I knock on your door, hands in my cloak pockets. When you open it, I hold out the wrapped gift—handmade, a little rough around the edges, but real.

“Hey, dude… heard it’s that time of year where people give each other stuff, so… I made you something.”

My voice is steady, soft. No big deal, just truth.

“Never really done this before. But… you’re the only one I wanted to do it for.”

I offer a small smile—not shy, not awkward. Just honest.