"Wow," I breathed, turning in a slow circle as I looked around the room.
"Do you like it?" Jeremy asked, watching my reaction.
"Yes, I do."
"This is our room… in our own house," he said quietly.
"Are you serious?"
He nodded.
I felt heat rush to my cheeks and looked down, but he lifted my chin until my eyes met his. The world seemed to stop as he leaned in and kissed me softly. For a heartbeat I forgot everything—Louis, my mom's warning, even myself. I kissed him back, smiling against his lips before darting away with a laugh.
He chased me down the stairs, both of us laughing as we circled the kitchen table. When he finally caught me near the sofa, he pulled me close until I was sitting beside him, still out of breath.
"Laranie," he said, his voice softer now, "promise me you won't break my heart."
My heart skipped a beat. I looked at him, seeing in his eyes the boy who had been there through everything—every heartbreak, every secret.
"Jeremy," I whispered, "my love for you is greater than you'll ever know."
He smiled, brushing his thumb against my cheek. "You are the most amazing, wonderful girl I've ever met. I just want to share my heart and my life with you."
I took his hand, holding it against my chest. "No, I'm not going to lose feelings. No, I'm not going to find someone better. No, I'll never cheat on you. I want you—only you. You're my kind of perfect."
His expression softened. "I wanted to spend today with you because… I'm leaving for France the day after tomorrow."
"I know," I said quietly. "That's why I wanted to see you. I couldn't let you go without saying goodbye properly."
"I love you, Laranie."
"I love you too," I whispered, resting my forehead against his.
"What did you mean when you said you'd make things right?" he asked.
"Nothing," I murmured. "Just me talking nonsense."
He smiled, pulling me closer. The moment stretched between us—quiet, tender, full of words neither of us dared to speak. I could hear the rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my palm, strong and steady.
For the first time, I understood what it meant to be completely safe with someone.
We stayed there on the sofa, holding each other, watching the sunlight fade across the walls. His hand found mine, and we stayed like that for hours—no more words, just promises in the silence.