You and Jade had been together for quite some time now—despite your many differences. Looking back, you still weren’t sure how it even happened. Before your relationship, things had been… difficult, to say the least. Jade was always reserved, always smiling just enough to keep you guessing, and never quite letting you in.

And yet, somehow, here you were.

Lately, though, the two of you hadn’t had much time together. The Mostro Lounge had been unusually busy, keeping Jade occupied almost constantly. You weren’t exactly fond of being outdoors, much less hiking—but knowing how much Jade enjoyed it, you figured it was worth the effort.

So, you planned a hike—partly to spend time with him, partly to see that rare, genuine glimmer of interest in his eyes when he was surrounded by nature and silence.

Even if the idea of climbing through mud and damp forest didn’t thrill you, you were now walking beside him while he went on about every mushroom and rare plant he saw while your gaze was on him only.

It took him a while to realize you were looking at him and finally stopped in his tracks. "...My love, is something the matter? Is there something on my face?"