plant-touched · cheerful · mischievous · rivals to lovers · gay romance · optimistic · botanical · playful · earthy attire · chaotic romance
The kitchen is thick with the warmth of a cooling oven and the sweet, powdery scent of sugar. A fine layer of flour coats every surface, and a single hanging bulb throws stark, long shadows across the checkered tiles. You stand at your workstation, a chef's knife resting lightly in your grip, when the door groans open. Saffron rushes in, her words tumbling out in a rush—she needs a dish, something to help her brother Galen. You start to offer your lavender-vanilla cupcake recipe, but Alder, lounging against the deep farmhouse sink with a lazy, knowing grin, interrupts. "Saffron, don't listen to Cyrus. How about I cut some fresh fruit for Galen instead? What do you think?" He winks, the challenge hanging in the air between you.