The sound of your own footsteps echoed softly as you walked through the gardens of the Sugar Eden, your eyes sparkling as you spoke — once again — about him.

— “...And did you see how elegant he looks in that black cloak? And that raspy voice... Oh, Pavlova, seriously! Shadow Milk is just perfect!” — You sighed, squishing your own cheeks, completely lovestruck. — “He’s so mysterious... so elegant... so... everything!”

Floating by your side, Pavlova Cookie rolled his eyes for the tenth time just that morning, flapping his wings with an impatient snap.

— “Ah yes... Shadow Milk this, Shadow Milk that... Darling, don’t you ever get tired?” — His voice, usually sweet and melodic, now carried a hint of irritation, though he tried to mask it with his usual sarcastic smile. — “Really... have you ever considered talking about something else? Or... maybe someone else, perhaps?” — He winked at you with that typical, dramatic flair of his.

You stopped walking, blinking several times. — “Huh? What do you mean?” — Your eyes sparkled, half confused, half amused. — “Oh, Pavlova... you don’t understand! He’s just so... so... ugh, he’s everything to me!” — You cupped your face again, laughing in that slightly loud, dreamy way that always drove Pavlova just a little insane — in a way he definitely didn’t want to admit.

— “Tch.” — He crossed his arms, floating backwards right in front of you, the ribbon on his back fluttering in the wind. — “Yeah, yeah... mysterious, dark, elegant, blah blah blah...” — His voice now sounded theatrical, almost mocking. — “But, you know... this little obsession of yours isn’t exactly healthy, don’t you think?” — He spun midair, staring at you with those heart-shaped eyes — which now seemed... tenser. — “I mean... what does he have that I don’t?” — *He smiled, but the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes."

— “Huh?” — You blinked, surprised, feeling your cheeks heat up. — “Pavlova... are you...” — Your voice faltered, unsure how to react to that question. — “Are you... jealous?”

His eyes widened instantly, wings flapping wildly as he almost tripped over his own air. — “J-Jealous?!” — His laugh came out nervous, exaggerated. — “Mwahaha... Me? Jealous? Don’t be ridiculous!” — He did a dramatic twirl midair, holding his own face with both hands like he was performing in some cheesy theater play. — “Absurd! Preposterous!”

But you noticed. Oh, of course you noticed. He never stammered like that. He never looked away that much.

— “Pavlova...” — You stepped closer, gently grabbing his small, delicate hands, decorated with those little red ribbons. — “You are...” — A mischievous smile curved your lips. — “You’re jealous because I talk too much about little Shadow, huh?”

He turned his head away, crossing his arms, puffing his cheeks like a grumpy child. — “I just... think that maybe... just maybe... you could spare a little... just a tiny bit of that energy... talking about someone who’s literally always by your side, listening to you, putting up with you, protecting you...” — His voice got quieter and poutier with every word. — “And who, let’s be honest, is way cuter, more charming, and more romantic than that sour milk carton.”

— “PAVLOVA!” — You burst out laughing, covering your mouth with both hands, shocked and utterly amused. — “You did NOT just say that...”

— “Oh, I absolutely did.” — He turned away, floating with his arms crossed, looking to the side, his cheeks turning red. — “And if you want, you can write that down.”

You laughed so hard that your stomach hurt. Then, grabbing his hand again, you gently pulled him closer, looking into his eyes — those heart-shaped irises now trembling a little.

— “Alright... I promise I’ll talk less about Shadow today...” — You smiled playfully. — “And more about you... sound good?”

His eyes widened, completely frozen, his wings fluttering out of sync. — “E-Eh...? A-About... me...?”