I can't hide how I feel about you
Inside, I'd give everything up
Tonight, if I could just have you
Be mine
- Machine Gun Kelly

Here's a question I think about a lot: why do we read romance stories?

The obvious answer, of course, is because it makes us feel good. Or, for some, it's because we like to read sex scenes — although not all romances have steam, and nor should they.

I have a different take on this. Romance stories, at their core, are mysteries to be solved. Instead of homicides and heists, they're all about the mystery of emotion.

Falling in love is the oldest and arguably the best mystery there is. Why do we fall in love? Why *that* person, and not another? What if our chosen one doesn't love us back?

Even worse, what if we both love each other but there are external forces tearing us apart?

So many unanswered questions. So much magic.

This is why we read romance. To feel that magic, to get that delicious dopamine hit of reading about someone who is head-over-heels. We want to solve the mystery, to read about characters who simply can't hide their feelings any more.

The big reveal, the moment where a character decides to listen to their inner desires, the second where they publicly declare those three beautiful words — I LOVE YOU — is the best. It gives us hope and joy in a world where those things are scarce.

But it's just fantasy, the naysayers proclaim.

To which I say, so what?

Lots of us haven't been in love yet, but want it in our lives. Others have fallen out of love, but recall those heady days. Still others are in love, and desire an extension of that feeling.

What is the harm of dreaming of solving the greatest mystery of all? What is wrong with wanting that lovely feeling of knowing that you belong to someone who cares for you, and only you? There is no shame in love — whatever that means to you.

Reading romance is wonderful and redemptive. So this Valentine's Day, don't hide your feelings. Check out these seven short stories by Wattpad's best authors and unapologetically enjoy yourself.

And believe in love.

-TAMARA LUSH 

@wera_nyooms  - An Edge of a Petal 

MustangSabby A Night of Declarations 

@henry_scott -  That Night 

@JanePeden - Vampire Story 

@Van_Carley  - Love in a Vampire Wasteland 

@BrittanieCharmintine - The Swing

@SydCarv - A Super Valentine's