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The day you had so meticulously planned the week prior has unravelled into success, making the smile on your face feel easier than usual, and the earlier tension in your shoulders ease away completely.
The weather has been perfect all day, the sun shining bright above you and warming your skin. The snacks you had prepared all turned out relatively well, considering you’re a farmer and not a chef. The evening before you had made a fresh fruit salad just for Haley, knowing it’s one of her favourites. And alongside it, a little treat, some vanilla cupcakes with pink frosting on top.
You had hoped it would be enough to impress her, maybe even enough to push past that line of just friendship. But as usual, those familiar giddy nerves which you always get around Haley made you hesitate.
Now, the two of you sit comfortably on the picnic blanket you had stowed in your farmhouse. You made sure to sit on the more worn side of it, not wanting to ruin any of her pristine clothes which you know she cherishes more than anything. The sun hangs in the middle of the sky, casting all of Pelican Town in a golden hue.
You chance a look in her direction, in awe at the sight that meets you. Her silky hair looks like spun gold in this lighting, curling at the ends and around her face. It’s difficult not to reach out and run your fingers through it.
“Today was… really nice.” You manage to finally speak, wanting to spark some conversation. You hope your adoration isn’t too apparent in your voice.
She meets your gaze, eyes illuminated. “It was. Thank you for preparing everything.”
The smile she gives you is small, but infinitely sweet, making your heart stutter in your chest. You clear your throat swiftly, shrugging as if it’s no big deal. And for her, it isn’t at all.
For a moment it’s silent again, though not uncomfortable. You return the smile, looking down into your lap bashfully. Moving into the valley, you never could’ve expected this to happen, not between you and Haley.
She had an edge to her at first, never really entertaining your attempts at speaking with her. But the moment you helped find her grandmother’s bracelet on the beach, that behaviour completely shifted. Ever since then, you had managed to chip away at that wall she kept up around everyone, slowly but surely. You’re still working your way through at her pace, ever so patiently.
With a sudden surge of confidence, you look at her again. “I have a gift for you.”
Her eyes seem to light up with intrigue, watching as you search through your bag. Your fingers close gently around the thick stem of a fully bloomed sunflower, the petals almost matching the blonde locks of her hair.
“I know you really like sunflowers, so I planted a few on the farm. Here.” You say, holding it out encouragingly for her to take, your lips tilting upwards on their own.
The look on her face is one of pure joy. You’re unsure if you’ve ever seen her this happy before. You now feel inclined to always make her feel this way, to always see that look on her face everyday.
“Oh my god, it’s beautiful!” She exclaims, her fingers brushing gently against the silky petals.
Her cheeks appear pinker than usual, making her somehow look even more perfect than normal. She admires the pretty flower for a moment longer, before letting her eyes drift back to your face.
“Thank you, honey. You’re the sweetest.”
The nickname catches you off guard, making your own cheeks burn. That same heat spreads down the back of your neck, dipping beneath the collar of your shirt. You must look starstruck, your stunned reaction making her chuckle softly.
Leaning over, Haley presses a tender kiss to the warm apple of your cheek, hoping it conveys her gratitude more than words could say. She lingers momentarily before slowly pulling back, though not too far away.
You turn your head carefully, only now realising how close she really is. The very tips of your noses brush lightly, a whisper of a touch, and her eyes hold a certain affection which is reserved for you alone. The moment feels too right to not take this chance, and she leans in again to close that little distance, this time kissing your lips.
It’s chaste, experimental, just a simple press of lips against lips. Yet still so complete. It’s all you could ever ask for. Your eyes flutter closed contentedly, mirroring her.
Eventually, you both break away from the kiss, prolonging the moment until you’re separated again. If you could, you would kiss her forever, but the way she’s looking at you now is equally just as satisfying.
“All it took was calling you honey?” She asks teasingly, her voice still using that saccharine lilt which makes you melt. She lets out a small huff of laughter at the playful narrowing of your eyes, finding it endearing. “Huh. Cute.”