3

Every one of my steps feels like it's echoing through the whole café as I rush to the bathroom. My heart is racing, and my vision is starting to blur.

I shove the bathroom door open and practically sprint to the mirror, not caring if anyone's inside.

When I stare at my reflection, I see the same old me from before the whisker incident. Not a single trace of them.

My racing heart begins to slow, and as my vision steadies, I let out a shaky breath.

Phew—that was close!

But now... I'll have to go back out there and explain everything to Mio!

Just the thought of having to come up with an excuse makes my heart race all over again.

Now, Cleo, think! Think!

How about... I got social anxiety?

Uh... it's true, but it's pretty lame...

I have a phobia of cakes?

Liar. She literally saw my eyes sparkle at the shortcake.

"I... uh... suddenly got stage fright?"

What?! That doesn't even make sense!

All of that thinking is only making my head hurt. I splash some cold water on my face, which makes me shiver to my core. Oh! I hate cold water! I take a quick look at my reflection and nod to myself, trying to convince myself that I've got this.

With shaky hands, I push the bathroom door open and step back into the café. The warm smell of coffee and baked goods instantly hits me, but instead of comforting me, it feels like I'm walking straight into an interrogation room.

Mio is still sitting in the booth, arms crossed with a smirk on her face.

"So... are you gonna explain yourself?" Her crossed arms make her look pretty menacing, but also... pretty.

I gulp. I feel like my feet are ready to run a marathon just to get away from this situation.

"You sure took your time too. I was starting to feel like you fell in." She brings her hand to her mouth and chuckles at the thought.

"I'm sorry I took too long! And I'm fine, I promise! I just... just needed some space," I say, my voice shaking.

"Don't worry! I won't pry! I get it."

I breathe out. "Thank you! I was kind of worried you were going to be judgmental."

"Me? Never!" she says, smiling.

"And now dig in! Your coffee is also getting cold."

I take the little spoon in my hand. It's cold to the touch, which I like—it feels quite nice on my skin. I slowly bring the spoon to the cake and take a small amount, not forgetting to scoop a little whipped cream from the top. I take a bite, and the flavors dance in my mouth. I can taste the sweet savoriness of the strawberries and the sugary whipped cream. Yum! I smile to myself.

I take a little sip of my coffee, and the flavors mix together, making a sweet strawberry-coffee goodness. I smile again. It's hard not to when you're this happy.

Suddenly, a voice brings me back from my sugar-coated dream. "You seem to be enjoying your cake and coffee, I see." She's holding a cup of coffee in her hand.

"Yes. It's really good! You should try it!" I reply.

She tilts her head a little and asks, "Really? Can I?"

I nod eagerly, scooting the plate slightly closer to her. "Of course! The cake's amazing—especially with the coffee. It's like... strawberry-and-coffee happiness all in one bite."

"Is that so... well then." She reaches for my spoon and takes a little bit of my cake.

Her mouth opens, making a small "o" shape, which makes me blush a little. She looks so cute!

She tucks a bit of her hair behind her ear and finally takes a bite.

I freeze for a moment. Wait... isn't this considered an indirect kiss?!

My face feels like it's on fire. I open my mouth to protest, but she just gives me a puzzled look, completely unaware of the chaos in my head.

I take my spoon back with shaking hands. "H-how was it?" My voice is higher than normal.

"Pretty sweet. I don't really have a sweet tooth, but this was quite nice, I must say," she says, eyes smiling as she puts her hands together.

"I-I'm glad you liked it!" I manage to squeak out.

We continue our conversation like normal. Time flies like water, and soon, both of us have finished our coffee and cake.

"That was delicious! We should come back again!" I say, my belly full and my mind probably empty from all the happiness I'm feeling.

"Yeah, let's! This was so much fun."

Mio leans back in the booth, a mischievous glint in her green-apple eyes. "You know," she says, "you really get excited over cake, huh?"

I feel my cheeks heat up instantly. "I... I just really like it! Okay?!" I reply, flustered, waving my hands helplessly.

Mio laughs. "You're so cute when you're frustrated. You know that?"

That line didn't help with my flaming cheeks—in fact, it made them even worse!

"Me? Cute!? You must be joking..." I say, hiding my face with my shaky hands.

"No. I'm serious. You're the cutest thing in the café. Well, except for the shortcake you just had. You two are equally cute."

I nearly choke on air, my heart pounding so fast I swear it's trying to escape my chest. Why does she have to be so... so... perfect?!

I grab my now-empty cup like it's a lifeline, taking an imaginary sip just to keep my hands busy. "I-I think you're... exaggerating," I manage to say, though my voice betrays me.

The corners of her mouth curl up. "Well, think what you want, but you won't change my mind."

For a few long seconds, we sit in a sort of comfortable chaos: me internally panicking, her watching me with that mischievous, green-apple gaze.

Then she lets out, "Well, it seems like it's time for us to go home now. We wouldn't want to get home late, would we?"

"Yeah, you're right." We gather our things and stand up, ready to leave.