Sumi's struggles

Sumi Sakurasawa's morning had started on a positive note, just like any other day in her carefully crafted routine. With the first rays of the sun peeking through her curtains, she would rise early to the sound of her gentle alarm, determined to make the most of the day ahead.

After all, she had learned that sticking to a structured routine helped her navigate the world with a sense of order and control, which brought comfort to her socially impaired and introverted nature.

Her loyal companion, Inkstone, would excitedly wag his tail as she prepared to take him for his morning walk. Walking her adorable dog was not only a joyful responsibility but also a clever strategy for starting her day.

Walking him allowed Sumi to avoid the bustling crowds that would soon fill the streets, opting for a quiet and secluded park where only a few early risers would venture. It was here that she felt a semblance of ease, away from the watchful eyes and potential interactions that awaited her in more crowded areas.

Once Inkstone had happily stretched his legs and explored to his heart's content, Sumi would begin her morning jog. Though she was well aware of the benefits of exercise for both her physical and mental well-being, she couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety as she selected her jogging location.

Again, she would opt for quieter paths, seeking solace in the company of nature rather than the bustling city. The rhythmic sound of her footsteps and the fresh morning air provided a soothing sense of calm amidst her racing thoughts.

Her journey continued, back home to prepare for the day ahead. As she stood in front of her closet, she would deliberate over her outfit, considering not only style but also how it might affect her interactions with others.

Sumi's anxiety would whisper words of self-doubt, urging her to choose something that would allow her to blend into the background and avoid drawing attention. Despite the struggle, she would finally settle on an ensemble that she felt both comfortable and presentable in—neither too attention-grabbing nor too plain.

Today was different, though. Amidst the usual routine, there was an added layer of anticipation. Today was the day she had been eagerly looking forward to—a day of indulgence and a reward for her daily battles with social challenges. Today, she had set her sights on a simple joy—a single delicacy that had captured her heart—the French Angel Donut.

The French Angel Donut was a divine treat from a famous chain of donut stores. It was a fluffy French cruller filled with heavenly whipped cream that melted in one's mouth with each delightful bite.

The mere thought of savoring its sweetness made Sumi's shy smile brighten. For someone who struggled with communication and social interactions, even the simplest of pleasures could become a significant milestone.

With a bright smile on her face, she set off towards the famous chain of donut stores that offered the heavenly creation. Along the way, she was surprised by an enthusiastic advertiser who offered her a coupon for a discount. Sumi blushed and politely declined the enthusiastic advertiser's offer, knowing that accepting the coupon might lead to a prolonged interaction that she was not comfortable with.

While she appreciated the gesture, her social anxiety nudged her to avoid any unnecessary interactions that could potentially overwhelm her. Instead, she chose to continue on her path, treasuring the peace and solitude that accompanied her as she ventured towards the donut shop.

Arriving at the donut store, the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked treats filled the air. Sumi couldn't help but exclaim softly,

'Hee hee!'

'Ahh, I smiled! Just knowing that I'll be able to eat the French Angel has me smiling!'

However, as she approached the counter, her nervousness began to creep in.

'Keep it together. You don't know what will happen yet.' she encouraged herself.

Glancing at the glass counter, she searched for the French Angel Donut, but to her dismay, it was sold out. She was shaken by the news and muttered,

'It's sold out! My fluffy sweet love! They don't have any!"

Feeling a mix of disappointment and determination, Sumi found herself unintentionally queuing in line, partly due to her anxiety and partly because someone got behind her, making it difficult for her to step back without appearing strange.

'I'm in a line!!! Someone got behind me. If I get out of line now... they'll think I'm a weirdo!'

'I have just to pretend!'

Sumi wept inwardly, forcing herself to act in this grave situation.

After a while, still deciding which should she get, she hears a sound she anticipated but not ready to answer yet.

"Next please". Said by the lady working at the cash register.

"Oh no!" Sumi blurted out.

'There's nobody left.'

Moreover, there's someone behind me waiting to order. What if they're in a hurry? What if I make them late by taking too much time?" Sumi's mind raced with worries, her anxiety spiraling with each passing moment.

