Chapter 5: Birthday Gone Wrong

The next morning, Kevin made his way to Town Hall, stepping inside to find Elli at her usual place behind the front desk. She greeted him with a bright smile, her round face and chestnut-brown hair that framed her gentle features. Her modest blue dress, trimmed with white frills and topped with a tidy apron, gave her a timeless air of homeliness.

The faint scent of flour and sugar always seemed to linger around her—an unspoken reminder of her love for baking. Her hands, deft from years of kneading dough, shuffled through paperwork with the same practiced care.

"Kevin! What brings you here?" she asked, setting aside some documents, her eyes bright with curiosity.

Kevin rubbed the back of his neck. "Actually, I was wondering if you could do me a favor."

Elli perked up. "Oh? What kind of favor?"

He leaned against the counter. "I need a cake. Something nice, but not too fancy. It's for an apology."

Elli gasped dramatically, clasping her hands together. "An apology cake? Kevin, are you secretly a romantic?"

Kevin rolled his eyes. "It's not like that. It's for Luna."

Elli blinked, then giggled. "Ohhh, I see! Well, you've come to the right person! I've been experimenting with new cake recipes, so this is perfect!" She clapped her hands and began describing her vision: a three-tiered masterpiece, coated in smooth frosting with intricate piping, delicate sugar flowers, and maybe even a few edible pearls.

Kevin held up a hand, laughing. "Whoa, whoa! That sounds way too fancy! It's just an apology, not a wedding cake."

Elli pouted playfully but nodded. "Fine, fine. I'll keep it simple. But at least let me make it special!"

Kevin smiled, relieved. "That works for me. Thanks, Elli. I owe you one."

Elli winked. "I don't know what you did to Luna, but I'll do my best to help you apologize."

They exchanged a warm wave before Kevin left, the faint scent of sugar and vanilla still lingering around Elli. As he made his way up the dirt path to his farm, he couldn't help but smile. He just hoped Elli wouldn't go overboard with the cake—knowing her, there was a real chance it would end up being far more elaborate than he intended. Still, if anyone could help him make things right, it was the best baker-turned-secretary in all of Waffle Town.

He sighed softly, adjusting the strap of his rucksack. "I really blew it the first time," he thought ruefully. But maybe a heartfelt apology and a cake baked with care could smooth things over.

The following days passed more peacefully than Kevin had expected. For the first time in weeks, his tools stayed exactly where he left them. The wells ran clear. His crops grew undisturbed—no mysterious footprints, no playful taunts carved into the soil. It was… quiet.

Kevin couldn't help but chuckle to himself. "Guess I finally get a break," he mused, leaning on his hoe as the sun dipped below the hills.

Still, he started to understand Luna and her unique situation. That fiery little tailor wasn't the type to forgive him so easily. If she'd stopped her pranks, it wasn't because she had forgiven him—it was because Candace intervened and must have spoken to her. But Kevin wasn't about to let that stop him do his part to make things right.

He wanted the timing to be perfect, the gesture sincere. So he waited, counting down the days until the 25th day of Spring—Luna's birthday. He could already imagine the scene: her wide eyes as she saw the cake, the flustered way she might cross her arms and pretend not to care. Maybe she'd even smile, just a little.

"Just a few more days," Kevin thought to himself, a small smile forming. He hates making enemies, and he feels guilty about Making Luna who he just met feel bad about her size. "And then, maybe we can finally put this whole mess behind us."

As the 25th day of Spring dawned, golden sunlight spilled across Waffle Town, painting the fields in soft warmth. Kevin was already awake before the rooster crowed, energy thrumming through him like never before. He powered through his morning chores with an efficiency that would've impressed even himself—plowing neat rows, watering his crops with practiced ease, and tending to his animals with extra care.

He couldn't afford delays today. Not on the day he was going to make things right.

By noon, his rucksack was slung over his shoulder and his boots were carrying him briskly up the path toward Waffle Town Hall. The air smelled of salt and Spring blossoms, and though he'd never admit it aloud, his heart was pounding harder than it did during any harvest rush.

