"Let's go stargazing tonight!"

You were so excited when you said that, shining like a child's. I agreed, of course. How could I refuse? It would be fun, just the two of us. You, me, and the stars.

I was a bit nervous on the drive out of the city, but it was just because of the dark. It was so beautiful, even just driving out. The stars looked like gems wrapped in the midnight blue velvet of the sky. 

Once we got far enough away from the lights, we pulled over and got out. Sitting on top of the car, you pointed out the constellations to me. You loved the stars, and I loved hearing you talk about them. You always looked so happy when you told me about the stories behind all of them. 

"Look, Altair, Deneb, and Vega," you said, pointing each one out. "They  make up the Summer Triangle! You see..."

I was speechless. This moment with you, under that brilliant expanse of shimmering lights, was perfect. I never wanted it to end. I wanted to tell you how I felt. You had run out of things to say about the Summer Triangle for now, and we were both quiet.

"Hey, listen..." I started, but I couldn't muster the nerve to say more. You looked over quizzically.

"Hmm?"

"... The stars are really pretty tonight, aren't they?"

I didn't say it, I couldn't say it...

Your face split into a broad grin, and you nodded happily.

"They really are!"

Since when, since when I wonder, have I been chasing after you? I was such a coward that I couldn't even tell you how I felt. But, just being by your side will do...

That summer night, those glimmering stars, I remember them even now. You didn't know, you don't know even now, what I was going to say that day. It's a secret only I know. Three words, left unsaid.