chapter 12.

It would be a lie to say that Esther hadn't noticed the shift of mood in her friend's heart. She believed that every partner should be able to bring out the cutest and the rawest persona of each other.

'I hope she doesn't suffer like me,' she prayed.

Esther knew the feeling of sacrificing oneself just for the family. In the end, she did benefit from it, she now had prestige and fame but, in the end, she still regretted that she could never enjoy her life. Her youth. She had to mature too young.

Absent-minded, Miraki started to work in her station. The people around her were very much busy gossiping but they did give side glances each time they could.

"The guests shall not require lunch and dinner. You all can leave early today" the head chef announced. Everyone around her beamed in joy. They immediately started to make group plans and visits.

Miraki's shift ended early. It was barely two in the afternoon. It was a rare occasion she had to admit. 'Is Lucy free? Going on a short trip to the town would be fun.'

Since they had been dismissed, Miraki went to her locked house to get her clothes. It was a pair of wide pants and a shirt. She took the back path used by the staff to reach the apartment.

As she walked at a slower pace, she felt someone tap her shoulders "Mimi, how did your shift go?" Lucy asked with a big bright smile.

"It went well, I guess. Well, no mishaps happened after all. Did you just start?" she asked.

"Well, over time, I should be free after 2 hours. Make something delicious when I come back," Lucy waved.

Like always Lucy had a positive mind towards everything. Feeling energized by her friend, Miraki went to her shared apartment and decided to visit the town. The women on the street were gossiping about the town fair. It caught her interest.

Miraki changed into her turtleneck cherry blossom-designed top which had flared sleeves and a pair of jeans. Dabbing a light touch of makeup, she headed to the town.

It was a small fair at a public park. There were a few children at the entrance, buying cotton candies. Feeling anxious but hyped, Miraki walked further inside. It felt claustrophobic of how everything was squeezed in but then again, it was the beauty of it. There were mothers and children, high school couples, and a few visitors.

If there was one thing Miraki enjoyed despite her introverted personality, it was to be a tourist at the place she lived. She loved to freely roam without any instructions. Just herself and the time.

The farmers from the town had all brought their vegetables and made skews. The women made handmade pastas and the shops on the sides had games and few prizes.

She was wandering through the crowd when she heard Hey! You! Wearing flower top!" so she halted her footsteps.

As Miraki turned around, it was the old VIP couple and her director. Miraki immediately bowed. "Good afternoon," she greeted.

"Good afternoon, little child. You're enjoying yourself?" The woman asked, clutching on the parasol of her umbrella.

"Ah, yeah. I was just roaming around the fair. It reminded me of the little town festivals where I used to go with my parents" she gleefully smiled.

"Ah, then join us dear. I feel lousy because of these men's company," she asked. Miraki felt distressed. How could she deny such important guests, but would it be alright to even join them?

"Um, sure," Meraki agreed in distress. She beamed in joy. The four of them walked around the town. The stalls had a variety of games but certain stalls with lots of prizes caught Mrs. Adam's attention.

"Hubby, play and get me that hat" she pestered the old man who seemed to not like the idea.

Miraki stood next to Luke as the old woman nagged her husband. Miraki's eyes were set on a cute little cat. It was a stuffed toy.

Mr.Adam threw about five of the rings to the cones yet none of them reached the target.

"Uh, useless' ' Mrs.Adam rolled her eyes, making Meraki and Leek jiggle. Mrs.Adam was a sassy woman.

"Luke, how about you give it a try?" Mrs Adam asked him. HE nodded and then folded his shirt cuffs. On his first try, he got the hat Mrs Adam wished for.

He handed it over to the woman with both his hands. Then with the next ring he had left, he got a few other items, including the cat.

"Have it" he handed the black cap over to her and then they walked ahead.

Miraki had no time to deny the gift as it was pushed onto her. They strolled a little more. Both the women shared a few chats.

'I should check the time,' she thought, so she took out her phone from her bag. She was out for more than an hour.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Adam. I- I should head home now," she said. Her happy face immediately turned sour, but she understandingly said okay then, walk home safely."

Then men who walked behind them had finally caught up to them. "Luke, why don't you take her to her home? Right honey?" she said. Her husband agreed with her and said "Yeah, Luke take her back."

"OK" he complied but it was clear from his face that it was not something he wished for. The pair of husband and wife slipped into a restaurant and left them alone.

"Let's go," he said. Miraki walked behind him with a few inches gap. "Wear this' ' he takes off his hat and gives it to her. Her eyes perplexed and in hesitant she wore it.

Instead, 0f walking to the parking area, Luke went inside a local pizza cafe. "Two margaritas in large" he ordered.

They sat on one of the tables. The walls had a few aesthetic food drawings. The tables had a rustic feel to them. Miraki had her eyes run around the cafe while Luke answered his emails. Within a few minutes, the packed pizzas arrived. He paid for them with his card and then they walked outside.

"Have this' ' he gave her one of the pizzas he had. "Um?" she was shaking, her eyes questioning why. Yet, instead of answering Luke walks to his car. She sat in the back seat with the windows rolled down. It was a short distance ride.

"Thank you" she softly said.