The day began like any other in the lagoon, with the Techno Trolls grooving to mellow beats as the sun glinted off the water. But Synth wasn't feeling his usual rhythm. For the first time, he wasn't in sync with the world around him. His thoughts kept circling back to Branch; how Branch had opened up a little during their time together, how they'd laughed and shared moments Synth never thought he'd get to experience.

The two spend more time together doing fun things together. Synth was understanding of Branch and why he didn't like the whole party and loudness. Synth was more understanding and even helped Branch work through his anxiety. The more time Snyth spent with Branch, the more he was falling for him. And now, Synth had decided it was time to come clean; he was going to tell Branch how he felt. But first, Synth needed a little advice.

In Pop Village, Floyd and Poppy were organizing an impromptu sing-along. The colorful chaos of Pop Troll life was in full swing when Synth wandered into the village. He approached Floyd, who was fine-tuning his guitar and nudged him on the shoulder. "Hey, Floyd, got a sec?" Synth asked, shifting nervously.

"Always for you, Synth," Floyd said with a grin. "What's up?"

Floyd and Snyth walked away to a spot where it was more private. Synth hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. "I... I'm thinking about telling Branch how I feel."

Floyd's grin widened as he leaned back, propping his guitar on his lap. "I knew this day would come. Took you long enough."

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Synth said, rolling his eyes. "But seriously, I don't want to mess this up. Branch is... different. He's not the kind of troll you can just burst into a love song for, you know?"

"True," Floyd agreed. "Branch likes subtlety. Keep it simple, honest, and low-key. Don't make it a big production."

"Got it," Synth said, nodding.

Unfortunately for Synth, Poppy had overheard the tail end of the conversation. She skipped over, practically buzzing with curiosity. "Synth! Did I hear you say you like someone?" Poppy asked, her voice bright with excitement.

Synth stiffened, his cheeks flushing. "Uh, no, I didn't say that!" he stammered.

"Oh, come on! You can tell me!" Poppy pleaded, clasping her hands together dramatically.

Synth wanted to but then he remembered that Branch really didn't like being the center of attention. And if Poppy found out then she would make a huge fuss about it; hosting a huge coming out party, and even use their relationship as an example of Trollstopia. So Synth refused to put Branch in the spotlight like that. He planned to keep it a secret. "Nope! Not happening," Synth replied, holding his ground. "It's... it's personal."

Poppy pouted but quickly shifted gears, her smile returning. "Alright, fine. But whoever it is, they're super lucky to have you crushing on them."

Synth laughed nervously. "Thanks, Poppy. Now, if you'll excuse me..."

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a soft, golden glow over the lagoon. Branch sat on a rock, staring out at the water as the waves gently lapped against the shore. Synth watched him from a distance, his heart racing. Today was the day. The feelings he had for Branch had been growing for weeks, and he couldn't hide them any longer.

He walked slowly towards Branch, knowing that words might not be enough. Floyd was hiding behind some bushes and gave him a thumbs up. As Synth sat down next to Branch on the rock, he took a deep breath. Branch glanced over, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Hey, Synth. What's up?"

Instead of answering with words, Synth gave Floyd the signal and then he began to strum his guitar, the melody flowing naturally. He closed his eyes, letting the music take over. He didn't need to say anything. The song would speak for him.

Synth:

I scream at the top of my lungs,

You keep it all bottled up

We're different that way (different that way)

But please don't ever change (don't ever change)

Synth sang softly, his voice full of emotion. Branch's smile faltered as he listened, sensing the weight behind the words. He turned slightly to face Synth, but didn't say anything, letting him continue.

It might feel like it's only us

Lookin' for our kinda love and maybe that's true

But I'm so glad that it's you

Synth's voice trembled slightly as he sang the next lines, his heart on the line. He wanted Branch to know; he wanted Branch to feel the truth behind these words.

