"Emma—ouch!" Junior groaned, wincing at the sharp pain in his body.
"Oh! Sorry!" Emma quickly loosened her hold, but she didn't pull away entirely. Instead, she rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "I just… I'm so happy you're okay," she murmured, her voice muffled against him.
Junior chuckled softly despite the pain, his hand coming up to rest lightly on her back. "I'm happy too. I couldn't bear to see you cry like that again," he said, his tone teasing but affectionate.
Emma pulled back just enough to look at him, her cheeks flushed. "You always say things like that," she said, pouting slightly, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her true feelings.
Junior grinned. "Because it's true."
Emma shook her head with a laugh, but then her expression grew serious. She leaned closer, her face mere inches from his. "I love you," she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion.