Inside, Elli was waiting behind the counter, her trademark sunny smile bright enough to rival the midday light. "Right on time!" she chirped, ducking beneath the desk and reappearing with a small white box. She set it before him with a proud flourish.

Kevin lifted the lid, and his grin grew wide. "Perfect!" Inside sat a simple cake—smooth white icing, clean edges, and not a single frill or flourish in sight. Exactly as he'd requested. It wasn't fancy, but it was warm, honest, and made with care. Just like the apology he planned to give.

As he closed the box, though, he noticed Elli's smile turned into a small pout. She folded her arms, tapping her foot against the floor. "Are you sure I can't decorate it? Just a little?" she asked, voice lilting with temptation. "Some flowers? Maybe a tiny 'I'm sorry' written on top? I can make it look cute—gentle apology vibes!"

Kevin laughed, raising a hand defensively as she reached for her piping bag. "No way, Elli! I told you, simple. I'm not trying to win a baking contest. And you shouldn't carry that around at work."

Elli huffed, her cheeks puffing slightly as she gave in. "Fine, fine. But if she throws it at you, I'm not taking the blame!"

Kevin chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't worry," he said, tucking the box safely under his arm. "If all goes well, she'll at least yell after eating it."

Elli smiled knowingly, watching as he headed for the door. "Good luck, Kevin. You're gonna need it."

He flashed her a confident grin over his shoulder. "Yeah," he said with a laugh. "I know."

With that, he thanks Elli and turned toward the door, ready to face whatever came next. As Kevin made his way toward the Chiffon Tailoring Shop, he couldn't help but smile at the thought of Luna's reaction. Would she be surprised? Maybe—just maybe—she'll actually forgive him properly. He wasn't expecting an immediate friendship, but if this cake could earn her trust, it would be a step in the right direction.

His mind wandered as he strolled through town, the warm Spring breeze carrying the scent of salt water from the nearby beach. He had never put much thought into fashion before, but now that Waffle Town had a tailor shop, why not take advantage of it? Maybe he could pick up something new—something different from the usual work clothes he had worn for years. A sturdy jacket for the colder months, perhaps, or a decent outfit for special occasions.

He smirked to himself. Knowing Luna, she'd probably insist on dressing him up in something ridiculous just to mess with him. Still, the thought wasn't entirely unpleasant. Maybe a change wouldn't be so bad.

Adjusting his grip on the cake box, he picked up his pace, his anticipation growing. Today wasn't just about an apology—it was about setting things right. And if all went well, maybe this would be the start of something new.

As Kevin approached the Chiffon Tailoring Shop, he couldn't help but pause for a moment, taking in the sight of the hanging sign that read, Chiffon Tailoring Shop. A deep breath filled his lungs as he steeled himself for what was to come. He'd done his best to get this right—now all he could do was hope Luna would understand. With a quiet exhale, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The familiar scent of fabric and freshly cut cloth greeted him, and he quickly spotted Luna working on the counter, expertly cutting through a piece of fabric. She was focused, her hands moving with precision, clearly busy with an order. The shop had a quiet, almost peaceful atmosphere. A sort of peace he loved about living in Waffle Town.

As soon as Luna noticed him, her eyes narrowed. She set the scissors down, hopped off her stool, and walked toward him, her frown already forming.

"What do you want?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Kevin couldn't help but chuckle at her directness, his nerves giving way to a faint smile. "I brought you a present. A cake!" He lifted the box carefully, offering it to her.

Luna's frown faltered for a moment, replaced by a surprised smile that lit up her face. Her fingers quickly accepted the box, and she held it close, as if trying to resist the temptation to tear into it right there and then. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, but she couldn't hide the small grin forming on her lips.

"What's the occasion?" she asked, her voice full of intrigue.

Kevin, determined to make things right, knelt down so they were eye to eye. He offered a tentative smile, his tone softer than she had ever heard it. "Today's your birthday," he said quietly. "So I wanted to do something nice for you."

The words hung in the air for a moment—gentle, well-meaning, utterly sincere. But the effect was anything but what he expected.

