The lunch break over, Rin sat under the tree, staring at a stray leaf as if it had offended her personally.
Her mood was lower than a sleepy slug.
Crowlius hopped beside her.
"Still sad about the magic sticks?
Rin nodded. "Even a broccoli stick would've been fine… but nooo, they all ran away."
Crowlius patted her head. "Cheer up. Perhaps the broccoli stick will choose you later.
Rin glared. "That's NOT helping."
Just then, Rowan appeared, as quiet as ever.
He stood in front of her, holding a small paper bag.
Rin blinked. "Oh—hi Rowan."
He opened the bag and held it toward her.
Inside were tiny pastel-colored candies shaped like stars.
"They help when you're sad," said Rowan softly.
Rin smiled a little. "Thank you… but are you sure? These look expensive."
Before Rowan could answer, Crowlius snatched one.
"It's free for me, right?"
"No," Rowan deadpanned.
-
⭐ Visita al Almacén de los Dulces Milagros
Rowan cleared his throat.
"My father wants to meet you."
Rin blinked. "Eh?? Why?
Rowan looked away. "He likes meeting my… friends."
His ears turned a little red.
Crowlius whispered, "He said the F-word. Friend.
Rin elbowed him.
Rowan motioned for them to follow.
They walked through the academy gates and towards a small, cozy bakery tucked between two glowing lantern trees.
Above the door, a wooden sign proudly read:
"STARLOAF BAKERY – Baked with Magic Hands"
Rin blinked. "Magic hands?"
Crowlius grinned. "Meaning he's better than magic sticks.
---
???? Meet Papa Rowan: The Chaos Baker
Within the bakery, warm aromas swirled around them—fresh bread, honey, cinnamon, and something that smelled suspiciously like roasted marshmallows on fire.
A huge man with a giant beard burst out from behind the counter.
"ROWAN!! MY BOY!!"
Immediately, Rowan froze.
"F-Father, please—"
The man scooped Rowan up in a bear hug.
"My precious son! Did the school bully you? Did a pigeon attack you? Did A GIRL TALK TO YOU?!"
Rin choked.
Crowlius fell off the counter, laughing.
Rowan, red as a tomato:
"Father, PLEASE put me down."
The man finally looked at Rin.
"Oh-ho-ho! So THIS is the girl! The one my son tried talking to!"
"FATHER—"
Rin waved awkwardly. "Hi…?"
Papa Rowan leaned close.
"I heard you're sad. Eat sweets. Sweets fix sadness. And also heartbreak. And also constipation."
Rin blinked. "Uh… I'm not heartbroken."
Crowlius: "Or constipated, hopefully.
In front of her, Papa Rowan plopped down a huge cupcake.
"Eat! This one is special. I call it 'Life Gets Better When Your Mouth Is Full of Cake.'"
"Father, naming is not your strong point," Rowan muttered quietly.
Papa Rowan gasped melodramatically.
"But it's TRUE!
--- ???? Sweet Therapy Session Rin took a bite. Her eyes sparkled. "This is… AMAZING!" Papa Rowan puffed out his chest proudly. "Of course! My hands are blessed by sugar itself! Crowlius took another pastry in his mouth and dramatically fainted. "Delicious. take me to heaven." Rin giggled-her first real laugh of the day. Rowan sat opposite her, hands folded shyly. "You're not bad at magic. You're just. learning. Magic sticks can't see everything. But people can." Rin blinked. "Rowan… that's actually really nice. Rowan nodded. "You're strong. Even without a stick. Papa Rowan gasped. "My son said something motivational? THIS is a historic day! Rowan buried his face in his hands. "Father, please stop." Rin laughed so hard she nearly dropped her cupcake. Her heart felt lighter, like the stress was melting away with each sweet bite. It is appropriate to express hope for your future. ???? Sweet Endings Before leaving, Papa Rowan stuffed three bags of pastries into her arms. "For sadness. For stress. For future stress. And one for boys who annoy you! Rin smiled warmly. "Thank you… both of you." She turned pink again. Crowlius whispered, "They're bonding… like caramel and bread." Rin poked him. "Shut up." But she was smiling-and for the first time since the magic-stick disaster, she felt hopeful again. To be continued.