Liam maneuvered effortlessly through the crowd, Ella perched comfortably on his back, her laughter ringing above the market's chatter. "Hold on tight, Ella! I don't want to lose you in this sea of people," Liam joked, dodging a vendor carrying a crate of oranges. "As if you could ever lose me," Ella replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Liam glanced up, concern etching his features. Ella clutched his shoulders tighter, feeling the sudden chill in the air. "Looks like we're in for a storm," she remarked, a hint of excitement in her voice. "Let's find shelter before it gets worse," Liam suggested, turning towards a nearby café with a welcoming glow.

Liam sighed with relief, setting Ella down gently. "Looks like we're going to be here for a while," he said, glancing at the rain pouring outside. "I don't mind," Ella replied, wrapping her hands around a steaming mug. "It's nice to just sit and talk sometimes."

Ella took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Liam's. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you," she began, her voice steady yet soft. Liam leaned closer, sensing the gravity of her words. "I'm listening, Ella. You can tell me anything,"

Ella hesitated for a moment, then spoke with conviction. "Liam, you've always been more than a friend to me. I just needed you to know." Liam felt a rush of emotions, his heart full. "Ella, I feel the same way," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Liam reached across the table, taking Ella's hand in his. "I guess sometimes it takes a storm to see things clearly," he mused, a smile tugging at his lips. Ella returned his smile, squeezing his hand gently. "I'm glad we weathered it together," she said, her eyes reflecting the café's warm glow.