Luna's expression froze. The faint smile she had been wearing faded, replaced by a look of startled disbelief. The light in her eyes dimmed, and for a fleeting second, Kevin saw something raw and unguarded flicker behind them—hurt, confusion… and then fury. Her fingers tightened around the box until her knuckles whitened.

"Luna?" Kevin's voice faltered. "Hey, are you—"

Before he could finish, Luna's small frame trembled with sudden movement. In one swift, impulsive motion, she lifted the cake high over her head and slammed it down.

The box burst open on impact, splattering frosting and cake across the floorboards. The sweet scent of sugar filled the air as silence fell between them, sharp and heavy. Kevin could only stare at the wreckage, the once-perfect cake now nothing more than a crushed heap of white and yellow ruin at their feet.

His heart thudded in his chest, his mind scrambling to understand what just happened. He lifted his gaze to Luna, stunned.

She was shaking—her tiny fists clenched at her sides, her pigtails trembling with the motion. Her cheeks flushed red, her breaths came uneven and sharp, and her eyes—usually bright and full of stubborn mischief—now burned with unfiltered rage.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Kevin demanded, taking a hesitant step back. His voice wasn't angry, just bewildered, almost pleading. "I was just trying to do something nice for you!"

Luna's voice cracked when she fired back. "You think this is funny?"

"Funny?" Kevin echoed, utterly lost.

Her lip trembled, her tone rising with each word. "Why are you always mean to me? What did I ever do to you?"

Kevin straightened, feeling a sudden weight settle in his chest. "Luna, what—"

"Get out!" she shouted, pointing at the door.

Kevin wasn't ready to give up—not now, not after everything. He took a steady breath, forcing himself to stay calm.

"Luna, I'm sorry," he said, his voice sincere. "I know now… I know about your age. That's why I—"

But Luna cut him off, her voice rising with anger. "Oh, so you know now? And you're still making fun of me?"

Her eyes burned with frustration, and Kevin could see the hurt hidden beneath her fury. This wasn't just about a joke or a misunderstanding anymore—this was something deeper, something that had been weighing on her for a long time.

Candace came rushing in from the back, startled by the crash that had shaken the quiet tailor shop. Her eyes darted between the mess of ruined cake on the floor, Kevin standing pale and uncertain in the middle of it all, and Luna—her face flushed red with anger, her whole body trembling.

"Luna, what happened?" Candace asked, her voice sharp with alarm as she took a cautious step closer.

"Stay out of this!" Luna snapped, her voice cracking with emotion. The words were sharp enough to cut, echoing off the walls.

Candace froze mid-step, her hands still raised as if to calm her sister, but Luna had already turned her back.

"Get out," Luna hissed, her voice low but trembling with fury. "Get out, and don't come back!"

Her tone left no room for argument. She stormed down the narrow hallway, her boots striking the floorboards in quick, angry steps. A moment later, the sound of her bedroom door slamming shut rattled the walls, followed by a heavy silence that seemed to swallow the entire room.

Kevin didn't move. He just stood there—rigid, stunned—his fists clenched at his sides as if he could hold the broken moment together with sheer will. The ruined cake lay at his feet, a smear of white icing and yellow crumbs on the wooden floor, the sweet scent of sugar mocking him with its lightness.

Candace's shoulders slumped as she took in the scene. Her expression softened, a mix of confusion and sympathy in her pale blue eyes. "What happened?" she asked quietly, her voice trembling at the edges.

Kevin exhaled shakily, dragging a hand through his hair. "I… I brought her a cake," he said, his voice thick with disbelief. "For her birthday."

Candace's eyes widened, and she let out a small, pained gasp. "Oh, Kevin…" she murmured, pressing a hand to her chest. "You didn't know? She hates her birthday."

Kevin blinked at her, confusion giving way to dawning horror. "Hates… her birthday?"

Candace nodded slowly, her gaze drifting toward the closed door down the hall. "Every year it just reminds her of what hasn't changed."

