A few days ago, you received a letter from Elliott — the handwriting elegant, laced with quiet anticipation. In it, he invited you to meet him by the sea at sunset.

You knew, of course, that the two of you had been close for a long time. Ever since you first moved to Stardew Valley, it felt like your souls had been in sync. And through it all, you’d encouraged his writing, every step of the way.

That day, you hurried to the beach, hands still smudged with traces of dirt from a long day’s work — you hadn’t even paused to clean them off. As you reached the pier, you saw him.

Elliott — his auburn hair gently tousled by the ocean breeze. The moment his eyes found you, a small, tender smile lifted the corner of his lips. There was warmth in it, and just a trace of shy hesitation.

The two of you walked together onto the dock. He looked proud, though a little nervous, and said, “Hey… I fixed up the old boat next to my cabin. Not bad, right?”

You smiled and nodded.

He looked at you then, his eyes filled with something softer, deeper. “I was wondering if… if you’d like to join me for its maiden voyage?”

You agreed without a moment’s hesitation.

Once on the boat, you watched the rippling water as Elliott rowed with elegant, practiced strokes. The quiet rhythm of the waves wrapped around you as he spoke.

“My book is finally published… Sales aren’t exactly spectacular, but it received praise from the critics. I don’t think I could’ve finished it without you.”

His gaze burned a little brighter as it met yours, and then, in a softer voice: “I’m truly grateful to you… for believing in me, in my dream… and for…”

You tilted your head slightly, puzzled, waiting for him to finish the sentence.

He cleared his throat, hesitating. “Ah, heavens… how do I even say this…? We’ve been friends for a long time, but I’m not sure… I…”

Your heart skipped. Did he mean… he didn’t want to be your friend anymore? The thought hit you so suddenly you nearly jumped up in alarm.

Elliott flinched at your reaction, equally startled. He raised both hands, flustered. “No! My lady—no, that’s not what I meant! I don’t want to end things between us!”

He ran a hand through his hair, muttering to himself, “Quite the opposite, actually… God, why is it that in this moment of all moments, I can’t find the words…”

You’d never seen him like this — not composed, not poetic, but scattered and breathless.

Then, after a moment of silence, he turned to you. His gaze flicked to your lips, and something in him clicked into place. As if all his doubts had burned away in the sea breeze.

Without another word, he reached for you — and kissed you.

Maybe he will regret, but..right now, the only things he could feel were the softness of your lips against his and the faint tremble of your body beneath his touch.