(Misaki's eyes widened in astonishment. She hadn't expected this direct question from Ahmed, especially after the competition and laughter that had filled the place moments before. A warm silence prevailed in the room, where only their close breaths and the faint sound of the wind from the window could be heard. Misaki looked at Ahmed, and their gazes locked—a long, sincere look, filled with everything that had gone unsaid. In his eyes, she saw fear and sincerity, confusion and hope, as if he had placed his heart in her hands, awaiting her verdict.)
(Her heart felt a frantic pounding, and warmth crept into her cheeks. She remembered every moment with him—his protection of her, his smile, his kindness, and even his strange and embarrassing moments that made her laugh despite herself. She realized that her feelings for him were no longer just friendship, but something much deeper. She took a deep breath, gathered her courage, and then spoke in a low but clear voice, like a whisper from her heart to his:)
Misaki: "Yes... I love you."
(In that moment, Ahmed's smile widened slowly, as if the whole world were condensed into that one word. All the distance between them faded, and all previous hesitations dissolved into the warmth of the confession. He looked at her in silence, grateful and happy, then moved slightly closer, without an additional word, just a look filled with gratitude and tranquility, a look that carried one meaning unspoken by words: "And I love you too.")