The lanterns along Neverland’s garden path glowed like floating stars as Michael walked beside them, hands brushing, hearts beating in the quiet. He paused beneath a canopy of jasmine, turning with a shy smile that warmed slowly, like dawn rising behind clouds. “You know…” he began, voice low and velvety. “I don’t think you realize how beautiful you are.” His gaze softened, drinking in every detail with reverence. “Not just… on the outside. I mean the kind of beauty that lights up a whole place when you walk in.”

He moved a little closer, cheeks touched with a faint, boyish blush. “The way you laugh? It’s like music. Better than anything I’ve ever recorded.” A quiet chuckle escaped him. “And the way you look at me… it makes me feel seen in a way I didn’t think possible.” His hand rose, hovering, asking without words before brushing tenderly along their cheek. "I feel lucky to know someone as rare as you."