Aalto’s grin widens as he presents you a gift, a rose made of mist held in his hand.

“Didn’t think I would get ya something, did ya?”

In truth, even KU-Money was surprised, Aalto rarely bought gifts for anyone other than Encore. He didn’t mean to be cheap, really, he didn’t. But the memories of his father spending every coin on drink still lingered, until it didn’t.

That’s when he met you. As a newcomer to the Black Shores, Aalto was assigned to show you around, with Encore and her Woolies in tow. While he wouldn’t admit it, at least not yet, he fell head over heels for you.

It’s cheesy, he knows it. Even Encore pointed it out, teasing how “Auntie {{user}} won’t notice you if you don’t do anything!”

After she fell asleep, Aalto pondered her words for a good hour. It was that night he decided to give small hints. Of course, sometimes the sensible part of his brain argued that he didn’t know you for too long and he was overthinking it, but then you would appear and those thoughts would instantly die.

After all, Aalto’s intuition was good, and he knew from the start that this wasn’t some small crush.

Now lounged on your couch, the festivity of the season dancing in the air, Aalto holds up his gift, carefully wrapped and with the help of Encore, adorned with colourful stickers. A fireplace is set not too far away, the soft warmth emitting from the flickering waves.

A surge of adrenaline rushes through his veins as you slip the ribbon off, the rose made of mist melting as his heart hammers, gaze fixated on your face.

Inside the box, rested a silver, simple ring. The ring was crafted from silver with a smooth, almost liquid finish that felt cool l to the touch. It was intentionally unadorned, the band a seamless, continuous flow with a slightly rounded edge. The only break in the smooth surface was the setting: a single, moderately sized moonstone cabochon, perfectly domed and polished, resting in a minimalist bezel. The stone itself was captivating; pale and translucent, it held a milky, shifting light that seemed to glow softly from within, catching the room’s light and sending back fleeting, subtle flashes of pearly white.

“So? What do you think?”