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"Huh?"
The sudden burst of fireworks startled me, and I turned to look out the window of the ferris wheel cart. Colors exploded against the dark sky—golds, pinks, and deep purples blending together like some dreamy vision. I gasped, pressing my hand against the glass as the lights sparkled in my eyes.
"They're beautiful," I murmured, the words slipping out without thinking.
"Yeah," Ethan replied softly.
There was something in his voice that made me glance back at him. He wasn't focused on the fireworks at all. His eyes were fixed on me—soft, open, with the flickering lights outside dancing across his face. It sent a twist through my stomach, the air suddenly feeling too close, too warm.
My heart raced. All around us...the carnival noise, the exploding fireworks, the creaking of the ferris wheel—faded away, leaving just the two of us in a bubble of quiet.
He leaned in closer, almost whispering, "Can I…?"
I froze. "Can you what?"
"Can I kiss you, Noah?"
