𝓔𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓼𝓾𝓷𝓼𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓮

Elena stood in front of her mirror, smoothing down the hem of her dress. It was simple but pretty—light blue, with thin straps and a soft, flowing skirt. Her hair was curled loosely, framing her face, and her makeup was minimal aside from a soft pink gloss on her lips. A smile tugged at her mouth as she caught her reflection.

Six months. It had been six whole months since she and Mason had officially gotten together, and it still felt like a dream sometimes. They had always been close, but now it was different. Now it was more.

Her phone buzzed on the dresser, and her heart skipped when she saw Mason's name flash across the screen.

Mason: I'm outside Come down baby.

Elena grabbed her jacket and slipped on her shoes before heading downstairs. The house was quiet—Aaron was at basketball practice, and her mom had left for work earlier that day. The evening sun cast a golden glow through the windows as she opened the front door and stepped outside.

Mason was leaning against his car, hands tucked into the pockets of his black jacket. His hair was slightly messy, in that effortlessly perfect way he somehow always pulled off. When he saw her, his face lit up in a way that made her stomach flutter.

"Hi," she said, walking toward him.

"Hi," he replied, smiling. His eyes ran over her, soft and full of warmth. "You look... wow."

She laughed. "You say that every time."

"And every time, I mean it," Mason said, pushing off the car and stepping closer. He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her cheek. "Ready for tonight?"

"Depends," she teased. "Where are you taking me?"

Mason smirked. "You'll see."

They got into the car, and Mason laced his fingers through hers as he drove. Elena watched the world blur past the window, the music playing softly in the background. Her hand fit perfectly in his, like it belonged there.

Twenty minutes later, Mason pulled up to the boardwalk—the same place where they had gone on their first official date. The lights from the ferris wheel shimmered in the twilight, and the sound of the ocean mixed with the distant laughter of people walking along the pier.

"You remembered," Elena said, her smile widening.

"Of course I remembered," Mason said. He climbed out of the car and walked around to open her door. When she stepped out, he pulled her close. "It's where this whole thing started."

They walked hand in hand down the boardwalk, passing the cotton candy stand and the arcade. Mason stopped when they reached the spot near the ferris wheel where they had shared their first date.

"I can't believe it's been six months," Elena said, looking up at him.

"I know," Mason said. His hand tightened around hers. "Feels like yesterday, but also like we've been doing this forever."

Elena laughed softly. "We kind of have."

Mason grinned. "Yeah, but now I actually get to kiss you without pretending it's nothing."

"Speaking of..." Elena teased.

Mason smiled and leaned down, his lips brushing hers softly at first, then deepening the kiss as his hand slid around her waist.

"Happy anniversary," Mason whispered against her lips.

"Happy anniversary," Elena whispered back.

When they pulled apart, Mason reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small box.

"Mason," Elena said, her eyes widening.

"Relax," he teased. "It's not a ring." He opened the box to reveal a delicate silver necklace with a small heart pendant. "I saw it a few weeks ago and... it made me think of you."

Elena's heart swelled. "It's beautiful."

"Here," Mason said, stepping behind her and clasping it around her neck. His fingers brushed against her skin, making her shiver. When he was done, he turned her around to face him. "Perfect."

She touched the pendant, smiling. "You didn't have to do this."

"I wanted to," Mason said. "Because you're everything to me, Elena."

Her breath caught in her throat.

"I love you," Mason said softly.

Elena's heart flipped. She stared at him for a moment, her lips parting. Then she smiled, her chest tightening in the best way.

"I love you too."

Mason's eyes lit up, and he leaned down to kiss her again. When they pulled apart, Elena grabbed his hand.

"Come on," she said. "Let's go get some cotton candy."

Mason laughed. "You're perfect, you know that?"

Elena smiled, squeezing his hand. "I know."

They walked toward the cotton candy stand, fingers laced together, the lights of the boardwalk glittering around them. The night stretched out ahead of them, full of promise. And for the first time in a long time, Elena knew exactly where she belonged—right there, with Mason, forever.

— ETERNAL SUNSHINE —