightly against his chest, and he could feel her heartbeat matching his.
He entered her room and laid her softly on the bed, tucking the blanket around her so she wouldn't catch a cold. He brushed a few strands of hair from her face and smiled.
When he was about to stand up, Aria's hand suddenly grabbed his arm. Still asleep, she muttered softly,
"Don't… go…"
Ethan froze for a moment, looking at her hand holding him tightly. He tried to free his arm gently, but she whispered again in her sleep,
"Please… don't go."
He smiled warmly, sitting back down beside her. "Okay, I'm not going anywhere," he said in a whisper.
For a few minutes, he just sat there, watching her sleep — her expression peaceful, her hand still around his. After a while, he carefully freed his hand, making sure she wouldn't wake up, and stood up quietly. Before leaving, he whispered near her,
"Sleep well, Aria."
Then he went to his room and soon fell asleep too, his mind still filled with her face.
---
The next morning, Ethan had already gone to school when Aria woke up. She yawned and realized she had fallen asleep in Ethan's hoodie again. Her cheeks turned slightly pink as she quickly got ready and hurried to school.
When she reached class, Ethan was already sitting there reading something. "You left me alone this morning!" she said with a pout.
He smirked without looking up. "You were sleeping like a cute baby. I didn't want to disturb your beauty sleep."
Her cheeks flushed. "Still, you could've waited."
He chuckled. "Next time, I'll wait. Promise."
Some of their classmates rolled their eyes, and Mia gave them her usual mischievous glare before turning away.
---
At lunch break, they went under their favorite tree as always. Aria opened her lunchbox and found a small chocolate wrapped neatly inside.
She looked at Ethan in surprise. "Did you put this here?"
He smiled lightly. "Maybe. Consider it a thank-you for last night — for staying strong."
Aria blushed. "Then thank you… for everything."
---
After school, they walked home together. When they reached their street, Aria noticed her house lights were on. She smiled softly, realizing her parents were finally back.
She turned to Ethan. "Good night, boyfriend."
He grinned, "Good night, girlfriend."
Aria turned to go but suddenly stopped. Ethan was still looking at her. Without a word, she walked back toward him, stood on her toes, and kissed him gently on the cheek.
"Good night, boyfriend," she whispered shyly and ran back toward her house, hiding her face.
Ethan stood there frozen for a second, his eyes wide and his cheeks turning red. Then a slow smile spread across his face as he touched the spot where she'd kissed him.
When he reached home, his mother noticed his flushed face and red ears.
"Ethan, what happened? Are you okay? You look… warm."
He quickly turned away, hiding his smile. "N-no, Mom, I'm fine! Must be the weather."
Mrs. Cross looked at him suspiciously. "Hmm… you sure it's the weather?"
Ethan quickly grabbed a glass of water, muttering, "Absolutely," but his smile gave him away.
That night, he couldn't sleep — the memory of her kiss replaying again and again in his mind.
Meanwhile, in her room, Aria buried her face under the blanket, smiling so wide her cheeks hurt.
Both drifted off to sleep that night, hearts racing — the same thought running through both their minds:
"I'm really in love."