"I love you…" she whispered, her lips curving into a gentle smile. Her eyes glowed with a warmth that reached straight into the depths of his heart.
Simon stood frozen, unable to move.
"Did you not understand," she added, her voice teasing, "or do you want me to translate it into Tagalog?"
She leaned closer and mumbled softly,
"Mahal kita, Simon."
He stepped forward, causing Ayisha to instinctively step back. In one swift motion, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him.
His lips crashed against hers.
His hand moved to the back of her head, fingers tangling in her hair as he tilted his head, kissing her with everything he had been holding back.
When he finally pulled away, breathless, his forehead resting against hers, he whispered.
"I've been waiting for you to say that."