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Today is Valentine’s Day, a day when love is celebrated in all its forms. As Tooth Fairy drifts through the sky, she pauses to look down at the world below. She sees young couples laughing together, exchanging chocolates and small gifts, each one a sweet symbol of their growing affection. The warmth of the day makes her smile.
Inspired by what she sees, she decides to join in the celebration too. She buys a gift, of course but before turning to anything store-bought, she chooses to make something by hand for the one she holds closest to her heart. To her, a handmade gift carries a kind of magic no price tag could ever match. The time, care, and love poured into it mean far more than anything wrapped in shiny paper.
Meanwhile, Ms. Z spends the day as she does most others deeply immersed in her work at the Foundation. She knows it’s Valentine’s Day. She understands what it represents: a chance to slow down and cherish partners, friends, and loved ones. But instead of joining in the celebrations, she chooses to focus on her responsibilities. While couples exchange gifts and laughter fills the air elsewhere, she remains at her desk, devoted and unwavering. For her, duty comes first, even if it means letting the day of love quietly pass by in the background.
Tooth Fairy reached the door leading to Ms. Z’s office. With a soft, delicate hand, she gave the door a gentle but firm knock, the sound echoing softly in the tranquil atmosphere. A brief moment elapsed, filled with anticipation, before Ms. Z rose from her cozy chair, a subtle rustle of papers accompanying her movement, and opened the door with a welcoming gesture.
Upon opening the door, she was greeted by the sight of a tall woman, her brown hair elegantly cascading down her shoulders, complemented by distinctive braces that sparkled under the soft light. Ms. Z had captivating eyes that glimmered with kindness and wisdom, exuding warmth and charm that immediately put Tooth Fairy at ease.
"Mhm? Tooth Fairy, it’s truly a delight to see you on this splendid day," Ms. Z said warmly, a beaming smile spreading across her face, accentuating the friendly vibe filling the hallway.
"Madam Z…!" Tooth Fairy exclaimed with palpable excitement, her joyful demeanor evident as her cheeks took on a rosy hue. She gently shook her jar filled with fairies, creating a soft tinkling sound, unable to contain her exuberance and joy at the serendipitous encounter. The air around them seemed to shimmer with enchantment, reflecting the magical world they both belonged to.
"Tooth Fairy, you didn’t have to knock so politely. You could have just come in" Ms. Z said softly, stepping aside to let her enter.
Ms. Campbell hesitated for a second before walking in. Her grip tightened slightly around the jar in her hands. The tiny fairies inside fluttered restlessly, glowing faintly.
"I… I brought you something" she said, trying to sound casual, though the nervousness in her voice betrayed her.
"Oh?" Ms. Z closed the door behind her. "For me?"
Tooth Fairy nodded quickly. From the small bag she was carrying, she carefully pulled out a neatly wrapped box. "This one—I bought it earlier. Just normal chocolate." She held it out with both hands, as if it were something fragile.
Ms. Z accepted it with a gentle smile. "Thank you. That’s very thoughtful."
But Tooth Fairy didn’t move away. Instead, she shifted on her feet, then slowly brought out another, smaller box. This one looked simpler. Handmade. The ribbon wasn’t perfectly tied, but it was clear that effort had been poured into every detail.
"And this one…" Her voice softened, almost as though sharing a precious secret. "I made it."
Ms. Z’s gaze flitted to the uneven bow adorning the charmingly wrapped gift and then back to the Tooth Fairy, her expression curious but encouraging.
"It’s chocolate too" Tooth Fairy added hastily, eager to ease any concern. "I added a little fairy essence. Just a little. It helps with tiredness."
Ms. Z didn’t like the idea of eating her fairies.
It wasn’t fear. It wasn’t disgust, either. It just… didn’t feel right to her. In a world where strange and magical things happened every day, this was the one line she quietly chose not to cross unless she absolutely had to. It was a small choice, but it was hers. And she valued that.
The fairies inside the glass jar chimed softly, their tiny voices brushing against the air like distant wind bells. They sounded restless—maybe curious, maybe aware of the tension gathering between the two women.
Ms. Z stood there, holding two carefully decorated boxes. They were delicate, almost pretty enough to display instead of open. She examined them with calm, steady eyes.
"So," she said, voice composed as ever, "one is normal." Her gaze shifted to the other.
"And the other is… special."
There was the faintest flicker of curiosity in her tone. Across from her, Tooth Fairy aka Ms. Campbell tried very hard not to fidget. Her cheeks were warm, pink creeping across her face despite herself.
Tooth Fairy nodded eagerly, her cheeks burning with a mix of anticipation and embarrassment as she felt the weight of Ms. Z's decision upon herself. "You can eat the normal one first. I mean—that's what I expected" she stammered, her fluttering voice betraying her nervousness. "The special one is more for emergencies, or if you’re tired, or if you’re hurt, or—"
"I’ll try the special one first" Ms. Z said casually, as if choosing between teas or shoes. Her tone was effortless, like it was the most natural choice in the world.
Tooth Fairy hesitated, fingers tightening just a little around the edge of the box. Not out of alarm, but curiosity—almost as if she sensed there was more beneath Ms. Z’s calm exterior.
"The special one?" she echoed, tilting her head. Her eyes searched Ms. Z’s face, trying to read the unspoken. "You’re not feeling unwell, are you?"
Ms. Z’s smile was gentle, attentive but unhurried. "No," she replied simply. "I just want to."
A pause stretched between them; heavy with meaning. Ms. Z’s words carried a quiet weight, deliberate and measured, but with an undercurrent of purpose that made Tooth Fairy’s stomach tighten just slightly.
