Another Invite

A voice calls out me from behind and I turn around to see the person I've been wanting to see for so long.

Mia: You, what're you doing here?

... Wow, Mia Cox, you see your crush after so long and this is what you say? My inner voice mocks me.

Custard Face: I just swinged by to grab a bite.

He shows me the packed sandwich in his hand. Ew, that's nasty stuff.

Mia: You might not want to eat that. The ready- to- eat food here tastes like shit.

Shop Owner: Ahem!

The shop owner makes us aware of his presence. Oops, I just compared his product to crap in front of him. I signal him 'sorry' with my eyes.

Mia: S-So! You live around here?

Custard Face: No, I actually live very far from here but, recently my work's been calling me here.

Mia: Oh, I see. Anyway, if you're hungry, there's a really nice cafe around the corner; you can have something fresh.

Custard Face: Are you asking me out?

Mia: What?! No!!

I suddenly exclaim and everyone turns to look at me.

Mia: S-Sorry.

They resume doing their work. I glare at him.

Mia: I was suggesting it since it's good for your health. Forget it if you want to tease me over it.

I turn away from him and start putting my stuff on the table for the cashier to scan them.

Custard Face: Okay, okay, I was just kidding. Can you show me the place; I'm not familiar with this area.

Mia:... Fine.

Even though I reply indifferently, my heart's racing. This could be out second indirect date! Even if it's not a real one, I'm excited.

After a while...

Custard Face extends his hand towards me but I slap it away.

Mia: Don't touch me! I got this!

Custard Face:... Okie dokie.

I apply all my force.

Mia:....

*Flop!*

Mia:... Ugh, this is impossible!

I heave a dejected sigh at the grocery bags lying on the floor.

Custard Face: I told you to let me handle it.

Mia: But what will I do after I drop you off? I'll have to carry this anyway.

And I don't like depending on people too much either way.

Custard Face: Then how about I take these to your place?

Mia: What? No, it's fine, I'll manage somehow.

Custard Face: C'mon, you're as flat as a pancake by all means, how will carry all this?

Mia: Well, that's true but-... Wait a minute, who did you call 'flat'?!

And knowing him, he definitely didn't mean my waistline!! I'm not flat chested I'm just... small breasted...? Hahhh, as if that makes it sound better.

Custard Face:... Nooobody.

Mia: Don't sound like nobody but I guess I could use a hand... or two.

There are three bags. I'll take two and ask him-

Custard Face: You carry this one.

He hands me the lightest bag and picks up the other two effortlessly. I kinda feel bad for making him help me since he is carrying his own bag too. I walk beside him while leading him to the cafe.

Custard Face: Say...

Mia: Hm?

Custard Face: Why didn't you ask your roommate or boyfriend, whoever you live with, to help you?

Ah, I guess so many bags of groceries made him think that they are for more than one person. Well, of course I bought so many! That recipe would have a lot of trial and error batches.

Mia: I live alone... And I told you already, I don't have a boyfriend.

Custard Face: So this all is just for you?

Mia:... Uh huh.

If I tell him that I suck at baking, that'll make a bad impression on him.

Custard Face: Really...

Mia: I like to stock up, so yeah.

Custard Face: Funny from someone who cares about people's 'health'.

Mia:...

I dug a grave for myself there, didn't I... After a few minutes, we reach the cafe.

Mia: This is the place.

Custard Face: Looks quite chic.

Mia: I know, right?

Okay, here comes the invitation!

Custard Face: Thanks for dropping me off.

Mia:... Huh?

Wait what?! He's going to just leave me here?! He said that HE would drop ME off!! Ugh, don't tell me that he went back on his words!

Mia:.. Okay then, I'll walk back.

It's too close to call a cab so I'll have to figure out a way to get all this stuff home. I reach for the bags when...

Custard Face: Wait....