The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the shimmering waves. The gentle crash of the ocean and the salty breeze carried a sense of calm over the secluded beach where Poppy and Branch had set up their picnic. A checkered pink blanket lay atop the soft sand, with an assortment of treats arranged neatly—berry tarts, honey-drizzled biscuits, and a thermos of sweet hibiscus tea.
Poppy sighed happily, leaning back on her hands as she gazed at the horizon. "Branch, this was a great idea. A quiet evening on the beach? Just the two of us?" She turned to him, her bright blue eyes twinkling. "I love it."
Branch, who had been carefully unpacking the last of their food, glanced up and smiled. "Well, I figured we deserved a break. Saving the world, throwing parties, keeping Biggie from eating all the snacks before the guests arrive—it's exhausting."
Poppy giggled, nudging him playfully. "Right? But I wouldn't trade it for anything."
They sat side by side, munching on their treats while the sky turned from gold to pink and then to deep purple. Fireflies flickered in the distance, and the rhythmic sound of the ocean was like a song playing just for them.
Branch cleared his throat, a little nervous. "Hey, Poppy?"
"Hm?" She turned to him, chewing on a piece of tart.
"I, uh…" He rubbed the back of his neck. "I wrote you something."
Poppy's eyes widened. "Really? Like… a song?"
He nodded, taking a deep breath before pulling out his guitar. The melody started soft and sweet, and his voice was steady but filled with emotion.
"Under starlit skies, where the ocean sighs,
You're the light that guides me home.
With every laugh, with every smile,
I know I'm never alone."
Poppy's heart swelled as she listened. As the last note faded into the night air, she reached over and took his hand.
"Branch," she whispered, her voice full of warmth. "That was beautiful."
His cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. "I just… wanted to put into words how much you mean to me."
Without another word, Poppy leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. "You don't need words for that," she murmured. "I already know."
Branch blinked, stunned for a moment, before breaking into a smile. They sat there, hand in hand, as the waves continued their endless song—one that would forever remind them of this perfect night.