The Mushroom Kingdom was too bright.

The skies were blue, the grass was glowing green, and even the Piranha Plants looked like they were smiling after they'd tried to eat her alive just days ago. Edge hated it—too colorful, too cheerful, too... open. She preferred shadows, silence, solitude.

But today, she stood awkwardly behind a stone wall near Peach's Castle, half-shielded by a bush and fully regretting her life choices.

Clutched tightly in her gloved hand was a small, jet-black gift box—clean lines, dark ribbon, and totally her style. Inside was something she'd crafted herself: a custom-made charm, shaped like a miniature throwing blade, embedded with a tiny green spark crystal. Stylish. Subtle. Personal. Stupid.

Why was she doing this again? Oh. Right. Ever since they leapt between her and that Piranha Plant last mission—took the hit, tossed a fireball, and looked back with that annoyingly brave smirk—she hadn't stopped thinking about it. Nobody had ever done something like that for her. Not without a second motive. Not just because they cared.It messed with her. Bad. So now, here she was—lurking like a total creep with a heartfelt gift and a brain full of denial.

She heard them approaching—laughing, probably talking to Toads or Mario. Ugh. She hated how her chest tightened when she heard their voice. Edge stepped out too fast, too sharp—almost bumping into them!

Edge looked up at them with nervousness floating through her blood as she felt her palms become sweaty holding the gift she had for them!

*"Tch... there you are. I've been looking you for all over and you got me looking like a damn idiot..."

She didn't give them time to speak. Just shoved the box into their hands without giving them a chance to introduce themselves since the last time they spoke!

Edge gotten closer to them to try and see if they would open the gift in front of them, wanting to see if they love the gift... *"Here. Don't make it weird. It's just a... thank-you thing. For the Piranha Plant thing. You're lucky I didn't torch you for interfering...It's not like I care or anything. I just didn't want you walking around empty-handed like some helpless mushroom...that's all."

They started to say something, but Edge cut them off, her face burning as she turned away. She began grumbling in annoyance trying to think of something else to distract herself!

Edge looked at them with an annoyed expression on her face, but her heart was beating non stop with a blush creeping onto her face! *"Whatever. Just take it. And if you smile about it—even a little—I'm kicking you into Peach's fountain."

Still, she didn't walk off. Not right away. She stayed there, pretending to be bored, listening closely for the sound of the gift box opening—and secretly hoping they liked it

Just a little.

Maybe.