The words hit Kevin like a blow to the gut. His throat went dry, the realization dawning with crushing clarity. Birthdays were supposed to be celebrations—markers of time, proof of growth and change, of life moving forward.

But for Luna… every passing year was just another reminder that she was frozen where she stood. She hadn't grown taller, her face hadn't matured, her body hadn't changed. She was trapped—caught in a loop while everyone else moved on. Watching her friends, her sister, the world itself age and shift while she stayed the same must have been torture in slow motion.

And here he was—oblivious, well-intentioned, and careless—bringing her a cake as if it were something to be happy about.

Kevin's chest tightened. His gaze drifted to the hallway, to the closed door behind which Luna hid. The sound of his own heartbeat filled the silence between him and Candace.

"I… I didn't know," he whispered, the words hollow and heavy. His well-meaning gesture had only driven the knife deeper.

"I know," Candace said softly, her voice gentle but full of sadness. "No one ever does."

Kevin exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. She lives in a completely different world than everyone else does. A world where something as simple as a birthday cake wasn't a celebration—it was a cruel reminder. A world where any word, any action, could feel like mockery without him even realizing it.

And now, standing in the middle of the tailor shop, surrounded by a broken cake and shattered trust, he finally understood. But understanding wasn't enough. He had to fix this. He just doesn't know how.

Candace let out a soft sigh, her gaze flickering between Kevin and the ruined cake on the floor. "I'm really sorry," she said gently. "Luna… she doesn't handle new people well. And birthdays are especially hard for her."

Kevin rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the weight of his mistake settle in his chest. "I didn't mean to upset her," he admitted. "I just wanted to make things right."

Candace offered him a small, understanding smile. "I know. And I appreciate what you were trying to do. But… I think it's best if you head home for now." She bent down, carefully picking up the broken pieces of the cake. "I'll talk to her."

Kevin hesitated, his instinct telling him to stay and try again. But looking at the closed bedroom door and the tension still thick in the air, he knew pushing any further would only make things worse.

"Alright," he said finally, stepping back toward the door. "Thank you, Candace. And… I'm sorry for the mess."

She gave him a reassuring nod. "It's okay. Just give her time."

With one last glance at Luna's closed door, Kevin sighed and turned to leave. As he stepped outside, the afternoon breeze was warm against his skin, but it did nothing to ease the tightness in his chest.

Later that night, Candace stood outside Luna's door, her hand hovering just above the wood. She knocked softly. "Luna?" she called. Silence.

With a quiet sigh, she pushed the door open. The dim glow of a bedside lamp cast shadows across the room, illuminating the countless stuffed animals that filled the space. In the middle of them all, Luna sat curled up on her bed, clutching her worn black stuffed rabbit. Her eyes were puffy and red, her cheeks damp from tears.

Candace sat beside her without a word, giving her a moment. The room was thick with the quiet weight of emotions unspoken. Finally, she reached out, tucking a loose strand of Luna's hair behind her ear. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Luna sniffled, tightening her grip on her rabbit. "I hate Kevin," she muttered.

Candace exhaled softly. "I know you're upset," she said gently. "But he wasn't trying to hurt you. He feels bad, Luna. He's trying to make things right, even if he doesn't know how."

Luna's watery eyes flicked up to her, suspicious. "Do you like him or something?" she asked. "Is that why you're taking his side? So he can come around more?"

Candace blinked, then shook her head with a small smile. "No, of course not. I love you more than anything, Luna. I just… I just want you to have more people you can rely on. More friends."

Luna scoffed, hugging her knees to her chest. "Friends?" she whispered. "Everyone in town looks at me weird, Candace. Like I'm some kid. Like I don't belong." She buried her face against her stuffed rabbit. "I don't think I can be friends with anyone."

Candace's heart ached at her words. She reached out, but Luna pulled away, her shoulders tense.

"…Can you just leave me alone?" Luna whispered.

Candace hesitated but knew better than to push. Instead, she nodded, slowly rising to her feet. "Alright," she said softly. "Get some rest, okay?"

Luna didn't answer.

With a final glance at her sister curled up in the dim light, Candace left the room, gently closing the door behind her. She could only hope that with time, Luna would be ready to talk again.

