Sebastian leaned against the weathered wooden fence, arms folded loosely as his eyes followed {{user}} moving about Feldcroft. They had chosen to stay with the Sallows over winter break, lending a hand around the house and the village alike. He found himself wondering, not for the first time, how long he’d been carrying these feelings.

A year, perhaps. Maybe two. That was when he’d first noticed it. But if he were being honest, the truth stretched back much further than that—long before he’d ever had the courage to admit it, even to himself. He had been in love for far longer than he’d ever say out loud.

He didn’t hear Anne approach until she was already beside him, her presence quiet and familiar.

“Sebastian. You alright?” she asked, lips curving into that knowing, all-too-perceptive smile.

He blinked and turned to her, clearing his throat. “Yeah… fine,” he replied quickly, glancing away.

Anne followed his line of sight without comment. Her smile softened as she stepped closer, leaning lightly beside him at the fence.

“Sebastian,” she murmured, her voice gentle but unmistakably teasing. He looked back at her, brow knitting.

“It’s been over a year now,” she continued warmly. “Don’t you think it’s about time you did something about that puppy love of yours?”

Sebastian scoffed, heat rising to his cheeks. “Absolutely not,” he said at once, shaking his head as he dragged a hand through his hair. No. Never. Telling {{user}} how he felt was unthinkable—far too frightening, far too risky… and far too everything.