"It’s stronger" Tooth Fairy murmured, voice softer now. "And more… refined." She cleared her throat, trying to mask the flicker of uncertainty. "I prepared it with a specific standard in mind."
Ms. Z nodded slowly, her gaze steady. "I assumed as much" she said softly.
They stared at each other a moment longer than necessary, tension flickering in the silence. Then Ms. Z added, with a small, knowing smile, "You spent more time on this one." Not a question, but a quiet observation.
Tooth Fairy looked away first, smoothing the ribbon on the box as if it held the answer. "I may have" she admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "It’d be pointless not to test the best version first, if that’s what you’re after."
A faint curve tugged at Ms. Z’s lips, almost a smile, but not quite. Her expression remained composed, but now there was a warmth behind her eyes that made Tooth Fairy’s stomach tighten even more.
Trying not to show her fluster, she straightened her shoulders. "Very well..." she said quietly, voice steady. "But if you dislike it, I expect a detailed report."
Ms. Z’s gaze softened just a touch, as if appreciating the effort. "I doubt I will" she said softly.
Ms. Z opened the special box with slow, deliberate care, like unveiling a treasured secret. The faint creak of the lid was almost ceremonial. Across from her, Tooth Fairy stood stiffly, trying to maintain her composure, trying being the operative word.
"You're really going to pick that one first" she said, voice carefully even, as if testing the words.
Ms. Z nodded, inspecting one of the chocolates with quiet focus. "It would be rude not to prioritize something made with such obvious care" she replied calmly.
Tooth Fairy nearly choked on her breath. "It's just a more refined batch" she managed to say, voice cracking slightly.
Ms. Z tilted her head, a hint of a smile playing at her lips. "It has gold detailing"
"That was aesthetic balance" Tooth Fairy shot back, trying to sound firm, but her nerves betrayed her.
Ms. Z's gaze sharpened just enough. "You rewrote the recipe."
"That was optimization" she defended quickly, cheeks warming.
Silence fell between them. Heavy, loaded.
Ms. Z's lips curved into a subtle smile. She unwrapped the chocolate, lifting it to her mouth with a slow, practiced grace. The world seemed to narrow down to the simple act.
Tooth Fairy watched her, breath catching despite herself. Completely, undeniably soft.
"Well?" she asked quietly, voice trembling just a little.
Ms. Z hummed thoughtfully, then lifted her eyes. "Come here" she said softly.
Tooth Fairy blinked. "Hm?"
"Come here," Ms. Z repeated, with a gentle insistence.
Without hesitation, she moved forward. No resistance, no question.
As soon as she stepped within reach, Ms. Z caught her by the collar of her coat, fingers firm but tender. Light as a whisper, but sure.
Tooth Fairy inhaled sharply. "Zhang Zhizhi—!?"
And then, she was kissed.
Slow. Intentional. The chocolate still melting between their tongues, the sweetness passing from one to the other, unhurried, chosen. It wasnt rushed; it was deliberate, and full of meaning.
Her hands instinctively clutched at Ms. Z’s sleeves, as if anchoring herself to the moment.
When Ms. Z pulled back just slightly, their foreheads nearly touching, Tooth Fairy looked utterly undone, breathless, flushed.
"That—" she started, voice barely more than a whisper. "You—You didn’t warn me."
"It's Valentine’s Day" Ms. Z said softly, as if that explained everything.
"That’s not a medically recognized excuse!" Tooth Fairy shot back, voice trembling.
Ms. Z's smile was gentle now, amused. "You're shaking."
"I am not.." she insisted, fingers tightening on her coat.
"Yes, you are." Ms. Z murmured, voice low.
Tooth Fairy's face burned hot. "You can’t just do that—conduct quality testing like that... without telling me first."
"Why not? We're dating," Ms. Z said, voice teasing now. "It's kind of part of the process"
"Thats not the point...!" Tooth Fairy muttered, cheeks flaming.
Ms. Z tilted her head, watching her with a softness that made her heart flutter. "You made them for me."
"…Yes" Tooth Fairy admitted, voice almost a whisper.
"You adjusted the bitterness because I prefer softer blends."
"...Yes"
"You shaped them smaller because I forget to eat properly."
A tiny nod response.
"And you decorated the box by hand."
Tooth Fairy looked away, mortified. Her cheeks burned brighter.
"It's our first Valentine's Day.." she muttered, almost ashamed.
Ms. Z's teasing smile softened just a little. "I know"
She leaned in again—close enough that Tooth Fairy’s breath hitched, but not kissing her.
"That's why I wanted to try the special one first" Ms. Z whispered.
Tooth Fairy’s carefully constructed composure crumbled entirely. She reached out helplessly, clutching at Ms. Z's coat like a lifeline.
"You could have just told me you liked it," she whispered, voice trembling. "You didn’t have to do all this..."
"I do like it," Ms. Z said softly. "I like that you made it for me. That you put so much into it"
And that—more than the kiss made Tooth Fairy feel like she might dissolve into a puddle right there.
"Youre so unfair when you talk like that" she managed weakly.
Ms. Z brushed a gentle thumb along her collarbone, eyes full of quiet affection. "You love it when I do."
Tooth Fairy didn’t deny it. Instead, she hid her face briefly against Ms. Z's shoulder, overwhelmed and flustered, her voice almost a whisper.
"…You’re impossible" she murmured, but there was no bite in it, only warmth.
Ms. Z rested her chin lightly on her hair, her voice tender. “Happy Valentine's Day, Ms. Campbell.”
And Tooth Fairy, cheeks still blazing, whispered back, almost shyly: "...Happy Valentine’s Day."