I walked down the indoor chocolate brown spiral staircase—leading from upstairs into the pastry shop. “Morning, Papa.”

“It’s past morning.” Papa placed ginger buns inside a basket on the counter. “I expected you up and about since your very famous friend was here.”

“Sorry. Guess I was more tired than I thought.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t just nerves?” He eyed me. “I know you’re a tremendous fan.”

“Like so many others out there,” I scoffed.

Everything that happened yesterday and this morning seemed like a dream to me. To think someone who had always been far out of reach was now close, and yet, not close enough.

“Papa, you were a pleasant host, I hope.”

“Always.”

“You had breakfast?” Walking up to the counter, I picked up a freshly baked sugar doughnut.

“Uh-huh. Whipped up my speciality. Ray cleaned her plate. It made me wonder how long it has been since she had a home-cooked meal.”

“Of all things, you wonder about that. You are such a papa.”

“It’s not healthy eating restaurant food all the time.”

“I am sure she can afford to.”

“That’s hardly the point,” he replied. The dissatisfied expression on his face at the thought of Ray eating unhealthy caused me to sigh.

“Then perhaps you should invite her for dinner sometime,” I recommended. I couldn’t imagine the sight of Ray sitting around our worn-out dining table—even though she had done just that with Papa over breakfast.

“We’ll see how it goes,” he answered. “You,” — Papa snatched my pastry — “need to get something substantial in you before you chow down on sugary goods.”

“No time. I have to get going.” I snatched another pastry and hurried to the door.

“Where?”

“Call me if you need anything. I shouldn’t be long.”

“Be careful of weirdos.”

“Always! Love you.”

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

Outside, I saw Tie kneeling in front of a blackboard, writing the pastry special for the day. It had once been my duty until I saw Tie’s handwriting and fell in love with it. I wished my handwriting could be that nice.

“That girl…” Tie began saying. “Must have been in a rush because she forgot her mobile at the dinner table. I tossed it on your bed.”

“I’m on my way to return it. Her manager called.”

“You’re not still mad, are you? I didn’t expect her to come in. I feel like I messed up something especially important for you.”

Well… It wasn’t as if I stood a chance to begin with.

“Tell me something,” I said to her.

Tie stood and positioned the blackboard, so the specials were visible to passers-by. She threw a glance at me. “What?”

“Is it… easy… to kiss someone you don’t like? How do you do it?”

“Hmm.” Tie grinned and gripped her very dark purple hair at its root. Her expression seemed troubled.

Did I ask something I shouldn’t?

“Sorry. My question made you uncomfortable?”

“No. It’s… we’re different, you and me. Kissing someone easily is not something you can do. It’s not something you should try to do. Ray, who you idolize, I’m sure has done it with someone she doesn’t like. Because it’s easier. You don’t have to worry about what that person thinks of you.”

I pouted. “What makes you think I couldn’t kiss someone easily?”

“You have that look in your eyes you’ve had ever since I saw you looking at her magazine picture. It reminded me of the time when I was a child and discovered love for the first time. Yeah. That’s what I thought when I saw you.”

“Even though we only recently met, there’s much I don’t know about you,” I told her. “I’ve never heard you talk about someone you like. You’re always smiling and looking happy—like you have no troubles. I am terrible for not noticing.”

“Notice what?”

“There was a time when I smiled as much, but I don’t anymore, so I was grateful for your constant smiling face. But your pain hidden well behind that smile, isn’t it, Tie?”

“That was…. deep. Didn’t know you had it in you.”

“Tie. If you still love this person, it’s time to make it known.”

“But I couldn’t. It’s not as easy as you think. And besides, this person irritates me to my very core. I could hate her much as I like her.”

“There’s a thin line between those two, you know, and was behind your smug look this morning when Ray walked in on us.”

“I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.” She stretched her arms out, then reached for the broom leaning against the shop door.

“Liar.”

“You really are too outspoken. Even so… I couldn’t possibly tell you since it’s my secret.”

“Secret?”

“You should get going now. You don’t know when that girl will leave.”

I wanted to stay and press matters more.

Tie, who always seemed strong and happy, looked more rattled by the thought of confessing. I didn’t know why I had a feeling I would find out something incredible.