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I can't believe you did that,I gasp out through my giggles, clutching onto Judah's hand a little tighter. Why would you do that, Judah? People were staring. My fingers intertwine with his own, locking into place as he tugs me along the sidewalk, briskly jogging away from the far too expensive restaurant. My heels click against the floor as I attempt to keep up with his pace.

Judah throws a smug grin over his shoulder, a burst of laughter falling from his lips when he catches my reddening face. We eventually came to a stop underneath a lamppost, casting a warm glow as we stood holding each other. Soft chatter surrounded us, with the buzz of excitement rushing through our fellow tourists and the shutters of cameras going off with every photograph. Giving Judah's hand a gentle squeeze, I tilt my head and allow my gaze to travel north and towards the Eiffel Tower.

Crowds swarm the empty, vast spaces, admiring the monument. And just like Judah and I, there's a number of couples snapping their picture to capture the moment. Do you want to take a picture?I hear him ask, his warm breath fanning my face.

My eyes scan his sharp features, the cold weather tinting his nose red. He squints down at me as I admire the way his dress shirt moulds into his muscular biceps and firm chest, the material straining against his skin as he reaches out to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. His coat is folded over his arm, and when he notices me shivering-my silk dress barely keeping me warm-he's quick to deposit the heavy material around my shoulders, using the lapels of the jacket to pull me into his chest.

Chin resting against his pectoral, I tilt my head back as our gazes collide once more. A small smile remains on Judah's lips when he cups my cheeks, thumbs brushing the sensitive area under my eyes. What are you staring at?I breathe out, pursing my lips when I remember our earlier encounter. I'm still mad at you for pulling that stunt.

I feel his thumb tenderly brush my lower lip until he's lowering his face, our mouths meeting in the middle. Kissing Judah always felt like our first; from the way my toes curled at the sensation of our tongues against one another, to the way his hands curled around my waist, pressing our bodies together.

Kissing Judah is addicting. Intoxicating. Consuming. Kissing Judah is like falling in love for the first time. Again. Again. Again. It's discovering something new about myself every single time. It's allowing myself to fall, allowing myself to make the drop knowing my best friend, my Judah, will be waiting for me at the bottom.

And I love him so damned much, even when he pulled stupid stunts.

I'd do it again, Yana,he murmurs against my lips, using a single hand to squeeze my cheeks, causing my lips to pucker out. He pecks my lips once. Twice. Thrice. If anything bothers you, you tell me. Fake proposals be damned. I only exist to please you, Aiyana Sen.

I suck in a sharp breath, blinking up at him wide-eyed. "

Judah, I-

And once more, his soft lips meet mine in a rough, brief kiss. No, shut up.

I lo-Another kiss interrupts my speech.

When he pulls away, I huff in frustration. I want to wipe that smug smile off his face when I feel the first rain droplet trail down my cheek. I tear my eyes away from him and glance from the stormy clouds to the dispersing crowd, many yanking their umbrellas out. My gaze returns to Judah, watching as he tips his head back allowing the droplets of rain to roll down his stupidly handsome face.

Let's go. You're going to catch a cold,I mutter, attempting to tug the giant along. Yet he stays rooted in his spot as the thunder rolls above us.

He ignores my words and sighs. And when his lips move slowly, quietly enunciating each syllable, I freeze in position.

I love you, Aiyana Sen,his voice is raised, competing with the thunderclaps ahead. But I hear him. I hear him loud and clear. I love you.

Wh-what?I barely make out, chest rising and falling with every harsh breath. Do you really mean that? Are you playing with me, Judah?

He vehemently shakes his head, the word 'no' quick to fall from his lips. And then his lips quip up into that blinding, shy smile. I'm head over heels for you, Aiyana Sen... You're always the first to tell me that everything will turn out just fine, that I'm trying my best. You're always the first to lift me up when I'm feeling down, or hold me close when nothing seems right... but I'm certain about this, Aiyana. You've shown how much you care, but give me the chance to say this first. Let me be the one to tell you just how fucking much I'm in love with you-he breathes out, laughing to himself at the confession, fingers running through his damp hair.

His nose is tinted red, rain droplets hitting the surface of his dress shirt-and the cold air billows around us with every breath-but he doesn't stop. My heart races at his words, tears coating my waterline as I blink up at him, a sudden weight lifted off my shoulders at his revelation.

I part my lips to speak, but Judah simply holds a hand up to continue, I'm in love with you, Aiyana Sen... in every sense of the word. I'm irrevocably, unconditionally, unequivocally in love with you. I love you. I love you. I. Love. You. And there's nothing that can change that; I see you in my present and in my future. I see a house and marriage, and kids, and growing old. I see it all and I want it with only you, baby. You're my best friend, my lover, my other half... You're my fucking girl. And I'm not afraid of the drop, not anymore, not if you're there with me... I'm sorry it's taken me so long to say it, but I really, really am so fucking in love with you. I'd be a fool to not be. I love you, Yana Banana.

My vision blurs as I throw my arms around him; I don't know why the fuck I'm crying, but I am. Perhaps it's because I finally got the guy. I finally have someone to call my own; I finally get to be loved the way I give love. I'm finally so fucking happy. And it's all because of Judah.

Do you really mean that, Judah?I blubber out, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. He wipes a stray tear and nods, eyes softening at the sight of my tears. "Because I'm not letting you go. You're mine for the win. I love you-God, that feels amazing to say... I love you more than life itself, Judah Savestano. I'm so glad you're mine. I love you.

Of course, sweetheart,he says softly, palms swallowing my cheeks as he brings his forehead to mine. You're my greatest blessing. You couldn't get rid of me even if you tried. Forever, remember?

Forever. No take backs?

He shakes his head, No fucking take backs... I love you.

Say it again,I breathe out.

I love you.

Again?

He laughs against my skin, goosebumps scattering against the surface. I love you, my beautiful girl.

As I love you... You know, I've always wanted a love confession in the rain,I confess, standing on the tips of my toes as my arms find their way around his neck. Head tilting up to catch his stormy eyes, he smiles that beautiful smile down at me. Not as angsty as I would've liked, but this works. This works perfectly fine-

He laughs out a 'shut up', palm striking my ass as I bring his mouth to mine, smiles wide and drunk in love. The rain continues to beat down on us and against the cracked cement, but neither of us attempt to rush back in the direction of our hotel room.

We stay like this, under the stars and heavy clouds-our witnesses to the story that unfolds-as we kiss, and kiss, and kiss.

aaaaaand that's it!

thank you so much for reading. i'm going to miss these characters so much. there'll be a few bonus chapters so look out for them.

but other than that, thank you all so so so so much for reading. i'm getting a little emotional, but i genuinely wouldn't be here without you guys. and for the 700k reads? thank you. thank you. thank you.

i really, really hope you've loved these characters as much as i have <3

you guys are the best.

i will be out with another social media book, so keep an eye out for that. and if you wanna keep up to date with me, follow my IG at friesandcries.wp !

thank you again guys!