"You confessed to him?" Connie shouted in disbelief, jaw-dropping further as she looked at you.

You quickly shushed her softly, sweat dropping at Connie's loud sound she had yelled previously; Connie then covered her mouth and muttered a quiet 'sorry' which you smiled at it.

It was another day of you hanging out with Connie, trying to closer your bonds with her any way possible since she had been super busy with her studies and college entrance examination - that you swore she can score.

You thought that it was a great idea for you to befriend with Connie since she had been so kind to you, ever since your first met with her even, you couldn't help but feel happy around her since she always knew the answers to every problem you had, and always there for you - until recently that is.

Connie had taken a day off from her studies since she said that working too hard could damage your brain for overworking, you complied and agreed with her since you've had the same experience when you spent out too much to document the things you have to study in Little Homeschool; headaches and body aches hit you like a train.

Besides that, you enjoyed Connie's companies since you've never really had a girlfriend before, and also that the Gems were too old or too advance for you to understand what they were discussing; so Connie is the only normal thing you had.

Oh, and guess what, having yourself in the house only led you to girl's talk and you loved every moment of it, it was full of jokes and teasing, even though you didn't understand much of the teasing part, you had a lot of fun.

Connie uncovered her mouth, smiling widely ad you. "Then, what did he say? Did he say anything else?" she asked eagerly.

You shrugged your shoulders, frowning a bit. "I don't know. We fell asleep afterwards." you replied.

Connie frowned and pouted, crossing her arms when she doesn't get the juices part she wanted, but it won't let her down no matter what, besides, when else can you come over to her house and have a girl talk about boys?

Connie wasn't even up to with these crushes thing, she used to have one on Steven but the feeling faded away somehow, partially she felt like she didn't want to do anything with the Gems stuff recently; with the upcoming exam and all.

Connie hummed, patting her chin as she's thinking. "Hm... When did this happen?" she asked curiously.

You smiled. "A couple of days ago. We went to visit the fixing pearls thing because Pink Pearl had her scar on the eye. She told us that she needed help getting rid of it." you informed.

Connie hummed as she looked at your sudden change of expression. She saw you frowned slightly and not because you didn't know what Steven would reply to your confession, it seemed like you were worrying about something else. "...Something else happened that day?" she hesitantly asked.

You sighed through your nose weakly and nodded, you looked at Connie with uncertainty expression, lips formed in a thin line. "...That day... Steven was glowing... And it didn't look good either. He seemed mad and upset when the Pearls argued about his mother. I'm... I'm worried about him lately. He seemed stressed out, and- and partially always angry."

Connie tilted her head. "Always angry? With who?"

You looked at Connie with worried eyes. "With every little thing." you paused, clearing your throat. Connie just leaned forward to hear the interesting story she had since the studying started. "Whenever he couldn't solve a simple problem, he'll glow pink. Whenever Amethyst accidentally messed up a little thing, he'll glow pink. And whenever I had to cancel our hang out to study, he'll glow pink and irritated. It feels as if he... just wanted to scream at every little thing around him."

Connie's eyes widened slightly at the story, wasn't expecting it since she knew Steven, and he wouldn't just get mad for no reason. Connie nodded slowly and sighed. "Maybe he's just... stressed out, you know? With Little Homeschool under his fingers and thousands of Gems needed to be taken care of, I'm pretty sure I'll be mad too. And not in a good way." Connie commented.

"Is there anything I can do for him?" you asked, gripped the hem of your shirt.

Connie paused and thinking, she hummed as she does so while looking to her environment, the way she tried to get ideas. "Maybe... you can get him something? Like cakes, or something to full his appetite?" Connie suggested.

You frowned. "I don't have the money." you answered.

Connie nodded at the answer and continued to think, she smiled widely after a moment and quickly beamed up at her idea. "Maybe you can work for it!" she suggested.

You looked at her and tilted your head. "Work for it?"

She nodded. "Yeah! You can earn money and get Steven a present! A win-win!"

You beamed up at the idea but frowned afterwards, shoulders slumped. "But if I do get the money, what would I buy?" you continued to ask.

Connie began to think again, her index finger tapping her chin as she's thinking of what's the perfect gift for Steven; she may have known Steven for years, but she never really look up to what's his favourite things were, she figured that it was pointless, at least until the day she likes him.

"There was one time when I lent him my novels and he really loves the part where the Archimicarus marrying Lisa. He loves the cake, the proposing, and other romantic stuff in it. But especially the marriage. So..." Connie gasped in realisation and smacked your shoulder softly as she squealed. You only gave her a funny look and smiled awkwardly at her. "Why don't you... buy him a matching ring?" Connie asked excitedly, jumping on her seat as she continued.

