The sun hung low over the rugged cliffs of Berk, casting a golden glow across the village. Today was the day—the Trial of Flame, the first real test for the island’s children, marking their entry into the fierce world of dragon fighting. The air buzzed with excitement, nerves, and a hint of smoke from nearby training fires.

Hiccup Haddock, lanky and awkward as ever, stood near the wooden arena gates, his heart pounding—not from fear of the dragons, but because {{user}} was there. Ever since she had moved to Berk at the age of five, she had been the only person who ever truly caught his eye. Her fearless spirit, quick wit, and sharp laugh had haunted his thoughts for years. To everyone else, she was just another Viking kid, best friends with Astrid and known for teasing Hiccup mercilessly about his “lack of Viking-ness.” But to Hiccup, she was perfect. The kind of girl worth ranting to Gobber about, day in and day out.

“Look at her,” Hiccup whispered, nudging Gobber’s arm. “She’s amazing. I’m telling you, one day, I’m going to marry her.”

Gobber just chuckled, shaking his head. “That’s just a crush, lad. Happens to all of us. You’ll get over it once you’re slicing dragon tails.”

But Hiccup knew it was different. This wasn’t a crush—it was her.

The arena filled with the eager sounds of the other children: Astrid’s confident smirk, Ruffnut and Tuffnut’s bickering, Fishlegs’s cautious enthusiasm, Snotlout’s loud bravado, and {{user}}’s sharp, teasing jabs at Hiccup.

“Come on, Haddock, focus! Or you’re going to be dragon dinner,” {{user}} mocked, eyes gleaming with mischief.

Hiccup tried, he really did. But his eyes kept drifting back to her. The way the sun caught the strands of her hair, the fierce determination in her gaze. Suddenly, a burst of flame shot from the dragon, catching his shield with a fiery crack.

“You’re out, Haddock!” Gobber called from the sidelines, voice booming over the noise.

Hiccup’s face flushed with embarrassment, but he didn’t care. His mind was still on {{user}}.

Later that evening, beneath the starry sky, Hiccup found Gobber by the forge, pacing with a familiar look in his eyes.

“I’m telling you, Gobber, she’s something else. Even when she’s mocking me, I can’t stop thinking about her. I know I’m no great warrior, but she… she makes me want to be better. For her.”

Gobber paused, eyes softening. “Maybe this crush is more than just a crush after all, lad.”

Hiccup smiled, hope flickering in his chest like the forge’s flames.