A Rainy Confession

The rain drummed softly against the café window as Sophie stirred her coffee absentmindedly. The scent of freshly brewed espresso filled the air, mingling with the faint sweetness of cinnamon pastries. She had been coming to this little café for years, always sitting by the window, always ordering the same caramel latte.

But tonight felt different.

Because across from her, sitting with his own untouched coffee, was Noah.

Her best friend.

And the reason her heart was hammering against her ribs.

“You’ve been quiet,” Noah said, his blue eyes scanning her face. “Something on your mind?”

Sophie swallowed, gripping the edge of her cup. “I guess you could say that.”

Noah smirked. “Let me guess. You finally got tired of this café and want to try that fancy place across town?”

She huffed a laugh. “Not exactly.”

He leaned back, tilting his head. “Okay, now I’m curious.”

The words hovered on the edge of her tongue. She had rehearsed them a thousand times, yet now, faced with the moment, they tangled together like a knot.

She took a deep breath. “Noah… have you ever wanted to say something but were afraid it might change everything?”

His brow furrowed slightly. “Yeah, of course.”

She looked down at her coffee. “And did you say it?”

He hesitated. “Sometimes.”

Her fingers curled tighter around the mug. “And the times you didn’t?”

Noah exhaled. “I guess I was scared of losing something important.”

Sophie nodded slowly. “Yeah. That.”

A silence stretched between them, filled only by the soft patter of rain against the glass. She could feel his gaze on her, warm and searching.

“Sophie.” His voice was quieter now. More serious. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

She inhaled sharply. No turning back now.

“Yes.” She met his eyes, her pulse roaring in her ears. “I like you, Noah. More than a friend should.”

For a moment, time held its breath.

Then Noah blinked, his lips parting slightly. “You… what?”

She laughed nervously. “I know. It’s crazy. We’ve been best friends forever, and I don’t want to ruin anything, but—”

“Sophie.”

She stopped rambling, her heart lurching at the intensity in his gaze.

“You should’ve told me sooner,” he murmured, a slow smile breaking across his face.

Her breath caught. “What?”

He shook his head, reaching across the table to take her hand. His touch was warm, steady. “Because I’ve been in love with you for years.”

The world outside blurred as her eyes stung with unshed tears. “You have?”

Noah chuckled. “Yeah. And I was terrified to tell you.”

A small, incredulous laugh bubbled from her lips. “We’re both idiots.”

He grinned. “Maybe. But at least we figured it out eventually.”

Outside, the rain continued to fall, but inside, warmth spread between them—soft, undeniable, and long overdue.