Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows as Sophia stirred red bean paste in the kitchen. She hadn't expected Ethan to appear in the doorway so suddenly.

"I love you," the words tumbled out before she could stop them.

Only then did she realize how abrupt it sounded.

Her ears burned instantly.

Ethan leaned against the doorframe, his eyes crinkling with amusement like rippling spring water.

He took the bowl from her hands. "Say it again."

"No." Sophia turned to fetch the chilled rice cakes.

Ethan wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Just once."

His breath tickled her ear, making her heartbeat stutter.

"I love you," she whispered.

Those three words melted Ethan's heart like honey. He tightened his embrace and pressed a kiss to her neck.

Sophia carried the desserts to the living room with Ethan following close behind.

Sunlight outlined her slender silhouette, gilding strands of her hair with golden flecks.

Suddenly, he caught her hand.

"What's wrong?" Sophia turned.

Ethan gazed at her. "You're beautiful."

She laughed and pulled her hand free. "Eat your dessert."

The moment she set down the tray, he swept her up in his arms.

"Ethan!" she gasped.

He carried her upstairs. "I missed you."

By the time the bedroom door clicked shut, her red bean paste was still steaming.

When they returned downstairs, the desserts had gone cold.

Sophia reheated them while Ethan watched her busy figure from the dining table.

"Why does it have to be you?" he asked abruptly.

Her hands stilled.

"Maybe because..." He came up behind her and embraced her. "You're my light."

Sophia's eyes grew moist.

"Let's go to the amusement park," she changed the subject. "I want to ride the carousel."

The weekend crowd buzzed with excitement.

Sophia's skirt fluttered as she rode the carousel. Ethan stood by the railing, his eyes never leaving her.

"Watch out!"

A sudden shout made Sophia jerk. Before she could react, two pairs of hands reached for her simultaneously.

She looked up into Kyle's worried eyes.

"Kyle?"

The air froze.

Ethan's expression turned icy.

Lillian came running up, breathless. "You're too fast, Kyle!"

She clung to his arm, glancing between the three of them.

"Mrs. Sullivan has her husband with her. Why bother?"

Sophia immediately linked arms with Ethan. "Let's try something else."

As they walked away, Lillian's voice carried after them: "Why won't you look at me, Kyle?"

His reply was lost in the crowd.

Sophia peeked at Ethan's tense profile.

"Jealous?" She poked his arm.

Ethan scoffed but pulled her closer.

At sunset, they kissed in the Ferris wheel.

"I love you," Sophia said.

This time, the words came naturally.

Ethan rested his forehead against hers. "I know."

Because she was his light. That's why it had to be her.