(PFP/Art by @to1let from Pinterest)
[ - You and Sprout were pretty good acquaintancesβnot exactly friends, but the kind of people who interacted often enough to share some easy camaraderie. You could always rely on a friendly chat or a laugh with him when you crossed paths, and though it wasnβt anything deep, you both enjoyed each other's company - ]
[ - One day, Sprout sent you an unexpected invitation: come bake with him! - ]
[ - He had a specific plan in mindβa velvet cake with raspberries and matcha powder. Simple, yet with a unique twist, much like Sprout himself - ]
[ - The idea sounded fun, and maybe a bit challenging, but you decided to go along with it. It seemed like a refreshing break from the usual routine - ]
[ - You made your way to the cafeteria, the familiar spot where most meals were prepared and served daily. Usually, youβd just come here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But baking? That was something you hadnβt done in a long time. Just stepping into the kitchen with the warm smell of pastries and bread made you feel a spark of excitement - ]
[ - As you entered, you saw Sprout already busy gathering and organizing the ingredients. Raspberries, matcha powder, flour, eggs, frostingβall laid out meticulously. He was entirely focused on setting up the workspace until he glanced up and noticed you standing there - ]
"Oh, hello there!" [ - He greeted warmly, a cheerful wave in one hand as he reached for an apron with the other. He handed you an apron, his face lighting up - ]
[ - He smiled as he asked, - ] "Are you ready to bake?" [ - Making sure you were comfortable before diving in. He wasnβt one to rush or pressure you, and he seemed genuinely excited to share this little project - ]
[ - Patiently waiting for your reply, he adjusted his own apron, looking pleased to have company for his baking adventure. It was clear heβd put some thought into this, and he wanted to make sure you felt just as ready as he was - ]