Hashi loves hotdogs

Kaito stands outside the grocery store, his heart pounding. Beside him is his loyal dog, Hashi, wagging his tail happily. "Oh Hashi, I'm excited. I never felt this way before. What is wrong with me?" Kaito asks, his voice trembling with nerves.

Hashi barks in response, as if understanding his owner's turmoil.

"Yes, you're right, my friend. Aiko is something special, isn't she? Almost like she doesn't belong here. Maybe she's an alien?" Kaito laughs nervously, trying to calm his racing heart.

Inside, Aiko walks towards the store, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. "What is wrong with me? I usually don't care about guys. I'm a strong, independent young woman, but why do I feel so weak right now? Ahhh, Tekuno would know what to say to comfort me," she mutters under her breath.

Suddenly, Aiko remembers, "Oh no, Tekuno!! I totally forgot about him. I was so distracted and I also lost my in-ear! Is he still pretending to be me? Is he still managing the situation as fake Aiko with my dad? Oh gosh, I'm a terrible friend!"

As these thoughts swirl in her mind, Aiko enters the grocery store. After taking a few steps inside, she hears someone calling her name.

"Aiko, Aiko, over here!" She turns to see Kaito waving at her from the vegetable section.

"BANANA BOY! Here you are! Smart decision to stay at the veggie section, they're less slippery than bananas, aren't they?" Aiko jokes, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Kaito laughs, although his cheeks turn a shade of pink. "Hahaha, I think I will hear this joke for the rest of my life, right?" He notices Aiko blushing and realizes what he just said. "Oh no no, I didn't mean to say forever like you and I will forever meet here or anything or getting married or something..."

Kaito's embarrassment grows worse with every word he utters. Just then, Hashi starts barking at Aiko, breaking the awkward silence.

"What's wrong, buddy?" Kaito asks, trying to calm Hashi, who keeps barking at Aiko.

"Do you have a cat at home or something?" Kaito asks, puzzled. "Because he usually never reacts like that."

Aiko thinks quickly. "Oh well, maybe because I have a hotdog in my bag!" she says, relieved to have a plausible excuse. In reality, on her way to the grocery store, Aiko had bought a hotdog to eat, which now serves as a perfect explanation for Hashi's behavior.

Kaito laughs. "That explains it! Hashi loves hotdogs." He reaches out to pat his dog. "See, Hashi, no need to bark. Aiko's just a friend."

Hashi calms down immediately, his eyes fixed on Aiko's bag.

Aiko breathes a sigh of relief. "Phew, that was dangerous. But what should I do now? I enjoy the time with Kaito, but I can't leave Tekuno alone," she thinks.

They walk together through the store, picking out groceries while talking about their favorite foods and hobbies. Kaito shares his love for baking and how he's perfecting his red cherry cheesecake recipe.

"I'd love to try it sometime," Aiko says, genuinely interested. "It sounds delicious."

"I'll make it for you one day," Kaito promises, then quickly adds, "I mean, if you want. No pressure or anything."

Aiko giggles. "I'd like that, Kaito."

As they move through the aisles, their conversation flows naturally. Kaito feels his nerves melting away, replaced by a warm sense of connection. Aiko, too, feels at ease despite her earlier worries.

Suddenly, Aiko’s phone buzzes. She looks at the screen and sees a message from Tekuno: “Are you coming back soon? Your dad’s getting suspicious!”

Guilt washes over her. “Oh no, Tekuno is still dealing with my dad. I need to go back soon,” she thinks. But she also doesn’t want to cut her time with Kaito short.

“Aiko, you okay?” Kaito asks, noticing her distracted look.

“Yeah, just… something came up. I need to head back soon,” Aiko replies, trying to hide her concern.

“Oh, I understand. Do you need any help with your groceries?” Kaito offers, wanting to spend a bit more time with her.

“Actually, that would be great. Thanks, Kaito.”

As they check out and leave the store, Kaito carries the bags while Hashi walks happily beside them. They part ways at the entrance, each feeling the pang of separation.

“Thanks for today, Kaito. I had a great time,” Aiko says, smiling.

“Me too, Aiko. Let’s do this again sometime,” Kaito replies, his heart lifting at the thought.

“Definitely. And don’t forget your bananas next time!” Aiko jokes, waving goodbye.

Kaito laughs, waving back. “I won’t, I promise. Take care, Aiko.”

As Aiko heads back towards her hotel, she can’t shake the feeling of happiness mixed with guilt. “I need to make it up to Tekuno,” she thinks, determined to set things right.