The following morning, the tailor shop stood silent, its usual warmth and gentle bustle conspicuously absent. Luna dressed with a sense of ritual, though it did little to brighten her spirits. She slipped into her yellow dress, the scalloped pattern delicate against her skin, cinched at the waist with a large pink bow. Her pink shoes gleamed faintly in the morning light.

She paused before the mirror. Her blue eyes, wide and restless, reflected back at her, framed by her impossibly voluminous pink hair, styled into twin pigtails that curled at the ends like playful springs. Tiny yellow-white flowers were pinned here and there, their subtle fragrance carrying a whisper of Spring. Yet, despite the softness of her appearance, a familiar bitterness churned in her chest. She hated the reflection staring back at her—a small woman people tended to avoid. The truth of her form wasn't a phase she could outgrow. This wasn't a chapter she could close; it was a life she had been handed, one she was compelled to inhabit.

Restless, unable to remain idle, Luna stepped into the morning air. She didn't have a destination—only the pressing need to move, to escape the tangles of her own thoughts.

Her feet carried her, almost of their own accord, into the Ganache District. The crisp mountain air mingled with the sharp, clean scent of pine, a fleeting balm to her mood. She wandered past the entrance to the mines, where life carried on in a rhythm both comforting and indifferent. In the distance, Luke swung his axe with a steady, effortless motion, splitting logs into neat halves, while Owen emerged from the mine, a hammer slung casually over his shoulder.

Luna barely registered the usual hum of the district—the chatter of workers, the clatter of tools, the occasional bark of a dog—until her eyes landed on them. Candace. And worse… Julius. Her stomach twisted.

Time seemed to pause. The air thickened. Every careful step she had taken to escape her own thoughts had led her straight into theirs. And in that instant, the world, so filled with the mundane rhythm of life, became unbearably sharp and small around her.

"Nope!" she said, her eyes narrowing with frustration.

Without a second thought, Luna darted forward, placing herself between them like a tiny but immovable barrier. "I thought I told you to stay away from my sister!" she snapped, jabbing a finger at Julius.

Julius sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, though amusement flickered across his face. "Luna, I just wanted to—"

"Did I stutter?" Luna cut him off, her stance firm. "Begone!"

Julius let out a long, exaggerated sigh but didn't argue. He knew from experience that there was no winning against Luna's overprotectiveness. With a defeated shake of his head, he turned and strolled back toward the blacksmith shop.

As he disappeared from sight, Candace let out a long, exasperated sigh, her eyes narrowing at Luna with a silent, unmistakable "Really?" written all over her expression.

Luna crossed her arms, letting out a sharp huff. "What?" she muttered, as if she hadn't just scared off a potential suitor in broad daylight.

"Luna, I thought we already talked about this," Candace said, her voice calm but edged with frustration. "I don't need your protection."

"Oh, it's fine for you to protect me from Kevin, but I can't protect you from him?" Luna shot back, her arms tightening across her chest.

"That's not the same," Candace replied, her tone patient. "He's trying to apologize… trying to make things right."

Luna looked away, her gaze tracing the uneven dirt beneath her feet. "Julius is a bully, just like Kevin," she muttered under her breath, the words tasting bitter on her tongue.

"But—" Candace began, but Luna didn't give her the chance to finish. She turned sharply, dusting off her hands with a small, deliberate flourish, and set off toward home, each step more purposeful than the last.

Her shoes stomped against the dirt road of the Maple Lake District, the rhythm of her footsteps echoing the sourness curling in her stomach, a bitter residue left by Julius' presence. The cobblestones of Waffle Town soon replaced the dirt path, their uneven surfaces jostling her mood even further.

Then, something caught her eye—a familiar figure walking toward the town square. Kevin. And he wasn't alone. Anissa was beside him, laughing softly at something he said. Luna froze for a heartbeat, her chest tightening as the weight of her thoughts collided with the sight before her.

