𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨 𝙋𝙊𝙑:
The morning light crept through the blinds, casting thin golden streaks across the apartment. I had barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Iz's face the way her expression had crumbled, the way she walked away from me without a word.

I hated that I had hurt her. And even more, I hated that I had let it happen so easily.

I sat up, rubbing my hands down my face, my chest tight with regret. This wasn't just about a stupid comment it was about something bigger. I had known Iz forever. Since the moment she sat next to me in class, pulled out a notebook covered in doodles, and asked, completely unbothered, "Are you any good at maths? 'Cause I suck."

She never hesitated with me, never held back. From that moment on, it was us. Two kids who just clicked. I had loved her long before I even understood what love was. And now, after all these years, I had hurt her.

I couldn't let things stay this way.

Without thinking too much about it, I grabbed my keys and headed out.

The little flower shop down the street smelled like fresh blooms I wasn't the kind of guy who usually did this kind of thing, but this wasn't about me. This was about her.

The florist, an older woman with sharp eyes, glanced up as I walked in. "What are you looking for?"

I hesitated, then said, "Something simple, but meaningful."

She gave me a small, knowing smile and started putting together a bouquet soft pink roses, white lilies, and lavender. "This should do the trick," she said as she handed it over. I thanked her, paid, and headed home

Back at the apartment, I stood in front of Iz's door for longer than I should have. I had no idea what I was going to say. All I knew was that I had to say something. Taking a deep breath, I knocked.

"Iz?" My voice was steady, even though I wasn't. "Come on, open up. I got you something."

For a moment, nothing. Then, finally, the sound of quiet footsteps. The door creaked open, just enough for her to look out at me.

Iz stood there in one of her oversized hoodies, her hair slightly messy, eyes tired and guarded.

I held out the flowers. "I'm sorry."

She stared at them, then at me. "Flowers?"

"Yeah." My fingers tightened slightly around the bouquet. "I know I was an idiot last night. I shouldn't have said what I did. You're not at a dead end, Iz. You're one of the most talented people I've ever met. You don't give yourself enough credit, and instead of reminding you how brilliant you are, I just made you feel like you weren't enough. And that's the last thing I ever wanted."

She hesitated before taking the bouquet from my hands. She didn't say anything, but the tension in her shoulders seemed to ease just slightly.

I let out a breath. "I didn't just come to say sorry, though." Her eyes flicked up to mine.

I swallowed, my heart hammering. "Last night made me realize something. When you shut me out, when you wouldn't talk to me... I hated it. I hated knowing I hurt you. And I hated the idea of ever losing you, even if it was just for a night."

Her expression softened, but I wasn't done yet.

"Iz, I love you. I've loved you since the first day we met," I admitted, my voice quieter now. "Since that first class, since the first time you spoke to me in that classroom. since the first time you made me laugh when I didn't even realize I needed it."

Her breath hitched slightly, and I took a small step closer.

"I don't know why it took me this long to say it, but I love you. I always have. And I don't ever want to lose you."

For a second, she just stood there, her fingers clutching the flowers like they were the only thing keeping her grounded. Then, without warning, she set them down on the side table and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around me.

I exhaled as I pulled her close, my face buried in her hair, relief flooding through me.

"I love you will," she murmured against my shoulder, her voice barely above a whisper.

I closed my eyes, holding her tighter.