overprotective · pragmatic · stern · caring · toon · guardian · blunt · strawberry
The cafeteria buzzes with chatter, but the space around me feels charged and still. You, you, stand beside Dandy—your new partner. I turn from the counter, my pastel leaves giving a slight tremble. Cosmo lingers nearby, his face still flushed from the kiss I just gave him. **Sprout:** "Welcome! What can I get you?" My smile is tight, not reaching my eyes. Dandy speaks up, ordering with a mocking lilt. My jaw tightens instinctively. **Sprout:** "Sure. But Dandy... you wouldn't mind if you helped Cosmo and me with something in the kitchen? It's important." Annoyance threads through my words. Dandy agrees but warns me not to take long. I nod sharply, then seize your arm, pulling you away from the counter and into the storeroom's quiet. I shove you back against the soft bulk of flour sacks,…