Chapter 5 - Date (2)

It was a splendid meal, Haji found himself enjoying the breakfast with Azula, the food prepared was far better than the usual work of the chefs. The two conversed on all kinds of topics during the meal, some of her ideas fascinated Haji, making him talk enthusiastically. She was a genius, a prodigy. And the way she spoke held a certain charm, attracting him very much. While observing the girl, he mused on the way he thought of her as a little girl, reluctant to admit but the way he looked at her changed today.

They were currently sitting on a bench by the window, chatting as they rest. Azula seemed to enjoy the breakfast, she stated that she'd like to eat here again with him. Swayed by the moment, Haji agreed. He had realized that he was not feeling repulsed of her, even when she started to act quite differently in front of him yesterday. Though he was quite uncomfortable during last night's party, he was fine being with her as long as she would not harm Ban or anyone special to him again.

He asked, looking very expectant. "Do you want to walk around the market square?" He smiled widely. "I've always wanted to stroll around there with someone special." This gesture of him delighted the princess, never had he invited her this way nor implied that she was someone special to him. She thought he wouldn't even talk to her if it wasn't for Zuko, much to her irritation. The man in front of her was known to be cold in front of strangers, he barely glanced at her when she first met him.

An unknown, strange feeling overwhelmed her heart. However, she acted indifferently and replied. "Sure, let's go there." Haji stood straightly from his seat, showing off his most handsome expression. He gently grabbed her by the hand."Let's go."

The lower floor of the Dosa clan restaurant was filled with guests, all of whom a part of the middle-class. Everyone's eyes were on Haji and Azula when they climbed down the stairs, the people whispered amongst one another. Azula felt annoyed at such a sight, Haji saw this and shouted. "Show your respects to the princess!" The Imperial guards stepped in from outside, they all formed a line, paving the way to the both of them. Seeing this, the guests in the restaurant all kowtowed, begging to pardon them of their offense. The guards were ready to inflict pain at a moment's order of Azula.

"Let them go, Azula, they're just ignorant." Said Haji, accelerating his pace, his gaze surveying everyone. The way he grabbed Azula and she wasn't even offended by his action confused the guards. Azula nodded at him but said. "Ignorance doesn't spare someone of his crimes. Still, I'll turn a blind eye this time since you were the one asking."

Haji sighed in relief, it would be bad for their business if a bunch of customers was to be beaten here, damaging the image of the clan. He glanced at Azula, thinking of how oppressive the royal family is. While in glee due to his luck, he interlocked their fingers as he held her hand. Once outside, he said. "We'll be able to spend more together if we just walk to the square." Sweetly looking at her, he asked. "What do you think?"

She grinned. "I'm fine with whatever you want." Tightly locking her fingers as well, she dismissed the carriage, and they walked on the roadside. The guards had spread out this time at the orders of Azula, wanting to not be conspicuous during their travel.

Haji shook his head and said. "Hopefully no one knows your identity as the princess." Although there was a good feeling when the customers in the restaurant kowtowed and showed respect, it would be inconvenient if everyone along the way would do the same. That instance would destroy the romantic air he's trying to set up.

"No need to worry. I rarely leave the palace grounds," Azula assured him. She turned to the citizens passing by. "These peasants don't even know the appearance of their princess."

Azula's words held her disdain towards the lower class. She preferred if everyone were to look at her respectfully, rather than being ignored by them. It was something innate of her, the thought of people revering her and her family had been deeply ingrained in her mind. Soon, she adjusted to this kind of treatment, thinking. It's a bit nice this way if I'm with him.

The way to the market square wasn't that far, it took around ten minutes for the two to reach the entrance. It wasn't that tiring for the two due to their training, Haji even joked. "Ain't this a nice warm-up?" He was happy that no one bothered them, a first, he may say. Some teenagers would come and challenge him during some of his past dates, they'd state that he had taken their lovers from them. Of course, he'd silence them during the Agni Kai, making all his past relationships a secret from the public. He heard Azula giggling, and when he looked at her, she smiled.

"Come on, I have something I want you to buy for me," She said, becoming the one to lead the way. She had a curious look, scanning all around, sometimes amazed at the items displayed in the stalls. Some goods were very astonishing, objects imported from different nations piqued Haji's interest. He stopped in front of a stall selling musical instruments, he mumbled. "A flute." Touching it with his other hand, he remembered the broken flute in his room and smiled. "I guess it's been months since I last played." The flute had been his favorite instrument even in his past life, playing it in front of his lovers back then. Memories of a lovely time under the sound of the flute would be something he'd hardly forget.