I wish you knew that you're fantastic

I'll be right here, whatever happens

When all said and done

You'll always be the one that I keep coming back to

Branch's expression softened, his breath catching in his throat. He knew something important was being said, but the full meaning was just starting to sink in.

In a heartbeat, I'd choose you

Hope you know you'll never dance alone

So, don't you worry, don't need to

In a heartbeat, I'd choose you

Synth glanced at Branch, his eyes filled with sincerity. Branch stared at him, speechless, as the words of the song seemed to echo in his mind. In a heartbeat. Choose me. Could it really be true? Synth then took Branch's hand and the two of them started to slow dance.

You make me feel like myself

Why would I go anywhere else?

How crazy I am (crazy I am)

Somehow, you understand (you understand), yeah

You're the sweetest guy I've ever met (I've ever met)

I'm as lucky as lucky can get, too good to be true

Knowing somebody like you

Branch blushed, listening to every word of the beautiful love song.

I wish you knew that you're fantastic

But I don't have to tell you, this is magic

When all said and done

You'll always be the one that I keep coming back to

In a heartbeat, I'd choose you

Hope you know (I hope you know), you'll never dance alone

So, don't you worry, don't need to

In a heartbeat, I'd choose you

In a heartbeat, in a heartbeat, I'd choose you

(Oh-oh-oh-oh) don't you worry, you can trust me, I won't lose you

The future, we can't control

But all I know is everything that I need

I have with the boy who chose me (when)

When all said and done

You'll always be the one that I keep coming back to

In a heartbeat, I'd choose you

Hope you know (I hope you know), you'll never dance alone

So, don't you worry, don't need to

In a heartbeat, I'd choose you

You (In a heartbeat), you (In a heartbeat)

I'd choose you (In a heartbeat)

In a heartbeat

Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh (In a heartbeat, in a heartbeat)

I'd choose you (In a heartbeat)

In a heartbeat

Synth let the final notes linger in the air before stopping, the guitar resting gently in his lap. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Branch didn't know what to say, but the look on his face said everything. Synth finally broke the silence with a quiet, almost shy voice. "Branch, I like you. Like, really like you. More than just as a friend."

Branch froze, his expression unreadable. The silence stretched for a moment that felt like forever. Synth rushed to fill the gap. "And, like, I get it if you don't feel the same way. I just thought you should know. You're... you're incredible, Branch. You make me want to be better, and—"

"Synth," Branch interrupted, holding up a hand.

Synth braced himself, his heart sinking. But then Branch surprised him. "I... I don't know how to feel about this," Branch admitted, his voice quiet. "I've never... done this kind of thing before. I do like you as well. But I have no idea how to be in a relationship. No one liked a troll who was gray."

Synth took Branch's hand and gently squeezed it. He then wrapped his arms around Branch and hugged him. Branch hesitated but he hugged Snyth back. "Branch, we can take this slow. It's new for both of us. By the way, I didn't say a word to anyone else besides your brother about us. I know you do not like being in the spotlight and I'm not going to let Poppy use our relationship for a public stunt." Synth spoke with a hint of protectiveness.

Synth's heart raced as he waited, unsure if Branch would turn away or understand. But Branch's expression softened further, and he stepped closer. "In a heartbeat," Branch said quietly, his voice full of something that made Synth's heart skip, "I'd choose you, too."

For the first time in a long while, Synth allowed himself to breathe. His smile was small, but it was genuine, his whole body relaxing in a way it hadn't before. "You would?"

"Yeah," Branch said, a little more confidently now. "You've always been there for me... I think I'm ready to give this a chance."

Synth smiled, a warmth spreading through him. "You have no idea how much that means to me."

The two of them stood there, in the soft glow of the setting sun, letting the quiet moments between them speak louder than anything else. Floyd watched from a distance, a proud smile on his face. He strummed his guitar softly, humming a tune as he saw his little brother opening up in a way he hadn't seen in years.