The crisp February air held a hint of spring as Emmett walked towards Elisia's dorm, a small, carefully wrapped box clutched in his hand. Valentine's Day. The day he'd been dreading and anticipating for years. Years of unspoken feelings, years of watching Elisia from afar, years of silently wishing he could bridge the gap between friendship and something more. Today, he would finally confess his love. His heart hammered against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the quiet rhythm of his footsteps. He’d rehearsed his confession countless times, each iteration slightly different, each one ending with the same hopeful, terrified anticipation. He reached Elisia’s door, his hand hovering over the doorknob, a mixture of excitement and fear churning within him. He took a deep breath, rem
