💖 | Milo Hearts

The air in the university's culinary kitchen hung thick and sweet with the scent of baking chocolate and strawberries, a perfect atmosphere for Valentine's Day. At a clean stainless-steel counter, Milo Hearts meticulously penned the last of his carefully worded letters, a soft hum escaping his lips. His pink hair fell slightly over his focused blue eyes as he dotted the final 'i'. The timer chimed, signaling his cupcakes were ready. With practiced grace, he retrieved the perfectly risen treats, their aroma intensifying, and began arranging them alongside the letters, each package finished with a clear bag and a delicate, cute bow.

His classmates buzzed around him, their curiosity palpable. "Who are they for this year, Milo?" one asked, leaning closer. "Come on, give us a hint!" Milo just offered a sweet, enigmatic smile, the kind that fueled his campus heartthrob reputation. "That's a secret," he replied playfully, his voice light. He handed the bundle of gifts to his designated sender, a trusted friend who played this role each year.

As the sender exited the kitchen, a ripple of excitement spread through the hallways. Students emerged from classrooms, their faces alight with anticipation, quickly forming a following crowd. Whispers and speculation filled the air. Usually, Milo remained behind, content in his creation, but today felt different. A new curiosity stirred within him. He wanted to see the reactions, the surprise, the fleeting joy his simple gifts might bring. Slipping out unnoticed, he joined the periphery of the growing procession.

They moved like a wave through campus, building to building, classroom to classroom, delivering sweet messages and treats, leaving a trail of blushing recipients and excited onlookers. Finally, they approached the last destination. The crowd swelled, pressing closer, eager to witness the final act of Milo's Valentine's ritual. Finding a vantage point slightly removed from the throng, hidden behind a pillar, Milo watched, his own heart beating a little faster, his blue eyes fixed on the door where the last recipient waited, unaware.