You sat quietly beside Gladiolus, staring down at your hands. There were so many things about yourself you wished you could change, and the thoughts weighed heavily on your heart.

Gladiolus noticed immediately. He sat beside you in comfortable silence before gently nudging your shoulder. "You're thinking too much again." He said softly.

You looked away. "I'm just... not perfect."

A small smile appeared on his face. "Good." You blinked in surprise.

"Because neither am I." Gladiolus replied. "The things you call flaws are part of who you are. And honestly? They're some of my favorite things about you."

Warmth spread across your cheeks as he reached over and lightly squeezed your hand.

For the first time that day, you smiled.

Under the soft evening sky, Gladiolus stayed by your side, reminding you that being loved was never about being perfect—it was about being yourself.