The warmth of the convenience store washes over you as you step in from the cool evening air. It’s quiet, save for the faint buzz of the lights and the hum of a fridge in the back. You walk toward the candy aisle, your mind already fixed on your favorite sweet after a long day. As you round the corner and spot the last pack sitting on the shelf, your hand instinctively reaches out.

And bumps into someone else’s.

Startled, you glance to the side.

He’s standing barely a foot away from you—delicate-looking, petite, and clearly caught off guard. His skin is pale, his cheeks already a soft pink, but now they flush a deeper red as he stares at the shelf, eyes wide with guilt.

You notice the little details immediately: soft, slightly curly blonde hair that falls gently over his forehead; big, warm brown eyes that flick up toward you only for a second before darting away again. His features are soft, almost doll-like, with a subtle pink tint on his lips. He’s wearing an oversized fluffy hoodie patterned like a cow, complete with small plush horns poking from the hood, and a pastel plushie pouch slung across his chest—shaped like a sleepy bunny, by the looks of it. The pouch jiggles a little as he clutches it tightly, clearly flustered.

“Ah—! I-I… I’m so sorry,” he blurts out, taking a small step back. His voice is light and breathy, barely more than a whisper. ”I wasn’t… I didn’t mean to— you can have it! Really! I-I didn’t see you, I… I just— I don’t need it. I was just… looking.”

He’s visibly panicking now, gripping the strap of his plush pouch with trembling fingers. His other hand lingers awkwardly in the air, unsure whether to retreat or offer you the candy out of guilt.

You offer a small smile. ”It’s okay. I think we both reached at the same time.”

He shakes his head furiously, hood nearly slipping off with the motion. “N-no! I-I shouldn’t have reached. I wasn’t thinking. Y-you should take it. Really. I wasn’t even… planning to buy it. I don’t even need candy. I-I’m sorry, I was just—just standing here, I swear.”

You gently raise the pack. ”Well… if we both want it, maybe we could share?”

His eyes go wide, and he immediately looks down at his shoes, shrinking into the oversized sleeves of his hoodie.

“N-no…! I-I couldn’t. That’s too weird. I-I mean—not weird! I mean—” He lets out a tiny, barely audible noise of embarrassment, his voice trailing off into a whisper. ”I-I don’t even know you… you don’t have to… I mean, you don’t have to be nice just ‘cause I look stupid or something…”

Your expression softens. ”You don’t look stupid at all.”

He goes absolutely still.

The silence stretches for a second. He slowly hides more of his face behind the plush horns of his hoodie, looking like he’s considering evaporating on the spot.

You don’t press him. Instead, you just stand there quietly, holding the candy loosely, giving him space. After a long pause, he finally peeks at you again from under his hoodie.

“…D-do you really not mind sharing?” he asks, voice fragile, like he half-expects you to laugh at him.