You tilted your head slightly and hummed. "Matching ring? Why?" you asked obliviously.

Connie scoffed and shrugged her shoulders. "'Cause why not? Besides, it's what couples do!"

"Couple?"

"Yeah! Like, when two person likes each other, they go out on dates and show affections towards each other, y'know?" Connie explained.

Your mouth formed an 'O' as your eyes formed stars, sparkles surrounding your face as you listened to Connie's explanation. "So, it's like, the couple can kiss? And hugs? And snuggles with their partner? And even buy each other flowers?" you asked as more sparkles surrounding you.

Connie squinted her eyes a bit and smiled, nodding briefly. "Sure! Have Steven been giving you flowers?"

You blushed at the thought and shyly nodded, looked down to your laps as your cheeks brightened. Connie was amused to see your flushed state but decided not to tease. "He did. Once. When Ruby worked as flowers seller.  He... uh, put the flower on my ear and told me that I looked beautiful."

Connie smiled further at her girl best friend and squealed loudly, hugging your side tightly as you giggled at her reaction. "I'm so happy for you! I can't wait for you two to invite me to your marriage!"

Your cheeks flushed darker. "M-M-M-Marriage? I-I don't know about that! As you said, marriage is a big responsibility to handle and that adult people are the only ones who can get married." you stated.

Connie nodded and ruffled your hair. "Great job! You remembered what I taught you! I'm so proud!"

You looked at her. "R-Really?" you asked.

Connie nodded eagerly and stood up on her feet, her palms supported her waists as she sighed happily; she then gestured her main door to you. "Now, let's find you a proper job." Connie told.

Your eyes sparkled as you admired Connie's confidence, you saw Connie held out a hand for you as you quickly took it and jumped on your feet, earn in giggles from her.

Connie opened the door for you and got out after before locking the door, making sure she had the key inside of her pocket, she then left the scene with you clinging on her arm; not worrying about her parents whose at work.

The two girls walked through Beach City, Connie still thinking of what kind of job that would be perfect for you, you only listened to her suggestions and hummed before answering if the job was suitable for you or not.

"How about the Fish-stew-Pizza?" Connie asked, looking at the restaurant and pointed at it.

You hummed and shook your head, pouting a bit as you clung on her arm further. "No, thank you. I don't know how or what to do there. I'm not really good with baking or cooking." you confessed, feeling ashamed.

Connie noticed your face fell and quickly patting your hand that was on her shoulder, reassuring you. "Hey, it's okay. Considering making pizza could be very difficult to make and can't be learned in one day. So it's completely fine!" Connie assured you.

You smiled at her and leaned your head on her shoulder, squeezing her arm further to your body as you hugged her for gratitude.

Connie giggled and ruffled your hair. "I think the Fries place can be a good idea. How about that?"

You hummed, looking at the Fries shop that isn't too far from your current position, your body beamed up at the sight of the poster of asking for new part-timer; you're guessing that Ronaldo had gone for University for a while.

"I-It's pretty good. I think the job wasn't that hard." you answered.

Connie jumped excitedly and looked down to you. "That's great! Now we just need to find the rings. Come on, I know a place." Connie told you as you nodded in agreement.

Time Skip

"Connie... What is this place?" you asked with full of uncertainty.

Connie giggles at your nervous state and tightening grip on her arm, she shrugged her shoulders and smiled at you, patting your hand that was on her arm.

"Don't worry. It's just my auntie's. She's selling luxuries at cheap prices, so I think this place might catch your interest." Connie told, opening the door for you as you entered, instantly was blinded with shimmers and sparkles in your eyes.

"That's, actually, a great idea." you said, turning around and gave Connie thumbs up.

Connie smiled wider and returned the thumbs up but then was interrupted with a voice, an older woman voice.

"Connie, dear. Is that you?" the unfamiliar voice spoke.

Connie giggled and walked towards the counter which remained no one, you figured that it was coming from the back room. "Yes, Auntie. It's me. Hello." Connie greeted happily.

The back door opened and revealed an older woman that looked no more than her 40s, she wore an elegant blue dress that covering her dark colour skins and a matched scrunchie tied up her brown hair into a ponytail, a wide and excited smile was formed on her lips as her eyes caught Connie in her eyes.

The woman rushed outside the counter and tackled Connie into a hug, cheered happily. "Oh, Connie! My sweet little Connie! You finally come to visit!" she cheered, hugging Connie tightly as she left Connie with very little space and lack of air.

