So proud ✨ [Story]

The soft chime of a bell echoed as Krysta entered Dan's Dango, the quaint confectionery store owned by the stoic succubun. The delightful aroma of sweet rice filled the air, creating an inviting atmosphere. Dan, busy arranging an array of colorful mochi on the display counter, looked up as the door swung open.

"Krysta! Good to see you," Dan grumbled in his usual reserved manner, a hint of a smile flickering across his face. He motioned for her to come closer. "Ready for today's dango lesson?"

Krysta beamed, her heart-shaped horns gleaming with anticipation. "Absolutely, Dan! I'm excited to learn from the mochi master himself.".  Dan dismissed the title with a roll of his eyes but couldn't help but appreciate Krysta's enthusiasm. He emphasized that mochi and dango were distinct, highlighting the importance of precision and patience in crafting dango. Krysta's ability to rise to the challenge remained to be seen.

As they moved to the small workshop at the back of the store, Krysta noticed the various ingredients neatly arranged on the counter. There were lots of kitchen utensils, bowls, dangos sticks, chopsticks, rice hammers, packets of rice and rice  powder stored and organized. She couldn't help but marvel at the artistic way Dan had set up his workspace. The room, though dimly lit, exuded a cozy warmth.

"Now, watch closely," Dan said, his stern expression softening as he began the lesson. He explained that dango is about finesse. It's not as flashy as mochi, but it requires a delicate touch. He demonstrated the process of mixing the rice flour dough, his skilled hands moving with practiced ease. Krysta observed every movement, taking mental notes. Dan's focus was unwavering as he explained the importance of precision in each step.

Dan directed Krysta as he offered her a bowl filled with rice flour. He guided her in the process of thorough mixing, underscoring the crucial significance of attaining the correct texture. Krysta nodded, eager to put her newfound knowledge to the test. As she worked, Dan observed her progress, occasionally offering guidance. The atmosphere in the workshop shifted from a serious lesson to a collaborative effort, and a subtle camaraderie began to form between the two succubuns.

"Now, the shaping," Dan continued, demonstrating how to form the rice dough into small, round dumplings. "Each one should be uniform. Consistency is key."

Krysta followed suit, her movements becoming more confident. Despite Dan's gruff exterior, there was a sense of pride in his eyes as he watched his pupil. He realized that teaching dango-making wasn't just about finding an apprentice, it was about sharing his passion with someone who genuinely appreciated it.

As the dango took shape, Dan brought out a pot of boiling water. "This is the final step. Gently drop them in, and when they float to the surface, they're ready."

Krysta carefully placed the dango into the pot, her eyes focused on the rhythmic rise and fall of the small dumplings. The room filled with the soothing sounds of simmering water and quiet conversation.

With the dango cooked to perfection, Dan and Krysta moved to the last step: the toppings. Dan presented an assortment of sweet glazes and coatings, explaining the different flavor profiles each offered. Krysta's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she dipped the dango into various toppings, creating a colorful array. Given Krysta's preference for the color pink, she crafted a few dango in that particular hue, matching the icing as well.

As they sat down to enjoy the fruits of their labor, a sense of accomplishment lingered in the air. The dango, though simple, represented the shared experience of learning and collaboration. Krysta, with her genuine curiosity, had not only learned the art of dango-making but had also uncovered a more amiable side of Dan.

"Krysta, you did surprisingly well," Dan admitted, a rare compliment escaping his lips. "Maybe you have a future in dango-making."

Krysta laughed, a melodic sound that resonated with joy. "Well, thanks to the master himself. I couldn't have done it without your guidance, Dan."

As they savored the delicious dango, the bell above the shop's entrance jingled, announcing the arrival of Shibani. He sauntered in with his usual lazy charm, a playful grin on his face.

"What's cooking?" Shibani asked, eyeing the dango with interest.

"Dango, thanks to Krysta's newfound skills," Dan replied, his gruff exterior softening as he shared a glance with Krysta.

Shibani flopped onto a pile of pillows in the corner, munching on a dango. "Well, I'll be. Krysta, you've made a mochi master out of Dan."

Krysta chuckled, savoring the moment. In the heart of Dan's Dango, amid the delightful aroma of sweet rice, a bond had formed—one that transcended the art of confectionery and spoke to the shared joy of learning, friendship, and the unexpected connections that flourished in the heart of Burrowgatory.