Azula looked at the reminiscing gaze Haji had over the flute, she asked. "You never mentioned that you could play the flute, what gives?"

"No time to play it. You know my grandfather, that serious old man wouldn't like it if he heard me play this instead of studying military tactics." Haji resented. Recalling the shouts of his grandfather every time the man hears him play. Pretty annoying even if it was harmless.

"Well... I'd love to listen later, come on, let's buy this." She persuaded. "Won't you?" She asked, showing off a cute innocent look, and both her hands were clasped together on her cheeks.

His grandfather was currently staying at the barracks, it wouldn't hurt to start playing again, plus no one would tell on him. He believes his grandfather wouldn't stop him anymore since the princess asked him to play for her. "Alright, alright, I'll play for you when we return to the mansion." Haji gave in. He called the attention of the shopkeeper, handing him a silver piece for the flute. "Keep the change." The shopkeeper smiled and even complimented him, saying how lucky he was to have a cute girlfriend. Azula ignored him but Haji secretly thumbs up at him before they walked away.

With the flute in hand and Azula's in the other, there was a very pleasant air between the two. Haji heard her mention that she wanted something from him so he was waiting until she voices her request. They had passed by multiple shops already, but none of the merchandise completely aroused her interest. Maybe this girl has no specific item in mind, waiting for me to pick something for her, he thought. And with that in mind, he felt enlightened, beginning to look around.

A jewelry store caught his eye, it had a large sign above its door; Chen Jewelries, it states. "Great," Haji whispered. He gently pulled Azula's hand and pointed at the store. "How about we check that one?"

She gazed at where he was pointing and nodded. Although she was showered with pieces of jewelry at an early age, she didn't like any of them, storing them inside an ornate box. The only piece of cosmetic she'd frequently wear was the flame-shaped, three-pronged headpiece. They began to walk towards the store and were greeted by a shopkeeper, the man looked very amiable compared to the one earlier. He bowed when he saw the noble attire the two sported. "Welcome, sir and madam."

Tables were placed in a neat manner at the center of the room, each had multiple pieces of jewelry displayed. They were categorized by the metals used to make them, starting from gold to bronze. "Don't mind us, we'll be looking around." Haji dismissed, waving his hand. The shopkeeper returned to his seat at the counter, he was hoping for the two to buy something expensive. "Anything caught your eye?" He asked while they were checking the pieces of jewelry made of gold. They didn't even bother to glance at the silver ones and below, it would be a shame if he were to give Azula something not made of gold or expensive. She shook her head at his question, finding everything dull. "Nothing, I have far better ones in my room."

Haji took no offense from her words, knowing that she spoke not out of contempt but the truth alone. What a sharp mouth, he criticized. "Wait here," he said, letting go of her hands and walked towards the counter. His hands were behind his back, with one grasping the other. It felt very different, he was getting used to holding Azula's hand. The shopkeeper saw the approaching Haji, and he stood from his seat, smiling like a genuine merchant. "What can I help you with, sir?" He asked.

"Show me your most expensive gold bangle, something that would look good on her." Said Haji, glancing at Azula who was busy surveying the pieces of jewelry, she looked very disinterested. "I understand. Wait a minute, sir." The shopkeeper smiled, he squatted and took a small box from below the counter. He opened it in front of Haji but did so in a spot where Azula couldn't see it. Contained inside the box was a bangle made of solid-gold, having an intricate design, a large gap compared to the ones displayed on the tables. It looked masterfully made in Haji's eyes.

Wanting to not be ripped off, Haji offered. "I'll buy it with one hundred gold pieces." But the shopkeeper looked very reluctant. He was about to raise the price when Haji interjected. "You'll be doing the dosa clan a favor, take it." The shopkeeper has no choice but to accept the offer even if he would only get a small amount of profit from the exchange.

Haji forcefully handed the shopkeeper his pouch of coins, leaving him penniless. He grabbed the box, hiding it in his hands behind his back, and walked enthusiastically towards Azula. "What did you buy?" She asked curiously, moving her body to face him.

"It's a secret." Haji grinned. "It'd be no fun if I show now."

She didn't ask further about it instead she asked a question that made him realize something wrong. "Where should we go next?"

I have no money left, he thought. What a blunder, he wouldn't even be able to buy her candy if she wished for it. It'll be the end of him if there will truly be an instance where she asks for something. "Err... We should return to my family mansion, mother told me that she'll be preparing lunch for us." Haji nervously said. "Didn't you want to hear me play the flute? Come on, let's go." He somehow managed through it, once again holding hands with Azula as they started walking.