For the Build A House! Challenge on the Ministry of Magic Discord.
"Look!" Ichigo was giddy with excitement. She presented the Sweets Princes with two cupcakes, both in the centre of a precariously held baking tray. Each cupcake had been freshly piped with a pink rosette and, according to Ichigo, they were perfectly identical. "Pretty good, don't you think?"
She smiled brightly at the boys, clearly desperate for their approval. Hanabusa, ever the gentleman, immediately gave her his full attention. He peered carefully at the cupcakes, taking great care to look her decorations from each angle. As the silence drew on, Ichigo's nerves grew, her hands incapable of holding the tray still.
"Ichigo..." Hanabusa reached out, placing his hands under hers and steadying the tray. "They're perfect! Well done!"
Andou beamed. "I agree. Well done, Ichigo. Your hard work is paying off."
It was only Kashino, his ears tipped red and eyes narrowed, who showed no interest in the cupcakes. But Andou and Hanabusa fix him with expectant looks, prompting him to comment.
"That's really not something to be proud of," he said stiffly. "It's a basic skill. If anything, you should be ashamed it's taken you so long."
"Makoto."
Kashino turned to Andou, frowning. "What? It's true! If she can't pipe a rosette, she shouldn't be here."
Beside him, Chocolat huffed her agreement. Unfortunately for Kashino, it was the only support he would receive from those in the room.
"Ichigo put a lot of effort into improving," Hanabusa scolded, shaking his head. He removed his hands from Ichigo's, choosing instead to place them on his hips in a disapproving stance as he turned towards Kashino. "You should be more supportive."
"Yeah!" Vanilla chirped. "Don't be so mean, Kashino!"
"He's not being mean," Ichigo said quietly. "He's just being honest. If I am in Group A, I need to learn more quickly."
It should have made Kashino smirk—made him raise his eyebrows at the others in a haughty, 'See? Even she agrees!'. But the corners of his lips stay downturned. He couldn't pinpoint why. After all, he was right, wasn't he? But for some reason, hearing the brightness leave her voice made it impossible for Kashino to find any joy in gloating. Rather than pride, all that sat in Kashino's chest was the heavy sense of regret.