s a peaceful afternoon. Leonora paced back and forth

watched with amusement. "Okay, let's do it one

.. I have something to tell you. Something I've... kept hidden for a

e words? This bet i

clapping her hands together. "You've b

were children... I've... admired you. Your kindness, your... your seriousness. The way you alw

eeds... punch. More conviction. You're not just liking him

... so hard. What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if he

. Trust me, he may not be a lover boy type, but he won't do such a thing. Beside

You're not the one confessing your undying love to

ession. "Look, Leo. Just be yourself. Don't overthink it. Just tell him how you feel. The worst he can do is say no.

ckering in her eyes. "You're right. Okay, le

ing. For years, I've kept this hidden, but I can't anymore. Since we were children, I've admired you. Your kindness, your strength, your quiet gentleness...

Now, let's work on the 'what if he says yes' part." She grinn

nfessing didn't feel terrifying. It felt... exciting. The fear was still there, a small flicker in the corner of her mind, but

id knocked on their door, "Miss, the

ady feel the bright and cheerful vibe outside, no other than the annoying Callis

so serious and he would not even look at me. But now... look at hi

as Callisto sees Leonora, his eyes lit up, making hi

sing for my confessi

rby tree with a flourish. His smile was positively dazzli

a celebration, doesn't it? Let's go to the theater! They're showing that new romance play, the one with the

. "You're incorrigible," she muttered, but her tone lacked its usual sharpnes

romantic comedy! Think of it as... research. For your confession. You kno

rms, "You're so drama

ighthearted smirk, "You really

r eyes at him, "Oh

He's got a point, Leo," she chimed in. "Besides, a little distraction mi

th Isabela's subtle encouragement, chipped away at her resolve. The thought of seeing a play about a successf

r lips. "But only for a little while. An

re in a flash! Think of it as a pre-confession pep talk, courtesy of yours truly!" He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "B

y that a part of her was looking forward to the distraction. And perhaps, just perhaps, seeing a woman successfully co

. But as she turned, they both left the place immediately. "Ugh why did they even in

"The person who invented bicycles with pedals should be getting praise everyday, d

man named Rosalia, was pouring her heart out to her beloved Lorenzo. Leonora, initially focused on the ov

ught I'd find someone who could make me laugh so hard, who could make my heart race j

emotion behind them, the raw vulnerability, the quiet strength. Leonora realized that th

was illuminated by the stage lights, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw and the gentle curve of his lips. He was comple

that. He made her laugh until her sides ached, and his teasing, while often infuriating, sent a strange, thrilling flutter through her chest.

comforting. But Callisto... Callisto was a whirlwind, a chaotic storm of laughter, teasing, and unexpected moments of vulnerability.

have to be thi