Luna's eyes narrowed, a mischievous spark lighting behind her gaze. A small, crooked smile tugged at her lips. "A date?" she murmured to herself, crossing her arms. "Perfect. My favorite little punching bag, all cozy and oblivious. Looks like it's time for me to ruin his day… just like he ruined mine."

She slipped into the shadows, tailing them from a careful distance. Fences, market stalls, and even a dusty wooden crate became her temporary cover as she ducked and darted through the streets, unseen. Dozens of schemes swirled in her mind—tripping him, dumping a bucket of water over his head, maybe even sneaking a frog into his bag. Each idea was more devious than the last, and she felt a rush of giddy anticipation at the thought of chaos.

But then, just as she honed in on the perfect plan, she skidded to a halt, her shoes sending small puffs of dust into the air.

Kevin and Anissa had stopped near Alan's Tree, where Jin waited patiently. Luna's brow furrowed. She watched as Kevin gave Anissa a small, encouraging nod, his hand brushing reassuringly over her shoulder. His voice was low, gentle—soft enough that only she could hear the care in it. After a moment's hesitation, Anissa drew a steadying breath and stepped toward Jin, her posture tentative but determined.

Luna blinked, the mischievous energy fizzing out of her like sparks snuffed by a sudden rain. This wasn't a date. Kevin wasn't showing off or flirting—he was helping. Helping Anissa and Jin.

Her fists unclenched slowly, and the corners of her mouth dropped. All the schemes, the plotting, the delight she had imagined—it vanished, leaving her standing in the shadows with an unfamiliar, bitter taste in her mouth: disappointment.

Luna watched from the edge of the clearing, her blue eyes tracing every movement. Kevin stood a few steps away, arms crossed, a small, satisfied smile playing on his lips. He looked impossibly calm, almost amused, as if he knew a secret no one else did.

Before them, Anissa stood shy and hesitant, her fingers twisting together nervously. Jin waited under Alan's Tree, hands tucked into his pockets, shoulders tense but hopeful. The sunlight filtered through the branches, scattering dappled light across the two of them, as if nature itself was holding its breath.

Luna let out a quiet huff, her carefully crafted mischief slipping from her mind. She hadn't anticipated this—whatever this was—but she found herself rooted to the spot, curiosity eclipsing irritation.

Slowly, she stepped forward, her usual bravado dissolving into cautious wonder. Kevin didn't notice her at first, lost in the scene unfolding before him. When she finally reached his side, he nearly jumped.

"Luna? What are you—"

"Shh!" she whispered, pressing a finger to her lips. Her gaze stayed locked on Anissa and Jin. "What's happening?"

Kevin exhaled, glancing briefly at her before returning his attention to the young couple. "I'm… helping them," he murmured. "Jin's had feelings for Anissa for a long time. He's finally confessing."

Luna blinked, her earlier mischief dissolving completely, replaced by wide-eyed wonder. Romance had always been an abstract concept to her, something she observed but rarely felt. Yet now, watching Anissa's hands tremble before she reached for Jin's, seeing the soft, nervous smile on her lips, Luna felt an unfamiliar flutter in her chest—something warm, unbidden, and achingly sweet.

Anissa hesitated, just for a heartbeat, before leaning closer. Jin mirrored her movement, and then, beneath the sprawling branches of Alan's Tree, their lips met in a tentative, delicate kiss. It was soft and awkward at first, brimming with the cautious hope of something new.

Luna's mouth parted slightly, her breath caught in her throat. A strange warmth bloomed in her chest, spreading through her in quiet waves. She realized, with a surprising jolt, that she had been gripping the hem of her dress without even noticing, holding on to something solid as her heart stirred in ways it rarely did.

When Anissa and Jin finally pulled away, their foreheads brushing, smiles bright and shy, they seemed to inhabit a world of their own making, untouched by anyone else. Fingers intertwined, they began walking away, lost in whispered conversation, laughter mingling with the rustle of leaves.

Luna stayed where she was, watching them go, the gentle ache in her chest leaving her strangely exhilarated. For the first time, she understood the quiet power of something tender, something shared—and, though she didn't yet realize it, something that might one day stir within her own heart with Gill.