Connie patted her Auntie's back and chuckled. "Yeah. I won't say that it's a visit though. I brought a friend with me." Connie told.

Her auntie pulled away from the hug and averted her eyes from Connie to you which caught you off guard and left you flinched slightly and waved softly at her.

The woman walks to you and pecked your cheek before hugging you. "Oh gosh! Look at how beautiful she is! Slim, soft hair and skins, perfect (S/C) and (E/C)! Yes, yes! Connie, she's perfect for you!"

Connie's cheeks flushed in embarrassment as she protested and denied it. "N-No, auntie! She's just a friend of mine, nothing like that!"

Connie's auntie giggled behind her forehand and backed away from you, she looked down at you with her dark brown eyes before continuing smiling softly. "Call me Laurel, dear. And what should I call you?"

"(Y)-(Y/N), ma'am." you replied shyly, cheeks flushing.

Laurel laughed again at your shy state, founding it extremely adorable. "How adorable. Now, what do I owe for this visit?" Laurel asked.

Connie approached you and set a hand on your shoulder, smiling at her auntie nervously. "My friend here wants a matching ring for her and her soon-to-be boyfriend." Connie bluntly replied, making your cheeks flamed shyly.

Laurel's eyes widened at the words as she asked softly, her hands were waving crazily as she got excited. "Oh! I got the perfect rings!" Laurel beamed as she rushed behind her counter and began unlocking, sliding the glass before taking out a brown box with a unique design that curves across the top of it.

Your eyes began to sparkle again as your mouth opened widely.

Laurel laughed at your reaction and opened the box, revealing two silver rings with a beautiful Amethyst on each of them. "So? What do you guys think?"

Connie smiled widely and looked at you, nudging you softly when your eyes couldn't be averted from the beautiful objects. You looked at Connie as she pointed to her auntie with her head. You smiled and nodded. "It's perfect!"

Laurel smiled and closed the box. "Great! It's on the house!"

Your eyes widened. "What? No. I can't do that to you, Auntie." you said, handing the box back to her.

Laurel shook her head and pushed the box back to you. "Don't be silly. I would be more than happy to give something to Connie's friend."

You shook your head and pushed the box softly towards Laurel again. "No, I can't do that. It doesn't feel sincere. Please, tell me how much does it cost." Laurel looked at you with uncertainty. You looked at her, pleading. "Please."

Laurel smiled and nodded. "My, my. She's a keeper. Well, then. How about a hundred dollars? Is it too much?"

"No! It's perfect. Thank you, so much!" you thanked heartedly.

Laurel just smiled and nodded at you, telling you that she will keep the box until you're ready to pay for it; you nodded and had a deal with her as you and Connie bid her goodbye and head back towards the shop that you wanted to work on.

Your heart was hammering against your chest heavily, pumping as if your life was depending on it, you've never felt so nervous in your entire life until you heard Connie said about interviewing.

Connie massaged your shoulders and whisper into your ear. "It's okay, you got this. Just remember, I'll be waiting here." Connie assured you.

You nervously nodded and began to walk towards the counter with the poster in hands, you swallowed thickly once you saw the owner stood by the counter with a familiar smile.

"Heyya, (Y/N). Want something from the menu this time?" Me Fryman joked and chuckled at his joke.

You chuckled nervously before shaking your head, you could feel your hands shook violently as you swallowed thickly. "U-Uh, no, sir. I-I'm actually here for the job. If it's still open that is." you told shakily.

Mr Fryman beamed at your words and quickly opened the door that was beside the counter, he held it open happily as he let you in; Connie who's watching from afar had her heart pounding heavily.

"Oh, I'm so happy that you're applying! With Ronaldo and Peedee's gone, it's hard to handle the shop by myself. You know, being old and stuff." Mr Fryman told.

You looked up at him with worry painted your face. "Oh, I'm sorry for not applying sooner. If I had known-"

"It's okay! You're here now, and I'm feeling overjoyed already!"

You were taken back. "O-Oh! I'm happy to hear that."

"And I'm happy to hire you here." Mr Fryman casually told and handed you a hairnet with an apron that had the logo on it.

Your eyes widened as your hands tightening on the poster, wrinkling it. "Don't I need to be interviewed?"

Mr Fryman scoffed and waved his hand once. "Nah, too formal. I've already heard about you and I'm really impressed that all of it comes out good. So I'd be more than happy to have you here." Mr Fryman said.

