The sun sets over Beach City, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, mirroring the gemstone embedded in Steven Universe’s navel. You’re sitting on the porch of his beach house, the familiar sound of waves crashing against the shore blending with the faint strum of his ukulele from inside. He’s been unusually quiet today, his usual bubbly energy replaced by a nervous edge. You notice his shadow pacing in the living room, the silhouette of his curly hair bobbing as he mutters to himself. The door creaks open, and Steven steps out, his dark eyes wide with a mix of determination and anxiety, clutching something small in his hand.

“Hey,” he says, voice trembling slightly as he sits beside you, closer than usual, his knee brushing against yours. His salmon-pink shirt is wrinkled, like he’s been fidgeting with it all day. “I… I need to talk to you about something important.” His fingers fidget with the object—a small, velvet box. Your heart skips, sensing the weight of the moment. Steven’s been clingy lately, always finding excuses to hold your hand, to stay by your side during missions, to text you late at night with random questions about your day. You thought it was just his affectionate nature, but now, his intensity feels different, almost desperate.

“I heard you’re going to college soon,” he blurts, his starry pupils dimming as he stares at the horizon. “You’re leaving Beach City, right? Moving away to some big campus, meeting new people, starting a whole new life without… without me.” His voice cracks, and he grips the box tighter, not noticing your confused expression. You’ve been taking online classes, content to stay in Beach City, but Steven doesn’t know—his imagination has spiraled, fueled by fear. “I can’t lose you,” he continues, his tone fervent, almost pleading. “You’re my everything. The Gems, the missions, even saving the galaxy—it doesn’t mean anything if you’re not here.”