The fire crackled softly.
Michelle and Steve sat wrapped in the same blanket now, her legs draped across his lap, her head tilted slightly toward the sky. The stars had come out — sharp and unfiltered, scattered like glitter across velvet.
"I haven't seen the sky like this in forever," she said quietly. "It's like the world slowed down just for us."
Steve glanced at her profile, the golden glow of the fire kissing her cheekbones. "It did. Or maybe we just finally slowed down enough to notice."
She smiled faintly and turned her gaze to him. "Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"Why me?" Her voice was soft, uncertain. "After everything. After all that drama, all those rumors… why did you still choose me?"
Steve took a breath, one hand gently tracing circles on her thigh. "Because when I look at you, I don't see drama. I see strength. I see someone who stood up even when she was scared, who fought not just for herself — but for us."
He paused.
"I didn't fall in love with you because you were perfect. I fell in love with you because you're real."
Michelle's heart stuttered. She swallowed. "You… love me?"
Steve's eyes met hers. "Yeah. I do. I've been trying not to say it too soon, but… I think I've known since the first time you sat with me in that crowded lecture hall and made a stupid joke about the professor's shoes."
She laughed through a tear. "Those shoes were horrible."
He leaned closer. "Michelle."
She held her breath.
"I love you."
It was simple. Uncomplicated. Honest.
Michelle felt the warmth of those three words settle into the spaces where fear used to live.
"I love you too," she whispered.
She leaned forward and kissed him — not rushed, not uncertain, but fully present. His hands slid into her hair, and hers found their way to his chest, clutching his sweater like she never wanted to let go.
Later, wrapped in blankets on the cabin floor, they lay in silence, fingers tangled, eyes wide open.
"I don't know what the next weeks will bring," Michelle said quietly.
Steve kissed her knuckles. "We'll face it together."
The stars outside shimmered brighter.
And inside, two hearts beat in perfect rhythm — free, fearless, and finally understood.