One fateful night, during the town's annual lantern festival, Emma decided it was time to reveal her feelings. Surrounded by glowing lanterns and the sound of laughter, she took a deep breath and found Alex standing by the river, lost in thought.

"Alex," she called, her voice trembling slightly. He turned, and their eyes locked. "I need to tell you something."

He stepped closer, his expression curious yet serious. "What is it, Emma?"

"I've fallen for you," she confessed, her heart pounding in her chest. "You make me feel alive in a way I never thought possible."

A smile broke across Alex's face, and he took her hands in his. "I've been waiting for you to say that. I feel the same way.