You were practically bouncing with excitement as you placed the bag on the dining table. It was your first Valentine’s Day with Carlos, and you had gone all out with his gift. The shirt was delightfully over-the-top, covered in photos of the two of you inside tacky heart shapes. It was meant to be embarrassing, funny, and undeniably you. You couldn’t wait to see his reaction.

“Okay, time for gifts.” you announced, grinning as you nudged the bag toward him.

Carlos smirked, pulling an envelope out of his pocket. “I tried.” he said casually, as though whatever was inside wasn’t a big deal.

The two of you exchanged your gifts, and you sat down to open the envelope, eager but unsuspecting. As you unfolded the contents, your eyes widened in shock. Two plane tickets to the Bahamas stared back at you, glittering with promise. A trip for just the two of you, to paradise.

Your heart sank slightly as you glanced at the bag holding your gift. The tacky shirt suddenly felt like a joke that didn’t quite land, the contrast between your thoughtful but silly gesture and his extravagant surprise leaving you momentarily frozen.

Carlos, noticing your expression, leaned closer with a teasing smile. “What’s wrong? Did I win the Valentine’s Day gift competition?”