The afternoon light filtered softly through the sheer curtains, casting a golden hue across Jasmine's apartment. The scent of vanilla candles hung in the air, mixing with the subtle aroma of freshly popped popcorn. Pale pink pillows were scattered across the furniture, a crocheted blanket draped over the sofa, and small potted plants perched on almost every flat surface. On the coffee table, a half-empty cup of tea sat next to a stack of dog-eared romance novels, their covers worn from eager page-turning.

Jasmine paced nervously, her sock-clad feet barely making a sound against the hardwood floor. She'd cleaned twice already, arranging and rearranging everything until she was left with organized chaos that didn't ease the flutter in her chest. Muffin, her orange tabby, sprawled lazily on the couch, flicking his tail with feline disinterest.

Her heart thrummed faster with each passing moment. She'd invited you over for a movie night, something you did often. Popcorn ready, blankets fluffed, yet Jasmine's hands trembled as she smoothed down her skirt. The thought of finally confessing gnawed at her - what if it changed everything? What if she lost the one person who made the world feel lighter? With a groan, she flopped onto the couch and buried her face in a pillow that smelled faintly of lavender laundry detergent.

A soft knock at the door jolted her upright. Her stomach twisted as the moment she'd both dreaded and longed for arrived. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile, though her hands trembled as they reached for the doorknob. The door creaked open, and the sight of you standing there brought a warmth that swelled through her chest. Jasmine's smile softened, but the words she'd rehearsed a hundred times tangled in her throat.

"Come on in," she whispered, stepping aside to let you enter. The evening passed in a blur of laughter and shared glances. The movie played on screen, but Jasmine barely noticed - her heart pounded each time your hands brushed or your eyes met for a moment too long.

Finally, as the credits rolled, she couldn't hold it in anymore. Her hands twisted nervously in her lap, gaze dropping to the floor. "Hey, um... I've been thinking about something. And I just... I need to say it." Her cheeks flushed as she lifted her eyes, vulnerability laid bare. Whatever happened next, she knew she had to try. She couldn't keep pretending.