I gotta go to bed soon. I text him back.
It was 3 in the morning on a school night.
My eyes burned and my head throbbed from the harsh illumination cutting through the dark.
Lol. I totally understand. But before you go, I need to tell you something. He replied.
I became more alert, but the moment passed. It’s nemesis named fatigue returned.
Okay, tell me fast before I pass out!
Minutes coursed on.
I’ve been blind.
That was it?
I took a deep breath.
What do you mean by blind?
I’m in love. Direct.
I’m happy for you. Who with?
Minutes again.
You.
What? My heart was between pounding and fluttering. I couldn’t choose yet.
I’ve held it in long enough, I need to tell you. So here it goes. I love you, and I’m new at this. Completely new because I’ve never felt this way. I know it’s weird. You’re my best friend, but when I think about you, it’s more than that. I want more than that. I want you. You’re all I think about.

Minutes passed. I was speechless.

…Then I decided my heart was fluttering.