'There's a lot of option and only the French angel was the only thing I wanted...'

Sumi panics not knowing what to do.

"You're okay. Take your time." The female staff assured. 'what a sweet girl.'

'Donut lady...' - Sumi's eye brightens as she felt really grateful towards the other person.

After this short ordeal, Sumi chose to order a brown sugar pon de ring and a café latte. She heads to the part where the seats are but despite her nervous appearance, she still appears cute making any decent guy that sees her immediately feel protective.

Guy 1 & 2: 'She's cute...'

Male Staff: 'wow....'

On the other hand, Sumi knows her hurdle is still not over.

'Phew.. for a minute there, I was worried about what would happen'

"haaa." she sighed

'but i managed to make it past the register'

' the lady was nice...'

'I'm so glad...'

'but not its over yet. this is where the real battle begins..'

'PICKING A SEAT!!'

' I need a place where I can relax and pass the time!'

One of the greatest challenge indeed for Sumi! Sumi prepares herself while thinking of the best spot available to take.

' The counter? its pretty empty now but if things get crowded. I cant ignore the possibility that someone would sit next right to me!'

'If that happened.. they'd be really closed...'

'That's a no no..'

'On the other hand, the tables would let me maintain distance from neighbouring customers so I wouldn't have to worry about that'

'at first glance though it seems safe..'

'but surprisingly there's a pitfall!'

'id end up being able to see the whole shop!'

'that means i don't know when i might make an eye contact with someone. I wouldn't have anywhere to look.'

'and on the other hand, facing the window would be so unnatural. and Id draw attention to myself..'

'So in the end.. the solution is...'

'The Wall Seat!'

The wall seat in the donut shop was a hidden gem, tucked away in a quiet corner that exuded a sense of peaceful seclusion. Positioned adjacent to a painted mural of a serene landscape, the seat offered a comforting sense of security, as if the wall itself were embracing its occupant.

A slender wooden table extended from the wall, providing just enough space to rest a cup of coffee or a plate of delectable treats. The table's smooth surface bore the marks of countless customers who had sought solace in this cozy nook.

Facing the wall, it allowed Sumi to focus inwardly, shielded from the prying eyes of strangers, making it the perfect spot for her to enjoy her pon de ring and latte in peace.

Sumi cries while being hopeful to the saviour that is meant to save her in this predicament.

'I can sit facing the wall which means I wouldn't have to make an eye contact with anyone. and if I lean against it, I do not have to worry about the people on the other side of me.

'its settled'

As the anticipation builds and hope flourishes within Sumi, a twinge of skepticism tugs at her heart. She's learned from experience that when something appears too good to be true, it sometimes hides a lurking disappointment or unexpected challenge.

'wait.. what might be waiting in the shadow of the pillar..'

'Wait! What if by chance... there's someone already.....'

As this thought invaded her mind, overthinking consumed Sumi, and her imagination painted vivid scenes of encountering a guy already occupying the coveted wall seat. The mere idea overwhelmed her, and she couldn't help but feel startled by her own anxious musings.

' Oh no!!!'

'if that happened.. I wouldn't even know how to react!'

'the seats on the other side are all filled too! i cant just turn around without saying anything!'

'id probably just end up bothering the other customers. wouldn't I?'

Sumi fidgets around and couldn't decide which seat to go for.

'its too dangerous.. ill just have to make do with the counter'

'its just too much of a risk.'

'this ones open..'

as she sits down, she saw a guy walking towards the wall seat and turned out its free.

**Cries inwardly!!! she grabs her latte and takes a sip while crying and smiling at the same time (comedic)

'its okay.. this is how it always goes..'

' the counter seat is lovely. I can look at the wide world outside. and that customer who took the seat instead of me... if he can spend his time in peace... then its fine.'

'This is wonderful. no one is here yet. I should still have time to enj...'

As she began to enjoy her treat, she glanced outside and saw a familiar face walking on the other side of the glass window. Sumi's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions.

'its him!'