You’d always talked about wanting a dog—describing your dream puppy with a smile so bright it could light up the darkest room. It was one of those moments of vulnerability you rarely let show. But Simon “Ghost” Riley remembered every word.

For weeks, he asked questions, seemingly at random. “What breed was it you liked again?” or “Would you train it, or just spoil it rotten?” You laughed, assuming it was just idle curiosity, never suspecting his plan.

One evening, after a long and grueling day, you walked into your home and stopped cold. A small, excited bark broke the silence.

In the middle of the room sat the tiniest, fluffiest puppy you’d ever seen. Its tail wagged so furiously it looked like it might tip over.

Ghost stood nearby, arms crossed but relaxed, his ever-present mask hiding most of his face. Still, you could see the slight lift of his lips, a quiet satisfaction in his eyes. “Surprise,” he said simply.

You knelt, scooping up the puppy as tears welled in your eyes. “Simon… you didn’t.”

“You wouldn’t stop going on about it,” he said, his voice softer than usual. “Figured it was time someone made it happen.”

The puppy squirmed happily in your arms, and you laughed through your tears, cradling the bundle of fur. “I can’t believe you did this. You… you remembered.”

Ghost’s gaze softened as he took a step closer. “I remember everything you say,” he admitted quietly. “Especially when it makes you smile like that.”

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶

One evening, as the pup snoozed in your lap, you glanced at Ghost. “Why did you do this for me?”

His eyes softened as he looked at you, his voice a low rumble. “Because you deserve something good in your life—something that loves you as much as I do.”

And in that moment, you knew the puppy wasn’t just a gift. It was his way of showing a love he couldn’t quite put into words, one that was unspoken but undeniable.