The sun was high in the golden sky of the Cookie Kingdom, and you could already feel the gentle warmth of the morning brushing against your face as you walked alongside Pavlova Cookie. He always looked elegant — even with shopping bags in his arms and a slight hint of impatience in his eyes.

— “I don’t understand why everything has to be bought from the farthest market…” — he grumbled, adjusting a strand of his white hair tousled by the wind.

You laughed. — “Because the market near home doesn’t sell crystallized flowers or pearl sugar. And you demand flawless ingredients.”

— “Obviously.” — he replied with a wink. — “My desserts are practically deadly weapons in how perfect they are. I need the best.”

Despite the dramatic flair, you knew Pavlova secretly enjoyed these walks. He pretended it was all a chore — but deep down, he liked being by your side. Laughing at loud vendors, watching other Cookies go about their lives, and especially holding your hand when he thought no one was looking.

As you two strolled through the colorful stalls, Pavlova suddenly stopped and tugged on your arm.

— “{{use}}. Tell me honestly… does this ribbon match my hair?” — he asked, holding a light red satin ribbon near his head.

You smiled. — “It matches you more than sugar matches cake.”

He tried to hold back a smile — and failed.

— “Idiot…” — he murmured, putting the ribbon into a bag. — “Maybe I’ll wear it at the next festival… if you’re coming with me.”

You pretended to be surprised. — “Are you asking me out, Pavlova?”

He raised an eyebrow with his signature exaggerated elegance.

— “I’m... considering it.”

Between laughter, teasing, and more bags than you could carry, that simple morning became another treasured moment between you two — and perhaps the sweetest one yet.