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The prestigious Obelia Academy was buzzing with anticipation of Valentine’s Day. Along the impeccable, well-lit hallways, students exchanged anxious glances, some carrying small packages wrapped in delicate ribbons, while others pretended that the date didn’t affect them. For Jennette Alger Obelia, daughter of the renowned Obelia family, the date shouldn’t mean anything. And of course, it didn’t. Absolutely nothing.
“It’s just a gift between friends,” she muttered to herself as she stirred the melted chocolate in the small kitchen of her private dormitory.
She remembered perfectly the casual conversation she had had with Alberu Crossman a few days earlier.
“Cale likes sweets, you know? Chocolates, especially.”
Alberu’s mischievous smile as he said this wouldn’t leave her mind. Not that Jennette had minded. After all, knowing her friend’s taste was something natural, right? And if she had decided to make him chocolates, it was just a kind gesture, with no romantic meaning whatsoever.
“Yes, just a gesture of friendship,” she repeated, pouring the mixture into the molds with exaggerated care.
After a while, the chocolates hardened perfectly. She decorated them with delicate details, adding a touch of gold around the edges to give them an elegant finish. They were ready. Now all that was left was to deliver them.
And that was the real problem.
***
Cale Henituse was sitting in his usual spot in the academy’s garden, under the shade of a large tree. The weather was pleasant, and he was taking advantage of the momentary peace to read a book, completely ignoring the hustle and bustle around him.
It was then that he heard hesitant footsteps approaching.
“Cale!”
He looked up and saw Jennette standing in front of him. As always, she looked like she had stepped out of a painting: dark hair shining in the sunlight, sparkling blue eyes, and an indecisive expression that was at odds with her usual confidence.
“Jennette?”
She took a deep breath, seemingly gathering her courage, and held out a small box to him.
“Here.”
Cale blinked, looking at the bag, then at Jennette, then back at the bag.
“What’s this?”
She looked away.
“Chocolates. I made them. For you.”
Silence.
Jennette cleared her throat.
“But of course, it’s just as friends! It’s no big deal!”
Cale’s eyes narrowed slightly, one corner of her mouth curling up.
“As friends?”
“Yes! Friends! You like sweets, so I thought… well, why not?”
She laughed nervously, and Cale noticed that the tips of her ears were pink. Interesting.
He took the box, opened it, and saw the meticulously prepared chocolates. Her dedication was evident in every detail.
Without saying anything, he took one and put it in his mouth. The sweet taste spread immediately, accompanied by a slight hint of bitterness at the end.
“… They’re good.”
Jennette smiled, visibly relieved.
“That’s good! I was worried that—”
“But you really don’t have to give me chocolates just because I’m your friend.”
She froze.
“What?”
Cale chewed slowly on the chocolate before continuing, his eyes watching her every little reaction.
“I mean, if it was a special gift, it would have a different meaning. But since we’re just friends, then…”
Jennette’s face turned red.
“Exactly! Just friends! Nothing special!”
He chuckled softly, and that irritated her even more.
“Are you laughing at me?”
“No. I just found it funny how much you insist on it.”
“Because it’s true!”
Cale leaned forward a little, resting his chin on his hand, and watched her with that lazy gaze that always disconcerted her.
“So, if I told you that I really liked these chocolates and that I would be happy if you gave me something next year too… would that still be a friendly thing?”
Jennet opened and closed her mouth a few times, not knowing how to respond.
“You… You’re impossible!”
She turned around abruptly, ready to leave before he could continue teasing her. But before she could take the first step, Cale gently grabbed her wrist.
“Thank you, Jennette.”
It was a simple thank you, but the warmth in his voice made her freeze in place. When she finally turned to look at him again, she saw that he was holding the box carefully, a small smile on his lips.
And then, she realized that she was completely lost.
He let go of her wrist and took another bite of the chocolate, looking satisfied.
Jennette, on the other hand, couldn't stop thinking about the feeling of his hand holding hers.
Maybe, just maybe, those chocolates weren't just a gift between friends.