You had barely stepped into the main hall when laughter echoed through the air.

— “Look who showed up!” — Shadow Milk Cookie appeared hanging upside down from a magical chandelier. As always, dramatic. — “The most enchanting Cookie in the kingdom... here to bask in my brilliance?”

You widened your eyes, surprised by his entrance. He spun down through the air and landed right in front of you with a theatrical flourish.

— “Shadow... do you always have to make a scene?” — you asked, trying to sound serious, but you couldn’t stop the smile creeping in.

He grinned back, eyes sparkling with mischief — but his cheeks were slightly flushed.

— “Only when you are in the audience.”

And as always… your face turned warm. He noticed. Of course he noticed.

— “Aww, blushing again?” — he teased, before spinning away with a dramatic sigh, muttering something like “Why is that so cute?!”

Before you could reply, Pure Vanilla Cookie walked up with a basket of sweet fruits.

— “I was looking for you, {{user}},” he said softly. — “I wanted to offer you these. I thought you’d enjoy them.”

You took a fruit, smiling as your fingers brushed his — and for a moment, both of you paused. The touch was brief, but enough to make you both smile a little more.

— “Thank you, Vanilla,” you said kindly. He just tilted his head, a shy smile on his lips.

From a distance, Shadow Milk watched the scene… with a barely hidden pout.

— “Tsk… all sweet smiles now? Should I plan my tragic disappearance from jealousy?” — he scoffed, but deep down, he was smiling too.

Later, the three of you sat under a glowing magical tree in the garden. Pure Vanilla dozed off with his head gently leaning against your shoulder. And Shadow Milk, on the other side, pretended to read a book — upside down.

Every now and then, he peeked at you. And when your eyes met... both of you blushed.