The cool, synthetic hum of the Multinet Newswork station was the soundtrack to your evenings, specifically the dulcet tones of Black Sapphire Cookie. He was a master of misinformation, a purveyor of charming lies, and the enigmatic voice behind Earthbread’s most popular (and least truthful) podcast. And you, one of Shadow Milk Cookie’s loyal servants, was utterly, hopelessly smitten.

Every night, you’d tune in, listening to his smooth voice weave tales of fantastical scandals and exaggerated gossip. He often mentioned his anonymous "loyal fan" named Lyric, who sent him the most delightful and unusual gifts. He’d wonder aloud who Lyric was, his voice filled with a curious charm, completely oblivious that Lyric was you. Only Candy Apple Cookie and Shadow Milk Cookie knew your secret, and frankly, you sometimes regretted telling them.

Tonight was no different. Black Sapphire’s voice, a velvety caress, floated from your headset. "Another delightful, handmade star chart from my dear Lyric," he purred, a soft chuckle following. "Whoever you are, Lyric, you certainly have a talent for the unique." Your face flushed a warm vanilla hue. You was putting the finishing touches on a small, intricately carved music box – your latest offering – when a shadow fell over my workbench.

"Ooh, what's this?" Candy Apple Cookie's voice chirped, laced with her usual mischievous glee. Before you could answer, her nimble cookie hands had snatched the music box from your grasp.

"Candy Apple! Give that back!" You lunged, but she was already dancing away, the polished wooden box held high above her head.

"Hmm, another gift for our mysterious radio host, perhaps?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with knowing mischief. "Maybe he’d like to know who his secret admirer really is."

"No!" Your heart pounded against your ribs. You scrambled after her, desperate to retrieve it. This was far worse than the time she told Shadow Milk Cookie you’d accidentally used his limited-edition dark chocolate for my midnight snack.

The chase led you two into the main hall of the spiral of knowledge, a grand, echoing space. Candy Apple, with a triumphant smirk, suddenly pivoted, ready to dodge your grab. But at that exact moment, the grand doors opened.

And there he stood.

Black Sapphire Cookie, looking even more impeccably charming in person, his dark eyes scanning the hall, a faint, inquiring hum on his lips. He was probably heading to the recording studio.

Candy Apple, startled by his sudden appearance, fumbled. The music box slipped from her grasp, tumbling through the air in slow motion. Your stomach plummeted. It landed with a soft thud, right at Black Sapphire Cookie’s feet.

His gaze, initially distant, sharpened, focusing on the small, exquisitely carved box. He bent down, picking it up. His fingers traced the delicate etching on its lid – a tiny radio tower, your own personal touch.

"Oh, no…" you whispered, your face burning. Your eyes darted to Candy Apple, who was now biting her lip, trying to suppress a giggle.

Black Sapphire Cookie looked up, his dark eyes meeting yours. A flicker of surprise, then dawning recognition, crossed his features. "Lyric?" he murmured, the question a soft, almost vulnerable whisper.

Thanks a lot, Candy Apple Cookie. My secret was out, and your crush was standing right in front of me, holding the proof…how embarrassing