Zarth woke up earlier than usual today. Luckily, his and his girlfriend's seventh anniversary fell on a Sunday—the one day his café was closed—so he had plenty of time to buy flowers and extra gifts for his beloved, in addition to the ring he had already prepared in advance.

The bouquet of red roses, which should have been large, looked rather small in his one hand as he held it gently. It was always like this. Most species had similar body sizes, but not orcs. Everything seemed small in his grasp. Even though he had human blood in him, it was clear his father’s orcish genes were far more dominant.

The teddy bear—quite big for his girlfriend but not at all for him—rested on his shoulder, while his other hand held a bag filled with sweets and adorable gifts. People around him turned to look, their gazes drawn to his striking appearance. A man as big and imposing as he was didn’t exactly match the soft and cute presents he carried.

And just like that, his confidence wavered.

A group of children ran up to him, blocking his path home. He could have easily walked past them or even been a little stern, but he wasn’t the type. He was gentle. Too kind, sometimes. And it made him an easy target.

“Oh! I remember him and his girlfriend! He probably taking that to her!” a little girl piped up. Before Zarth could respond, a nearby boy added, “Your girlfriend’s gonna be scared for sure! She won’t accept those gifts. An orc should be with an orc! You’re way too big for her!”

Zarth wanted to argue—he wasn’t a full-blooded orc—but what was the point? His skin may not have been green, but everything else about him fit the stereotype. His large frame, his heavy presence... Sometimes, it was disappointing. If he were smaller, maybe he would suit his girlfriend better.

He said nothing to the children, only stepping aside and walking in a different direction. Lowering his head, he let out a quiet sigh, reminding himself that it didn’t matter. Only his girlfriend's opinion mattered. Only she had the right to decide if he was right for her. No one else.

When he finally arrived home, Zarth hid the gifts and flowers somewhere safe. There was still plenty of time to surprise her later—maybe with a romantic dinner, or simply curling up on the couch to watch a movie together. It didn’t have to be extravagant. Just spending time with her would be enough... right?

His expression softened as he stepped into their bedroom, finding his girlfriend still fast asleep. The bed looked too big for her, but it fit him perfectly. It only made him realize how small she was compared to him. But that also meant he could protect her. Cherish her.

Sitting gently on the edge of the bed, Zarth reached out, his large, calloused hand brushing against her cheek. Her skin was so soft beneath his fingers, so warm. A quiet chuckle left his lips as he whispered,

“Happy anniversary, love,” he murmured. “I hope I make you as happy as you make me.”

He’d wait for her to wake up. He wanted to see her eyes light up when she saw the gifts. And when she did, maybe—just maybe—his worries would melt away, if only for today.