chapter 14: In the Name of Curiosity

Later That Day

Haari found himself caught in an unexpected situation. He recalled yesterday’s conversation with Ashi, where she had proposed a rather intriguing plan.

“Perfect,” Ashi had said. “Let’s find out the truth and reveal the secret.”

“Truth? Secret? What are you talking about, Nicawa-san?” Haari had asked, puzzled.

“I’m talking about Habi-san and Densi-san. Let’s follow them and reveal their secret,” Ashi had said with determination.

Haari had raised an eyebrow. “Follow them? In other words, you’re trying to spy on them.”

“It’s not spying, Kichiro-san,” Ashi had argued. “I just want to clear my doubts about them.”

“Okay, but what if they catch us?” Haari had questioned.

“Don’t worry about that. Just leave it to me. All I want you to do is be ready on the day off. Got it?” Ashi had instructed.

Haari had murmured under his breath, “Seems like you have a lot of experience in spying on others.”

Ashi had looked at him quizzically. “Uh, did you say something?”

“No, it’s nothing,” Haari had quickly replied.

Back to the Present

Haari is now in Sector 7, blending into the crowd. Haari was feeling uneasy, not quite expecting to be involved in such a situation.

Something touched Haari’s back, making him jump. “Hey, why are you freaking out like that?” Ashi asked, sounding surprised.

“You scared me,” Haari admitted, still on edge.

“What scared you? So…” Ashi began, but then noticed Haari staring intently. “What’s the matter? Is there something stuck on my face?”

Haari shook his head, slightly flustered. “No, it’s just that your clothes…”

“Did I look weird in these clothes?” Ashi asked, concerned.

“No, they look great on you,” Haari said sincerely.

Ashi’s face turned red.

Visibly touched, Ashi replied, “Oh, this is the first time someone’s complimented me like that.”

“Oh, did I say something weird? Please forgive me if I said something wrong,” Haari said, feeling awkward.

“No, it’s alright,” Ashi assured him. “You didn’t say anything wrong. And don’t you think we’re going off-topic here?”

Haari snapped back to the task at hand. “Oh yeah, look over there.”

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

Ashi followed his gaze. “It’s Habi-san.”

At a Distance

Haari and Ashi observed from distance away. Oki and Rafta were strolling leisurely, seemingly engaged in conversation.

Ashi leaned closer to Haari. “This is it. Let’s see what they’re up to.”

Haari nodded, trying to focus on the scene before them. As they watched, Oki and Rafta entered a quaint café, a popular spot among couples. The place was cozy, with a romantic atmosphere that seemed to suit the reputation.

Haari whispered to Ashi, “Looks like they’re just enjoying a casual outing.”

Ashi, peering through the window, replied, “Yeah, but let’s keep watching. We need to know if there’s anything more to this.”

Rafta arrived, looking nonchalant. “Sorry I’m late.”

Oki was visibly irritated. “Late? We agreed to meet at 7 a.m. and you’re arriving at 8 a.m. That’s an hour behind schedule!”

**Ashi and Haari watched from a distance.**

Ashi whispered, “Looks like they’re arguing about something. Any idea what it could be? I can’t hear them from here.”

Haari replied, “Not sure, but let’s keep our distance. They might notice us.”

Ashi grinned, “Don’t worry.”

**Rafta and Oki were in the middle of their conversation.**

Rafta said, “I said sorry, didn’t I?”

Oki retorted, “You always say that.”

Rafta responded, “I promise it won’t happen again. Now, let’s go.”

Oki asked, “Go where? Do you even have any idea where you’re taking me?”

Rafta shrugged, “Wherever you wish to go.”

Oki’s frustration was evident. “So, in other words, you don’t have any plan for today.”

Rafta looked puzzled. “But why should I make a plan? Didn’t you say you already had one?”

Oki’s irritation flared. “I did, but the last time you made a plan, you took me to the water park.”

Rafta replied, “I took you there because you said you liked swimming.”

Oki, still angry, snapped, “But it was winter. You took me to the water park not because I like swimming but because the tickets were cheap that time of year.”

Rafta sighed, “Please, I don’t want to ruin the day. Let’s just go somewhere.”

Rafta, still casual, replied, “I didn’t know it would be a problem. Let’s just pick a place and go.”

Oki sighed. “I had a few shops in mind. Let’s check them out.”

“Fine,” Rafta agreed, indifferent.

**A Short While Later**

Rafta and Oki walked into a charming café, and Oki’s mood seemed to brighten. “Wow, this place is great. Good choice, Oki. I knew I wouldn’t regret trusting you.”

Oki pissed of and hit Rafta on the arm. “If you wanna live, don’t say that again.”

Rafta laughed. “Okay, okay. So, where to next?”

Oki’s face lit up with anticipation. “Right now, I want something cold—very cold.”

Rafta’s eyes brightened. “In that case, I know just the place.”

Oki was surprised. “Really?”

Rafta nodded. “Yep.”

Oki exclaimed, “I can’t believe it. This is the first time you’ve actually taken me somewhere.”

Rafta asked, “Should we go then?”

Oki replied, “Yep, I’m ready to go.”

As they walked, Oki wondered, “I can’t believe it. Am I dreaming right now? I wonder what kind of place Rafta chose for us.”

After a few steps, Rafta said, “We’re here.”

Oki looked around, puzzled. “Already? But I don’t see any shops that serve something cold.”

Rafta pointed behind her. “You’re looking the wrong way. It’s right behind you.”

Oki turned around to see a simple water cooler. Her face fell. “What? You brought me to a water cooler?”

Rafta, trying to explain, said, “This is the only water cooler in the area that provides fresh, chilled water for free. After drinking it, you’ll feel refreshed. I discovered it a few days ago.”

Oki’s anger flared. “Are you kidding me? when I said cold, I meant ice cream, not just ice water! You’re hopeless. If you don’t stop wasting our time, you might find yourself in trouble.”

Oki punched Rafta lightly, her frustration evident. Oki thoughts “Boyfriends are supposed to take the lead on dates. How did I end up with someone like him? When he first confessed, I waited six months for him to ask me out on a date . In the end, I had to ask him myself, this isn't the only thing the worst part is he rejected me."

Rafta, looking disheartened, shrugged. “If you don’t like it, then let’s move on.”

Oki took a deep breath, trying to calm down. “Let’s just go. I’ve got a few more places in mind. Follow me.”

As they walked off together, Haari and Ashi followed at a distance, watching the unfolding drama with a mix of sympathy and intrigue. The complexities of Rafta and Oki’s relationship were becoming clearer, and Haari wondered what the future held for them.

To be continue...........