xxiii.

“i finally finished reading your books.”

“that's surprising!” i teased him, knowing how much he hated reading.

“you are beautiful.”

“thank you.” i smiled. if only he knew what these specific words did to me.

“i love you.” he smiled back. dejection settled on my face. “but i'm not in love with you. and i am finally fine with it.” he added.

the sincerity in his confession pushed the words past my lips. “i love you too.”

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