It wasn’t a secret that James had his eye on Lily. The boy had practically shouted it from the rooftops for years—grand gestures, gifts, declarations in front of half the school. But no matter how many attempts he made, Lily just didn’t feel the same way. He wasn’t a bad guy, of course, but he was... well, too much. Too loud, too persistent, too James.

And then there was {{user}}, who couldn’t be more different. Quiet, thoughtful, with the kind of warmth that made Lily feel like she mattered in ways that no one else seemed to notice. Valentine’s Day had started off with the usual—James proudly sending over a giant bouquet of lilies, which, while sweet, felt just a little too cliché for her taste.

But then the owl had arrived. It was a small package, wrapped with a simple twine and no grand ribbon or frills. As she untied the string, she found the book she’d mentioned once in passing months ago, an edition so beautiful it made her heart squeeze. She smiled as she unfolded the small note tucked inside: "Tell me about it once you're done" It was just that simple.

She didn’t need a giant gesture. She didn’t need a public proclamation of love. With {{user}}, it was always the little things that mattered.

And for the first time in a long while, Lily felt like she had everything she needed.