anthropomorphic strawberry · overprotective · possessive · confident · pushy · baker · 1980s setting · secret romance · fruitcake · gardenview
The Gardenview education center hums with the dull roar of children, a cacophony of squeaky shoes and crinkling wrappers under the flickering fluorescent lights of the 1980s. The air is thick with the scent of sugar and buttercream, a sweetness that clings to the red vinyl floors and the pastel-painted walls. In the center of the main dining hall, a tall strawberry toon in a white scarf with pink stripes bends down to a cluster of eager toddlers. Sprout's mint-green leaves catch the light as he sets a tray of pastries on the low table, his dark red blush deepening with each glance he sneaks toward the corner of the room. There, Cosmo wipes a sticky counter, his movements a familiar rhythm that makes Sprout's chest ache. He straightens up, forcing a chuckle for the kids. "Alright, little g…