You Are Most Beautiful Through the Lens Chapter 8

Back home, I opened Instagram and posted a photo of the sea that Ethan took of me.

Caption: "The sunset is infinite, because there is light in the heart."

The comments section flooded instantly.

Madison: "Girl! This photo is stunning! Who took it?"

Emily: "No need to guess, definitely Ethan. Are these two together?"

Jessica: "I ship it! I'm totally okay with this couple!"

Many strangers also commented: "So beautiful! Her vibe is amazing!"

I read them one by one, the corners of my mouth rising uncontrollably.

Just then, Ethan messaged: "Saw it. The photo is beautiful, but the person is more beautiful."

"Smooth talker," I replied with an eye-roll emoji.

"It's called telling the truth." He replied instantly. "By the way, want to go to Universal Studios tomorrow? Heard there's a new roller coaster."

"Roller coaster?" I hesitated. "I'm a bit afraid of heights."

"It's okay, I'll be with you." He sent a handshake emoji. "Plus, rumor has it the end of the ride gives a view of the entire LA nightscape, super romantic."

"Fine, let's go."

"Great! See you tomorrow!"

Putting down the phone, I suddenly realized—I was actually looking forward to tomorrow.

I hadn't felt this way in a long time.

...

The next day, Ethan picked me up on time.

Universal Studios was packed, filled with screams and laughter everywhere.

"Where to first?" I asked.

"Roller coaster, of course!" He grabbed my hand and walked forward excitedly.

While waiting in line, my palms started sweating.

Ethan noticed and gently squeezed my hand. "Don't be scared, I'm here."

"But I'm really afraid—"

"Trust me, you'll like it." He smiled. "And if you're really scared, just close your eyes. I'll hold your hand the whole time."

Finally, it was our turn.

The moment we sat on the coaster, my heart jumped into my throat.

"Ready?" Ethan turned to look at me.

"No—"

Before I could finish, the coaster started.

First a slow climb, then—

"Ahhhhhhh!"

I screamed and closed my eyes, one hand clutching the safety harness, the other tightly held by Ethan.

The coaster sped along the track, sharp turns, hanging upside down, diving—

Every moment felt like I was going to fly out.

But Ethan's hand held mine the whole time. That warmth and strength made me feel inexplicably safe.

Finally, the coaster began to slow down.

"Skylar, open your eyes." Ethan's voice sounded in my ear.

I slowly opened them—

Before me lay the entire night view of Los Angeles, millions of lights, dazzling and brilliant.

"Wow—"

"Pretty?" He asked with a smile.

"It's beautiful."

"Told you you'd like it."

The coaster slowly pulled into the terminal. My legs were still jelly when I got off.

Ethan supported me. "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay." I took a deep breath. "Although I was terrified, it was... definitely worth it."

"That's good." He sighed in relief. "By the way, I recorded you screaming just now."

"What?!" I widened my eyes. "Delete it! Delete it now!"

"No way, this is precious blackmail material." He grinned mischievously, holding the phone high. "If we argue in the future, I'll take it out and watch it. Guaranteed to make you soft-hearted instantly."

"Ethan Rivers!"

I lunged to grab his phone, but he dodged easily, and while I wasn't paying attention, he pulled me into a hug.

"Okay, okay, just teasing." He looked down at me, his eyes gentle. "Skylar, I'm really happy I could be with you today."

"Me too."

We hugged like that, people passing by, but it felt like only the two of us existed.

Suddenly, someone nearby yelled, "Kiss her! Kiss her!"

My face burned instantly, and I tried to break free from his embrace.

But Ethan lowered his head and planted a soft kiss on my forehead.

"Is this okay?" He whispered, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

My heart beat so fast it felt like it would explode.

"Yes."

He smiled, his eyes turning into crescent moons.

...

On the way home that night, we held hands the whole time.

"Did you have fun today?" He asked.

"Yeah, lots of fun."

"So... are we officially together?"

I paused, then laughed. "What do you think?"

"I hope so." He said seriously. "But I want to hear you say it."

I stopped walking, turned around, and looked at him.

"Ethan Rivers, will you be my boyfriend?"

He froze for a second, then excitedly picked me up and spun me around.

"Yes! Of course yes!"

After putting me down, he suddenly asked, "Can I post on Instagram to make it official?"

"Yes. But—" I thought for a moment. "I want to post together with you."

"Deal!"

That night, we each posted on Instagram.

I posted the photo of us looking at the night view at the end of the roller coaster ride. Caption: "From now on, I want to go on every adventure with you."

Ethan posted a photo of me by the sea. Caption: "The rest of life is long, I want to watch every sunset with you."

Instagram exploded instantly.

"Omg! Official!"

"I'm obsessed with this couple!"

"Congrats congrats! Be happy!"

Madison video called immediately. "Skylar Hayes! You didn't tell me in advance!"

"It was a surprise." I laughed.

"Awesome, I knew you guys would get together!" She danced with excitement. "By the way, did Tyler see it?"

"I don't know." I said indifferently. "It doesn't matter anymore."

"Right on!" Madison gave a thumbs up. "Let the past stay in the past. Ethan treating you well is what matters."

After hanging up, I saw a comment request on Instagram.

It was Tyler.

"Congrats on finding someone better. Hope you're happy."

I looked at the comment, feeling a mix of emotions.

After thinking about it, I clicked delete.

Some people, some things, really need to be turned over like a page in a book.