Tom x Reader / How to say it

Tom’s P.O.V.:

She is sitting beside me and I just can’t hold back the smile which spreads on my lips. I could feel the warmth of her side against mine. She is leaning against me and her head is resting on my shoulder.
I move my gaze from the TV to her. She is completely focussed on the movie which we are watching together.

Her skin looks so soft, her rosy cheeks make her look so adorable…
Her (e/c) are the most beautiful colour I’ve ever seen. Her lips are perfectly shaped and her features soft.
I look at her and she is indescribable beautiful. I could sit here forever and just watch her.

Then suddenly she gets up. She wants to leave because it’s late and the movie just ended.
I copy her movement and get up as well.

“I know it’s late, but please stay a bit longer.” I tell her with a cautious voice.
I bite my lip and now she turns her head to look at me.

“I really have to get home now. Sorry Tom.” she humms. Her voice sounds so sweet and her scent… she smells like strawberries.
I purse my lips at her reply and follow her into the hall.

I need to tell her.
I don’t know what’s wrong. My knees are weak and I am pale. In the movies it always seems to be so easy. I know it’s never real, but I wish it wouldn’t be so hard.

I need to tell her; my god she’s almost leaving now. She put on her jacket already and now she is putting on her shoes.

“Please, just a moment. I need to- I need to tell you something. I just don’t know how.”

Now I’ve got her interest. She watches me, waiting for me to speak.
‘Don’t look at me like that or I won’t get out a word.’ I think to myself.
Now I feel like a deer which stands in front of a tiger.

‘Don’t leave now. It would be best you’d never leave.’

I told her so often in my head. My heart is racing, and I close my eyes, inhaling deeply.

“What I am trying to tell you is, I LOVE YOU.”
I’ve put together all my courage for these simple words.
She just looks at me. Her lips are parted and she is stunned. I watch her carefully, waiting for a reply. I don’t care what it is, I just want to hear what she thinks.

Her lips open and close a few times. I guess she doesn’t know what to say.
I swallow down the lump in my throat, my hands shaking slightly.

“Tom….” She whispers. To hear my name from her lips is wonderful.

A smile spreads on her lips and her eyes are shining with joy. “I love you too.”

My heart is racing and a warmth is spreading in my chest. My belly feels like it is filled with butterflies as she steps closer.

Her lips press against mine gently. They are so soft and fit perfectly against my own. I press back into the kiss, my arms winding around her slim frame to hold her close. Our lips move against each others in a passionate and loving kiss.
One of her hands moves up to cup my cheek while her other arm wraps around my neck.

I know now, she will stay.