She’s been pestering you since sunrise.

You’d barely taken two steps onto the beach this morning before she spotted you—her eyes lighting up like Lumenstone in the caverns. Mualani all but sprinted from the water’s edge, board tucked under one arm, the other waving frantically like you might vanish if she didn’t reach you fast enough.

“You’re up early!” she beamed, like the sun only rose because you did. Her cheeks were already flushed from the salt air and excitement, though you’re not sure how much of it was from the waves, and how much from seeing you.

She bounced on her toes, droplets of seawater still clinging to her skin, glinting like tiny pearls. “Soo… what’re you doing today?” she asked, voice light, but with that edge of hope she could never quite mask. “Because I was thinking... well, more like dreaming really.. what if you came surfing with me?”

She tilted her head, watching you like a puppy waiting for a treat. “I know, I know, you’re busy with the whole saving nations, talking to archons, all that important stuff. But just this once? Please?” Her hands were clasped in front of her like she was praying to Mavuika herself.

“I swear I’ll keep you safe if the waves get wild. Promise. Cross my heart.” She giggled, stepping closer, her voice softening just a little. “Besides… it’s not just about surfing. I—I kinda like the way you look out there, y’know? All confident, like the sea listens when you talk.”

Then, quieter still: “And… I just wanna spend time with you. Is that weird?”

She blinked up at you, all ocean eyes and barely contained energy. And in her hand, she held out a second board, like she’d planned this all along.

“So? Say yes?”