I wiped off the sweat on my forehead with the sleeve of my red dress, heaving a tired sigh. "That's it for today Dada. We're closing." I declared as he nodded. "Okay. Thanks for the help again Pucca!" Dada said as I nodded with a smile. I walked over to the kitchen, peeking in. "I'll be heading off to rest now Uncles, me and Dada tidied up outside." I stated as they all stopped and focused their attention on me.

Uncle Ho, Linguini and Dumpling walked over me, their hands placed on my head. "Oh Pucca dear, you've been working so hard for us." Uncle Linguini said with a warm smile on. "Why don't you take the day off for next week hm? It's Friday today. No excuses." Uncle Dumpling explained as I took all of their hands and cupped them. "W-What about the restaurant? It'll be packed for tomorrow too-" I worriedly retorted.

Uncle Ho chuckled and pat my head. "Don't worry Pucca. We'll handle it. Besides, we aren't that old to not be able to move around right?" He said glancing at my other uncles. I sighed forcing a smile. "Are you sure?" I asked as they all nodded with great proud smiles. "Now go on and get some rest, you've got a long fun day ahead of you!" Uncle Linguini stated as he playfully took me by the shoulders and spun me, gently pushing me towards the door.

I chuckled, opening the big red door. "I'll see you all tomorrow then. Rest well!" I said as I then bid them good-night. With that I also bid Dada good-night and headed for my room. I stretched my arms as I walked up the stairs, taking off the ties on my hair as I felt it slowly fall onto my shoulders. I ruffled my hair and opened the door to my room plopping onto bed. I buried my face into my pillow, the thought of Garu suddenly crossing my mind.

I giggled as a smile formed onto me. He looked so handsome today! I thought as I sat up against my bed frame, hugging another pillow with a gasp. Do I still like him?! I raised an eyebrow and narrowed my eyes for a minute. But what was his relationship with Ring-Ring..? I added on, slouching my back. She was clinging onto his arm earlier but he didn't look bothered.. I pursed my bottom lip, tucking my knees in. I used to be like that too.. 5 years ago. Does he like her? I thought, letting out a big sigh.

I laid back down onto my bed, trying to clear my thoughts. Guess we'll just have to find out tomorrow! I pulled my blanket up to my chest, placing my hands on my stomach as I closed my eyes. No time for over-thinking Pucca. You must rest! I demandingly told myself, soon after falling into a deep sleep.

...

I groaned, tossing myself to the side. I brought my hands to my face, rubbing my eyes as the scorching sun entered my room. I sat up and yawned, stretching my arms as I then got up. I approached my window and opened it letting the cool morning breeze in. I smiled to myself, feeling fully awake and energized. As usual I did my routine which consisted of me doing my bed, using the bathroom, showering blah blah blah.

After my routine, I ran down the stairs but had forgotten one thing; my hair. My hair was left dangling down on my shoulders. I halted debating to myself wether I should go back and tie it or not. I huffed, shaking my head as I continued to go downstairs. Might as well try a new hairstyle. I told myself, eagerly making my way to the kitchen. I squeezed in through the doors, seeing my Uncles all-ready for the day.

"I'm going to be heading out now!" I notified them, tucking in a strand of hair behind my hair. "Alright then, be careful!" Uncle Linguini said as I nodded. "And make sure to be back by 10!" Uncle Ho added with a smile. "Maybe stop by for lunch too." Uncle Dumpling included as I chuckled. "I know. I'll make sure to keep those in-mind, thank you!" With that, I left and dashed outside. I opened the big red doors, inhaling in the morning air.

It felt wonderful being outside once, knowing that I wouldn't have to do deliveries. "Ah— where should I go first?" I muttered beginning to walk forwards, letting my mind and legs take in control. "Boo." I cautiously turned around quite startled and by reflex, threw my hand to the direction of the voice. My hand was quickly caught, it was a firm yet gentle grip. "Woah. It's only me, don't worry." I cleared my vision, realizing who it was.

"A— Garu?" I surprisingly said as he let go of my arm with a nod. "Mhm, and what're you doing out here at such an early time miss?" He asked in a low-toned raspy voice, raising an eyebrow. I cupped my hands to chest, a shiver running down my spine. "I-I was just.." I cleared my throat, meeting his eyes. "Taking a walk. What're you doing here at such an early time?" I retorted back with a grin.

Her cheeks burnt red just like yesterday, she looked really cute. I felt myself blush from that thought, reaching my hand to my neck as I rubbed it indicating I was nervous. "I uh— what a coincidence! I was too." I responded, my voice going from deep to squeaky all of a sudden. Pucca giggled crossing her arms, my eyes suddenly transfixed to her hair. She rarely had it down, but when she did— oh how gorgeous she looked.

Pucca cleared her throat, specifying that I was staring at her too long. "S-Sorry, I got off guard of something." I lied as she twirled a strand of hair on her finger. "Sorry if my uh— hair bothers you. I decided to keep it down.. for today." She muttered gazing down at the ground. Oh no— did she think I didn't like her hair? "No no! It's not like that! I really like your hair and think you're really pretty with it!" I rapidly spazzed out waving my arms around in panic.

She looked up at me, our eyes meeting once again. I glanced down at her cheeks which were a beautiful bright pink- she was blushing. "..You really think that?" Pucca asked as I hastily nodded, my hands both placed on my sides. A quiet giggle escaped her soft lips which I was glad to hear. Soft lips. It's been far too long since she's kissed me. I thought with a small frown. I guess i've somewhat softened during these years. Assuming that she had noticed my sudden down expression, Pucca gently pat my head.

"Hey, since you're here.. do you mind visiting Ching and Abyo with me?" She sweetly asked, placing her hands on her back as she leaned in to me. I nodded, hitching a breath in. I froze realizing at how close we were, we haven't been this close since god knows when. I felt myself steam up once again, I could smell the strong scent of her strawberry shampoo. 13 year old me would've either ran away or just accepted his fate. Though this time, i'm not wasting any chances.

a/n: guys look at him:((💞