Your smile widened as you happily took the apron and the hair net from his palm, wearing it as if you've been there for so long; you put on the hairnet bad the tied the apron around your waist, giggled as it looked as good as you imagined.

"Looks good on you, girl. Don't mind me treating you like my own daughter." Mr Fryman said, adjusting his headband.

Your face brightened. "Y-You have a daughter?" you asked.

Mr Fryman chuckled and shook his head. "No. I wish I have. If I do, I want her to be exactly like you." Mr Fryman stated.

Your cheeks flushed as you nodded. "T-Thank you."

"Now, now. Let's teach you some basics."

Time Skip

"Thank you, come again later." you thanked softly, handing a bag of fries to a Jasper and waved at her softly as she bid her goodbye at you.

You sighed happily as it turned out well, Connie had come and being your first customer but had to leave since her mother had called, you couldn't care less as you appreciated everything she had done for you the whole day; without her confidence and advise, you might never get Steven anything for a payback.

You took a clean cloth and began to wipe across the counter, a sound of a door opening, you turned and smiled at the person to only you have your eyes widened a bit.

"Peedee? What are you doing here?" you asked, continuing wiping while facing him.

Peedee chuckled, shaking his head before taking a hairnet and doing the slight dishes. "Um, I work here?"

You shook your head and let out an airy laugh. "No, I meant like where have you been?"

Peedee hummed as he took a sponge and wiped the dirty plate in a circular motion. "Oh, I've got homework. My dad disapproves me from being here unless I do the homework. I was so worried about how he was doing past few weeks but it turned out that I shouldn't be too worried anymore with you here." Peedee replied.

You hummed, tilting your head slightly as you had done wiping the counter, you walked away from the counter and took the space beside him and did the dishes that were on the other sink.

"Do you... not want me here?" you asked.

Peedee's eyes widened at your words as he stumbled before regaining his balance once more, he cleared his throat and continued doing his job and tried to shake off the feeling of embarrassment; as you observed him, he had grown taller a few inches from the past month.

"No, of course not!" Peedee quickly denied, cheeks tinted in soft pink. "I just... feel a bit overwhelmed with you being here, you know?"

"I-I'm sorry that you felt that way." you apologised.

"No! It's just that... I have never been around with someone as cute as you, that's all." Peedee blurted out.

Your cheeks flaming red as he stated it, Peedee slowly realizing what he had said and quickly looked away so that you couldn't see how red his face was, you smiled and nodded slowly.

"Thanks. I think that you're cute too." you replied, continuing doing your tasks.

Peedee's cheeks grew red at your compliment as he stuttered out a 'thanks', you heard someone approaching the counter so you quickly dried your hands and patted the back of Peedee's before approaching the counter.

"Welcome! May I take-"

"(Y/N)? I didn't know you're working here."

Your eyes widened when you saw the familiar poofed hair guy smiling back at you, his familiar soft pink jacket that you haven't seen since this morning greeted.

"S-Steven!" you squeaked as your cheeks grew red.

"Hey, love. Something you wanna tell me about?" he asked, gesturing the part where you took the part-time job, obviously hinting.

You blushed further and began to stutter. "I-I-I j-just got a w-work here!" you blurted out.

Steven hummed in amusement and leaned forward, purposely setting his arm on the counter and leaned on it. "Well, can I have your number then?" Steven smirked.

Your face darkened as you knew he was flirting, you began to fidgeting in your spot as Peedee silently eavesdropping on both of your conversations.

"I-I don't have a phone..." you shyly replied, looking down.

Steven smirked and leaned further to you, making your cheeks grew redder. "Then can I take this pretty lady to a date sometime?" he asked slyly, a soft pink painted on his cheeks.

It is impossible to have your face grow red, you only covered your face and sighed softly. "O-Okay." you muttered behind your palms.

Steven chuckled and began to walk backwards. "Well then, I'll see you later, love." he said and began to walk away with his hands was shoved inside of his pocket.

You uncovered your face and peeked outside and looked at Steven's back, thank God that he was not that far. "U-Um!" you called nervously, halting Steven's walks as he turned back with a sly smirk. "D-Do you want to buy anything at least?" you asked.

Steven walked back to you and hummed. "I'll just have the fries, please." Steven asked sweetly, fiddling with his flops as he waited.

You smiled at him, cheeks only flaming soft red. "Okay, I'll be back in a few minutes."

"Take your time. I'll be waiting for as long as you need." Steven flirted.

You stumbled as you made your way towards the grills, cheeks flaming further as you shook your head to calm yourself down.

