❝ When I say I love you, I don't say it out of habit. I say it to remind you that you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. ❞

-

Her drowsy hazel eyes sparkled as she laughed her heart out. He watched her carefully as her lips curved into a beautiful smile and her face lit up with happiness. Though she had already started feeling tipsy, he could clearly make a difference between her genuine smiles and forced ones; this time it being a purely genuine one.

As per Aira's request, Ethan brought her, along with him to a club and helped tick one more wish off her list.

She always wanted to experience the feeling of getting drunk and forgetting the world for few moments. She had heard from enough people that alcohol helps a person to get through any phase of their life, so trying by herself was all she could think now. Not like she was drowned in sorrows, maybe she was, but Ethan had helped her promising to be by her side even through the lows of her life. She couldn't have asked for anything else.

"Okay that's enough alcohol for you now." Ethan stated taking her away from the drink counter.

She pouted as he lightly dragged her away, "don't tell me what to do!" her voice muffled as she tried to talk clearly. "Oi! Let's dance Ethan!" Her attention diverted from what she was talking previously as soon as she saw the dance floor and dragged him towards it with slow steps fearing she might fall in her heels.

He stretched his hands around her waist and held her securely while her hands were around his neck. They both stood there grinning at each other and moving their bodies along the music.

"Can I ask you a question Aira?" Ethan asked breaking the comfortable silence between them. She nodded indicating him to speak.

"When do you think you fell in love with me?" His question caused her to smile brightly. She indicated him to come a bit closer to her as she answered his question.

"I-I have loved you..." She whispered a bit before clearing her throat, "since we were eighteen." A chuckle escaped her mouth that turned into fits of laughter as she gave a song reference and according to her, it was quite funny.

He rolled his eyes at her poor sense of humour, "Aira seriously? Tell me when did you fall for me?"

A genuine smile lit upon her face as she saw him eagerly waiting for her reply.

Letting out a sigh, she replied "I don't know Ethan," her face still carrying a small smile as she stared at him. "I don't think I was ever not in love with you. My adoration for you was always there. I don't remember when that adoration turned into love. You've been there for me in my toughest times. You were there when people bullied my seven-year-old self, you were there to hold me and remind me that I was lovable," she added, "Also, I think my love for you increased during the times you would help me in doing my homework."

They both shared a laughter at the last part she said. His eyes twinkled and smile widened hearing her heartwarming confession. Never had he ever thought she would love him back with the same intensity as he did.

"Don't think I confessed it in my drunken state so I might forget it or regret it." Her breathing became heavy as she tapped his nose with hers, "I'll never regret giving my heart to you, because you are indeed the best thing that ever happened to me."