As I descended the elegant, chocolate-hued spiral staircase inside, I found myself standing in the bustling pastry shop below. My father greeted me with a warm smile as I reached the bottom.

"It's already past the morning hour," Papa remarked as he set a basket of ginger buns on the counter. "I assumed you would be awake and moving, especially with your well-known friend paying a visit."

"Sorry," I uttered, "It seems I underestimated my level of fatigue."

"Do you really think it was just nerves?" He looked at me intently. "I know you a huge fan."

I rolled my eyes. “Just like countless others."

Everything that transpired felt surreal, almost as if it were a mere figment of my imagination. The realisation that someone who had always seemed unattainable to me was now within arm's reach, yet still out of reach. 

“Papa, you were a delightful host, I truly hope," I remarked.  

“Absolutely!" He beamed.

"Did you have breakfast?" I asked as I approached the counter. My eyes immediately landed on a warm and fluffy sugar doughnut, freshly baked and ready to be devoured. 

"I prepared my specialty. Ray devoured every bite. It got me thinking about how long it's been since she's had a good, home-cooked meal."

"Of all things, you are curious about that." I chuckled.

“It's important to have a balanced diet and not rely solely on restaurant meals.”

“I am positive that she can afford to do so," I stated. 

"That's not really the point," Papa responded with a hint of frustration. I noticed the discontent on his face. The idea of Ray consuming unhealthy food made me let out a weary sigh. 

"Why don't you consider inviting her over for dinner sometime?" I proposed. 

The thought of Ray joining us at our well-worn dining table seemed improbable, even though she had already shared breakfast with Papa at the same spot. 

"You," — Papa quickly grabbed my pastry — "should have something more filling before indulging in sugary treats."

"I am sorry, but I really need to leave now." I quickly grabbed one more pastry before rushing towards the door. 

"Where are you headed?"

"Call me if you need anything,” I said. “I won't be away for too long. 

When I stepped outside, I noticed Tie kneeling in front of a blackboard, meticulously writing out the pastry specials for the day. It was a task that used to be my responsibility, but as soon as I saw Tie's elegant handwriting, I couldn't help but be enamored. Each stroke of the chalk was precise and graceful, making me envious of Tie's impeccable penmanship. 

"Seems like that girl was in quite a hurry,” Tie said.  “She left her phone behind at the dinner table. I grabbed it and placed it on your bed." 

“I noticed that. I am heading out to give it back. She received a call from her manager.” 

"Are you still upset? I didn't think she would have come inside your room. I feel that I may have unintentionally ruined something very important to you."

To be honest, I never really had a chance to begin with. 

Tie stood up and carefully positioned the blackboard to ensure that the specials were easily seen by those passing by. She then glanced over at me. 

"Is it a simple to kiss someone you have no feelings for? What is the approach to making it happen?" I asked. 

"Hmm," Tie said with a grin, reaching for her deep purple locks and tightly gripping them at the base. There was a troubled look on her face. 

"Did my question make you feel uneasy?"

“Kissing someone without a second thought is not an ability you possess, Kichi. And trust me, it's not a skill worth attempting to acquire. You see, Ray, your obsession, i am she has casually locked lips with someone she doesn't even care for. Why? Because it's easier to hook up with someone without emotional attachment.”  

With a pout on my lips, I retorted, "Why do you assume that I wouldn't be able to easily kiss someone?"

"You have had that glossy and charmed look in your eyes, ever since the first time I caught you gazing at Ray's magazine photo," Tie said. "It brought me back to my childhood, when I experienced my first crush. Innocent. The thought of wanting someone else seems impossible. That’s why you can’t have casual hookups. To begin with, you would have to rid yourself of this idea, or rather, obsession you have towards Ray out of your system.”

As Tie approached me, I reflected on her words with deep thought.

"I am not obsessed," I stated dismissively.

Tie chuckled. "I respectfully disagree.”

“Although we have only recently become friends, there are still so many things I have yet to learn about you," I admitted to her with genuine curiosity. “You seem to mention anyone like. Your constant smile and carefree nature make it seem as though you have not a worry in the world. It's my fault for not realising it sooner, and I apologise." 

“My dear Kichi, what did you fail to realise?” Tie gently brushed my hair back before meeting my gaze with her own. 

“In the past, I used to smile a lot, but now I don't anymore. That's why I appreciated your consistent smiling expression. But, I can sense that there is pain hidden beneath your smile, isn't there, Tie?"

"That was incredible profound. I never would have guessed that such depth lies within you," Tie playfully quipped. 

“Don’t poke fun at me,” I warned.

"Hurry up and get going. Who knows when that girl will leave,” Tie said. “Please stay safe. I don't want to have to cause harm to anyone for hurting you."

I wanted to smile at Tie's protectiveness towards me. I had a strong feeling that she was capable of carrying out whatever she had promised. This realisation brought me a sense of contentment and joy. It was reassuring to know that I had someone who was willing to go to great lengths to protect me.

"I will catch up with you later," I told Tie. "Don’t work too hard."

“Do I ever?” She playfully quipped, giving me a wink.