“Well, I should probably get going,” Kael said, glancing toward the checkout counters. “It was nice seeing you again, Sarah.”

“Y-Yeah… You too…”

Kael smiled and turned away.

“See you around!”

He waved over his shoulder and took a few steps.

Sarah suddenly felt a pang of disappointment.

He's leaving? Just like that?

She stared at his broad back, nervously clenching her hands.

Say something! Just ask him!

Before she could change her mind, she stepped forward and gently pinched the fabric of his black shirt between two fingers.

“K-Kael…?”

He stopped, feeling the slight tug.

“Hmm?”

He turned around.

Sarah immediately lowered her gaze, her cheeks turning bright red.

“I… I just wanted to…”

“Everything okay?” he asked gently.

“Y-Yes! It's just…”

She took a deep breath and looked up at him with her green eyes.

“D-Do you think… we could see each other again sometime?”

Kael blinked in surprise.

“See each other?”

Sarah immediately panicked.

“I-I mean! You don't have to! If you're busy, I understand! I just thought maybe we could grab coffee or something… But if you don't want to, then—”

“Sarah.”

She fell silent.

Kael scratched the back of his neck, still looking slightly surprised. After a moment, a warm smile spread across his face.

“Of course. I'd love to.”

Sarah's eyes widened.

“R-Really?!”

“Really.” He chuckled. “Actually, I've been meaning to ask you the same thing.”

“W-What?!”

“I just never found the right moment.”

Sarah covered her burning cheeks with her hands.

“Oh my gosh…”

Kael leaned down slightly, trying to catch her gaze.

“So, how about Saturday? Coffee, something sweet, and absolutely no shelves you can't reach.”

“Kael!” she squeaked, embarrassed.

He laughed warmly.

“So, it's a date?”

Sarah smiled shyly.

“Yeah… I'd really like that.”

Kael returned her smile.

“Then I'll see you Saturday, Sarah.”

This time, when he walked away, Sarah didn't feel disappointed.

All she could feel was her heart beating much, much faster than usual.