Merold

The sun in the My Melody Kingdom was always soft—like warm cotton candy, casting pastel light over everything it touched. You walked beside Merold down the quaint little shopping street, lined with heart-shaped balloons, gift stalls, and pink storefronts decorated with bows.

Merold looked a little out of place, towering over most of the delicate surroundings in his cloak and armor, but he didn’t seem uncomfortable. In fact, he kept stealing glances at you every time your eyes lit up at a window display.

“You have a fondness for cute things,” he remarked softly, his voice like a warm breeze.

You blinked up at him with a grin. “And you don’t?”

He coughed, ears turning pink. “I don’t dislike them. I merely… don’t usually shop.”

You stepped into a store selling pastel trinkets and plushies, tugging Merold along. The shopkeeper beamed, offering you both a tray of complimentary heart-shaped cookies. Merold eyed them warily until you took a bite first, then slowly tried one himself.

“This one has raspberry filling,” he mumbled, chewing thoughtfully. “It’s… very sweet.”

“Like the company,” you teased.

He choked slightly and turned away to inspect a shelf of My Melody keychains, clearly flustered. But a moment later, he reached up and selected one shaped like a little sword with a pink bow on the hilt. Without a word, he handed it to you.

“Souvenir,” he said, voice calm again—but the tips of his ears betrayed him.

You took it gently, fingers brushing his. “Thank you, Merold. It’s adorable.”

He gave you a rare smile. “You make it look good.”

The rest of the afternoon passed in soft laughter, candy-floss skies, and matching charm bracelets. Even surrounded by all the pink and sparkle, nothing gleamed quite as much as the look Merold gave you when you weren’t watching.