Upon entering the liquor store, I was surprised to find that it was unusually quiet. I had always imagined such establishments to be filled with shady characters, but the atmosphere here was calm and subdued. I quickly made my way to the counter, hoping for prompt and efficient service.

 My father's passion for pastry-making has always been an inspiration to me. I was overjoyed when I heard that he was listed among the top-ten best pastry chefs of the year. To celebrate this momentous accomplishment, I wanted to give him something that he would truly enjoy. As I walked through the rum section of the store, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the vast array of options on display. It was a daunting task to choose the perfect gift for my father, given my lack of knowledge about rum. However, I was determined to find the best one, and after careful consideration, I settled on a bottle of Jamaica Appleton Rum. I knew that my father would appreciate the rich and complex flavors of this premium rum. 

With a firm grip, I adjusted the straps of my knapsack to secure it even tighter against my body. Taking measured steps, I proceeded down the aisle. 

"Hello?" I shouted, my voice echoing through the empty space. "Is there anyone around?"

Suddenly, a figure appeared from the aisle on my right, causing me to jump and halting my progress. 

"May I inquire as to how you were able to gain entry here?"

Initially, I had assumed that the question posed was merely rhetorical, for surely the only way to enter was through its designated door. However, upon casting my gaze upon the stranger, it became evident that she awaited a response.

“It would be considered courteous to provide a response when someone poses a question," the stranger said when I did not immediately reply.

“It's clear that the door was open," I stated, implying that it was an obvious observation. 

"Damn it!" she exclaimed. "I could have sworn I locked it. Thank goodness you are not... hold on."

In a state of panic, I found myself blurting out words without even realising it. "I am aware that I am not permitted to be here as I am a student, but ..." My throat tightened as the stranger approached me. 

"I find this rather peculiar. You seem to have no interest in obtaining my autograph or shouting in excitement,” she said.

Autograph? Screaming? I failed to see the purpose in either of those actions. 

“Do you even have the slightest idea of who I am?" she inquired with disbelief in her tone.

“Should I be familiar with your identity?"

"Take a closer look," she said as she closed the distance between us and firmly grasped my shoulders. "You have no idea who I am, do you?"

I clenched my jaw and broke free from her grip. "Do you really think I should know?”

“This is rare.” Her steps brought her close to me. "As you were entering, did you happen to see a cluster of individuals loitering outside?"

“What?”

The young woman appraised me. "You truly have no idea of my identity. I am Ray Lars. The top model.”

The intensity of her delivery was so comical that it stirred a bubbling laughter within me. I couldn't remember the last time I had felt such a strong desire to let go and laugh so freely. Her dramatic emphasis on every word and gesture was so perfectly executed that I couldn't help but be amused. 

As I looked at her, I attempted to maintain a composed expression. "Is that true?” 

The woman standing before me  was a well-known celebrity. It was almost unbelievable. But she did exuded an air of importance and star quality. 

"Do you not read magazines?" Her sudden lean towards me forced me to arch my back.

"I suppose my knowledge of your identity is lacking," I replied.

"Now, that’s quite intriguing.” She beamed at me, seemingly pleased. 

The sound of her voice was truly enchanting. It was not exotic or mysterious, but rather had a clarity to it that was reminiscent of a bell ringing in perfect harmony. Yet, at the same time, there was a deepness to her tone that exuded a sense of comfort and warmth. It was like a gentle breeze flowing through my soul, soothing and calming me with every word she spoke.

“Why are you attempting to purchase alcohol while in your school uniform? I am certain that is a violation of school regulations," Ray uttered, maintaining her stance in front of me.

The proximity between us left me feeling uncomfortable, dizzy, and queasy. 

"Explain to me the reason behind your need," she insisted. "Is it for a night of heavy partying with friends? Or perhaps for a boyfriend?" Her eyebrow arched inquisitively. 

"It's to express my congratulations to my father for his achievement," I responded, feeling a slight annoyance at having to justify myself to her. 

"Oh?“ she mused. “Well, for you, I can make a special exception. You have certainly caught my interest." 

“What do you mean?" I asked, my tone revealing my confusion.

"Be mine!" She demanded brusquely.

“Huh?” What type of absurdity was she spouting. 

"Do you not agree that the individual who is willing to break the law for your benefit should rightfully expect a worthy reward?"

"Uh, what...? A reward?" I was completely taken aback. My jaw hung open.

It was truly baffling to me how she could speak these words with such confidence and ease. I could not fathom how she could be so brazen as to say them out loud, let alone to someone she did not even know. 

"Do I take your quietness as a no?" The unfamiliar voice inquired, cutting through my fog of bewilderment. "Do you have a boyfriend?”

“No,” I answered. 

“How about a Girlfriend?” 

I could not help but notice her smug expression plastered on her face. A scoff escaped my lips in response. A feeling of unease immediately washed over me. 

My hands were shaking as I struggled to find the right words. "Forget about the rum," I managed to say. "I really should be leaving." I knew I had to get away from this strange individual. 

Ray reached out and took hold of my arm, causing me to startle. Her next words, delivered in a curious tone, struck a nerve. "Are you afraid because you have never had someone make advances towards you before?"

“Let me go!” I said.  

“Could it be that you've never been confronted with such directness before? Especially coming from a girl?”

As the seconds passed, my nerves seemed to grow more and more tense. The familiar feeling of worry and apprehension crept up inside me, causing my anxiety level to steadily increase. 

“I said, let me go!” I growled.

“Your resistance only intensifies my desire to hang on tighter.”

“You are nuts!”  I declared. 

"Do you really believe that?" She teased, running her tongue over her lips and giving me a smirk. I felt my breath hitch. "Look at you turning red. Are you feeling a bit embarrassed?" She taunted, her tone dripping with amusement. 

With confidence, Ray gracefully wrapped my tie around her hand, proudly displaying my school emblem in her open palm.

 “After careful consideration, I have chosen to take the initiative and claim my reward,” Ray announced.

Before I could even process the situation, her soft lips were pressed gently against mine. In that moment, I was left in a state of disbelief. Was this really happening? It all felt like a dream, but as I opened my eyes, I saw her smiling at me, her eyes sparkling with an unspoken message. This was my first kiss, an experience I had only read about or watched in movies. Yet, here I was, experiencing it in real life. The feeling of her mouth against mine was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.  

This was my first kiss, an experience I had only read about or watched in movies. Yet, here I was, experiencing it in real life. It was both exhilarating and overwhelming, and I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement and nervousness all at once. In that moment, everything else faded away, and I was fully present, cherishing every second of this unexpected and unforgettable moment.