"You need to ask her out on a date, a proper date," Tony said.

We were coming to the end of our shift this week and I had not properly spoken to Rie. I had texted her a bit when she asked about my comics. I was glad she loved them. She commented on scenes that she found funny and I laughed alone in my room in turn.

"I don't know where to take her," I replied, cleaning the surfaces. "It's like I want to spend time with her, but every time I think of places to take her, my brain freezes, and what's worse, I am running out of time."

"Dude, you need to relax. The best place to take her is where you can be comfortable to be yourself," Tony replied. "Where you are in control of your environment."

"The only place I'm capable of being that relaxed and free is my room—"

"Exactly," Tony shot back.

"Dude, are you serious?" I asked, blood rushing to my cheeks. "You want me to ask her to come over to my house as a first date?"

"I mean, you kind of have a nice art studio so, that could be fun, no?" Tony replied. "Your house is pretty chill and Neko will give you bonus points because he is cute."

"I don't know," I replied. "It's like I fear the past will repeat itself, you know."

"It was never your fault and you know that," Tony replied. "And she was a bitch."

"Woah, language."

"She was, and I wish I'd been there that day. I swear to God Haruto, this will not end the same way because you are committed to making relationships work," Tony said, leaving the kitchen. "Just ask her out."

"Ask who out?" Came a voice.

Oh, no. Candace.

"No one," I replied, walking past her and into the locker room. 

"Don't forget to take three trays of chicken out of the freezer," Tony said to Candace. "We ran out today because you forgot, again."

"Sure, sorry about that," Candace replied. "Are you free this weekend Haruto? Jake and I—"

"I'm busy and I would prefer not to be a third wheel," I replied, folding my apron. "I'm sure Jake will appreciate it if you would stop inviting me to your dates."

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind besides—" Candace went on.

"Don't assume he doesn't mind. To clarify, I am not interested in you like that Candace, so please stop asking. You are making me feel awkward," I replied as calmly as I could.

"Oh, okay."

"Have a nice weekend," I added as she disappeared into the kitchen to start her shift.

"Wow, that was hard to watch but needed," Tony said.

"I don't like blurred lines," I replied. "And I need to focus on what I want."

"Should I wait for you?" Tony asked.

"Nah, I need to talk to her."

"See you later," He said.

I grabbed my duffel bag, cleaned myself up in the bathroom, and waited for Rie to end her shift. I worked on ordering fresh deliveries and finalized payments for the week as I waited. 

"See you guys next week," Rie called out as she left. 

I shut my computer, closed the office door, and followed her out.

"Mind if we walk together?" I asked, catching up with her.

"Goodness! You startled me Haruto," She said. "You need to stop sneaking up on me."

"Sorry about that."

"Are you heading straight home?" She asked. 

"That depends..."

"On what?" She asked, curious.

"Would you like to see something cool?" I asked.

"Sure."

"What? You do?"

"Of course," Rie replied. "Where to, Haruto Lee?"

 I nearly grabbed her by the arm, like in those cheesy teen movies, but I held back and smiled instead.

"I hope you have no curfew," I replied.