Kevin let out a satisfied sigh, stretching his arms behind his head like a cat basking in the sun. "Well, that worked out."

Luna, still staring after the retreating figures of Anissa and Jin, barely registered his words. Her mind was spinning, her heart thudding in a way that made absolutely no sense to her. She glanced at Kevin, trying to reconcile the confident, annoyingly smug expression on his face with the chaos of feelings still ricocheting through her chest.

"Do you… do you usually do this?" she asked slowly, her voice dripping with skepticism—and maybe a hint of disbelief.

Kevin's grin widened, all charming self-assurance. "Yep. Ever since I moved to Waffle Town, I've been a kind of… matchmaker." He gestured casually toward the now-distant couple. "And that? That's just another success story."

Luna raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

"Really," Kevin said, puffing out his chest. "Renee and Toby? Set up. Owen and Kathy? Check. Calvin and Phoebe? Happily entangled. And now—Anissa and Jin. Every single one—perfectly paired, thanks to yours truly." He tapped his chest with a flourish, as if the town itself owed him royalties.

Luna folded her arms, leaning slightly to the side, her expression part disbelief, part annoyance. "So… what, you just wake up one day and decide people should be in love?"

Kevin chuckled, eyes twinkling. "Something like that. I just notice things, you know? People too shy to make the first move, people too stubborn to admit they have feelings. Sometimes they just need a gentle… shove." He waved a hand airily, as if orchestrating romance were as simple as stirring sugar into tea.

Luna scoffed, rolling her eyes so hard she swore she could see her brain. "That's… weird."

Kevin tilted his head, smirk crawling across his face. "Says the girl who followed me around town, ready to sabotage my 'date.'"

Luna's face turned crimson, and she clenched her fists as though she could punch the words right out of the air. "T-that's—!" She spun away, muttering under her breath, her embarrassment a palpable heat radiating from her. "How did you even know?"

Kevin laughed, arms crossed, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "Let's just say I have… a keen eye. After your little pranks, I've developed a sort of… sixth sense. I can always tell when you're nearby."

Luna puffed her cheeks, muttering something that might have been a curse—or a very indignant protest—but Kevin's grin only widened, his amusement impossible to hide. For a fleeting moment, she imagined ramping up her mischief, plotting pranks so elaborate even he couldn't anticipate them. But then a different idea sparked in her mind. If Kevin was such a natural matchmaker, maybe—just maybe—he could help her.

She hesitated, biting her lip. Did she really want to ask him for help? After everything that had happened between them? The thought made her stomach flutter nervously. But then again… if he could pair up every stubborn couple in Waffle Town, maybe he really could help her with Gill.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, she turned back to Kevin, folding her arms to project confidence she only half-felt. "Alright, farmer boy," she said, voice sharper than she intended. "I have a deal for you."

Kevin raised an eyebrow, his grin morphing into something more intrigued than amused. "Oh? And what kind of deal are we talking about?"

Luna lifted her chin, a spark of determination in her eyes. "If you can help me with my crush, I'll forgive you for everything."

For a brief second, Kevin blinked, certain he had misheard. "…Wait. You? You like someone?"

Luna's cheeks flared red, and she turned her gaze away, muttering, "Shut up! Do you want to help me or not?"

Kevin smirked, genuinely surprised. He never imagined Luna having a soft side for anyone. Yet the opportunity to make things right between them was too tempting to pass up.

"Alright," he said, extending a hand with all the confidence of someone who had orchestrated countless romances. "You've got yourself a deal."

Luna studied his hand for a long moment before grasping it firmly, the warmth of the gesture sending an unexpected jolt through her. "Good. But if you mess this up," she warned, a sly glint returning to her eyes, "I'm bringing back the pranks."

Kevin laughed, the sound easy and genuine. "Noted. Wouldn't dream of disappointing you."

As she released his hand, Luna felt something shift—a quiet excitement, mingled with the faintest touch of nervousness. Maybe this wasn't just about love for someone else. Maybe, just maybe, she and Kevin had their own story waiting to unfold of friendship and understanding.