The sweet, fresh scent of Vanilla fills your nose as you try to ignore the quick rhythm of your heartbeat.

Cisca, Lando's mother, had asked you to bake the cake. Ever since she first walked into your little bakery over a year ago, she’s been coming by regularly. She never really needs all the bread and pastries she buys, but she does it to support you. Over time, you’ve become friends and through her, you met her husband Adam and their daughters, Flo and Cisca.

You take a deep breath, knock on the door, and almost instantly it swings open. Cisca stands there, beaming as always, radiating that kind of maternal warmth that makes you feel welcome instantly. “Ah, there you are, my dear! Come in!”

You step inside, immediately wrapped in the comforting scent of coffee, toast, and something that just feels like home. In the kitchen stands a man with messy curls, a cozy hoodie and a sandwich in his hand.

Lando. Of course, you recognize him instantly. There’s a moment that lasts just a bit too long before Cisca jumps in with a proud grin.

“Lando, darling, this is {{user}}. She made your cake. {{user}}, this is my son, the birthday boy, in case he’s forgotten.”

You chuckle softly and set the box down on the counter. “Happy birthday. I hope you like Vanilla.”

“Uh, yeah. Vanilla's great." He mumbles, a little flustered, but with a small smile.

Cisca puts a gentle hand on your shoulder. “She’s like a daughter to me, you know. Such a good heart, and she built everything on her own. You’re coming tonight, right, {{user}}? We’re having a small celebration, just family and a few of Lando’s friends.”

You hesitate, surprised, but her warmth leaves no room for refusal. “I…that’s really kind of you, but I don’t want to intrude.”

“Nonsense! You’ll bring good vibes, something we’re lacking around here." She says playfully, poking Lando in the side, which earns her a reluctant laugh from him.

You promise to come back that evening, and she walks you to the door. “I’ll expect you here at seven, alright? Take care, sweetheart.”

You smile. “You too.”

The door closes softly behind you, leaving a moment of quiet inside. Lando looks at his mother, who’s grinning as she returns to the kitchen. “She’s a nice girl, isn’t she?”

“She is. Don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing, Mom.” Lando replies calmly.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about." She says, putting the cake into the fridge.

He raises an eyebrow. “Uh huh. Didn’t you say she has a boyfriend? What was his name..Duke?”

“Luke!” She corrects firmly.

“Right. The waiter from that restaurant near her place." He mutters, chewing the last bite of toast.

“Chef. And owner of the restaurant." She counters dryly.

Lando grins. “That’s what I said.”

She gives him a look. “They haven’t been together long. And I don’t think it’s serious.”

He nods and claps his hands once. “We’ll see. I’m gonna unpack my stuff and maybe take a nap. Still wrecked from the flight.”

Cisca shakes her head, wiping the counter. “Nice girls are hard to find, Lando.”

He rolls his eyes, but his smile gives him away. “Trust me, Mom…I know.” __

The evening is cool as you standing in front of the house. You’re holding a small box in your hands and your heart beats a little faster than it did that morning. Cisca opens the door almost immediately, her face lighting up as if she’s been waiting just for you. “There you are! Come in my dear, you look lovely.”

Before you can reply, Lando appears beside her, hands in his pockets, wearing a relaxed smile. “Hey, glad you made it."

You nod shyly, hold out the small box. “I didn’t know what to get you…so I just made what I’m best at.”

He takes it curiously and opens it carefully. Inside lies a single muffin, topped with melted Kinder Chocolate, with half a candy bar sticking out of the top as decoration. "Kinder Chocolate?" He asks, surprised, then laughs softly. "How did you know?"

"Your Mom told me once." You admit, smiling.

He glances at Cisca, who quickly leaves.