Chapter 22 Feeling Mischievous

It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and Ayumi was feeling relieved that she had a day off from her stressful work. She was sitting on her couch, wondering how to spend her free day. Suddenly, she remembered Koji, in the vending machine near her workplace. She had met him a few days ago, and they had talked for hours about everything under the moon. Ayumi decided to pay him a visit.

She got dressed quickly, grabbed her bag, and headed out. The sun was shining brightly, and there was a gentle breeze blowing. Ayumi walked towards the vending machine, excited to see Koji and maybe Boss Cat again. As she approached, she could see Boss Cat sitting on the top of the tall brick fence near the vending machine, keeping an eye on the street. The Boss Cat was licking his wounds from his last battle.

Ayumi smiled and greeted Boss Cat, who gave her a friendly meow. After petting the cat, Ayumi decided to visit Koji, and she walked quietly toward Koji's vending machine, trying not to make any noise. As she approached, she saw Koji busily tinkering with the machine's inner workings, unaware of her presence.

 Feeling mischievous, Ayumi decided to play a prank on Koji. She crept up to the glass, and just as he turned around, with a warm smile she playfully shouted, "Boo!"

Koji jumped in surprise and spun around, his eyes wide open. But as soon as he saw Ayumi, a smile spread across his face. "Well, hello there," he said, his eyes sparkling with delight. "You certainly gave me a good scare." 

 Ayumi giggled and blushed a little. "Sorry about that," she said. "I just wanted to surprise you." 

 Koji chuckled. "You definitely succeeded," he said. "But I'm glad it was you and not some stranger."

Ayumi pressed her finger at the glass pointing at Koji and asked, "Can I get your homemade soda, please?"

Koji browsed through his stock and grabbed the freshest soda can. He dropped it down the hole for Ayumi to pick it up, "Here, this is my newest product, I just made it."

Ayumi leaned against a vending machine, watching him as she smiled and said, "Koji, you really are an artist when it comes to making soda."

 Koji blushed and smiled shyly, "Thank you, Ayumi. I just love experimenting with flavors and textures."

 Ayumi giggled, "Well, you certainly know how to make my taste buds tingle."

 Koji's eyes widened at her flirtatious comment, and he nervously cleared his throat. "I'm glad you enjoy them," he said softly.

 Ayumi leaned in closer, "You know Koji, there's something about a man who knows how to make a good soda that's just so attractive."

 Koji couldn't help but chuckle at her words. "I never thought my soda-making skills would make me attractive."

 Ayumi smiled slyly, "Oh, you'd be surprised at what skills can do." She then took a small sip of the soda and closed her eyes, savoring the flavor. "Mmm, this is delicious. You really know how to make a girl happy."

 Koji blushed even harder but felt a warmth in his chest at Ayumi's compliment. "I'm glad I can make you happy, Ayumi."