Peedee walked towards the counter and greeted Steven, doing the handshake that both guys had been doing for the past years. "Hey, dude. Didn't know that (Y/N) is your girlfriend." Peedee casually told.

Steven smiled wider, cheeks began to grow redder. "Nah, I hope she is. I love her."

Peedee's eyes widened a bit from Steven's bluntness. "Wow, already figured. Make her yours before anyone does."

Steven shook his head, smirking. "Nah, I don't think she'll like anyone else other than me." Steven told proudly.

"You sound rather confident with the statement."

"Yup. I'm going to make her mine before the end of the year."

Peedee smiled, patting Steven's shoulder. "I'm happy for you, bro."

"Thanks."

You then returned with a fresh box of fries in hands, smiling softly as you did to every customer that went by. "Here you go. One fresh fries!" you said cheerfully.

Steven smiled at your appearance and took the fries in hand, the other fishing out money as he handed it to you. "Thanks, love."

"W-Welcome. A-And thank you for buying our fries! We really appreciate it!" you said.

Peedee looked at you in a funny face. "You said that to every customer?" he asked.

You blushed and nervously nodding, Steven chuckled at your cuteness as he motioned for you to lean to him; you did as told and was shocked when Steven pecked your lips unshamed in front of Peedee, you squeaked in surprise as you leaned back and covered your lower face with a bright red face.

Steven chuckled and walked backwards with his fries in hand. "That's your tips. I'll be giving you more when your shift's done!" Steven said and continued to walk away from the scene.

Peedee hummed, leaning on his palm as he watched Steven's back that slowly growing smaller while eating the fries you served.

"Wow, so bold." Peedee mumbled.

Time Skip

You were wiping the counter per usual, humming a tune that you remembered and jiggled your hips onto the beat.

Unnoticed to you that Mr Fryman was smiling at your happy little dance, he approached you with a white letter and your name on it, he looked at your happy state as you greeted everyone that passes by, earning the greets returned.

"(Y/N)." Mr Fryman called which startled you.

"M-Mr Fryman! You startled me, haha." you nervously said, panting a bit as you tried to shake off your panting.

Mr Fryman chuckled at your reaction before handing the white letter to you, smiling brightly. "Thank you, (Y/N). For your service here. You deserve more." Mr Fryman spoke.

You glanced at the letter before looking back to Mr Fryman before looking back down to the letter, hesitantly taking the envelope from his giant hand, you opened the letter softly as your eyes widened to see cash it in.

"W-W-W-What? I-I-I- thought t-that-" you stuttered, looking back at the 200 bills you just earned. You looked back to Mr Fryman with a lot of uncertainty. "This... This is too much! I just worked here for a few weeks! I don't deserve this." you neglect and tried to give it back but the man denied.

"No, you deserve so much more. I'm sorry that this is the only thing I could give you." Mr Fryman said apologetically.

You shook your head, tightening your grip in your hands, wrinkling the sides of the envelope. "I-I don't understand. What have I done to deserve this much?"

Mr Fryman smiled, walking towards a chair he owned before patting the other chair beside him, motioning for you to sit on it; you followed the order without uttering any word.

"I haven't gotten this much of customers in years!" Mr Fryman began, pointing towards the counter where Peedee struggled to get all of the orders done while a long line patiently waited for their turns. You smiled. "And I've never seen Peedee or anyone enjoyed to come here more than ever, not after you came in." Mr Fryman continued. You looked at him as you watched him stare at his struggled son, smiling at his son who worked hard. "Even before you came to get a job here, I took notice that both of my sons enjoyed your company. They always waited on the counter, patiently waiting for your arrival every single day. I felt so happy. My family has bonding more and more each day, because of you." Mr Fryman paused, looking down and smiled warmly at you. "So, thank you. You deserve more than anything I could give you. I'm sorry that I can't give anything more, I'm not a rich man like Greg."

You quickly shook your head and setting a hand on the man's shoulder, smiling wider as your eyes teared up at his speech. "No. This is way much than I deserve. Thank you. This is more than enough for me."

Mr Fryman smiled and engulfed you in a warm embrace which you returned the same, shoulders shook as you cry silently; Peedee who took a peek and saw the bond smiled; he's more than happy to see the smile that was plastered on his face, smiling, he continued serving the orders.

You pulled away from the hug and brushed the stray tears away with your long sleeves shirt, sniffling as you giggled at your messy and ugly cries, but Mr Fryman didn't care.

Mr Fryman set a hand on your head and ruffled them softly, smiling warmly at you. "You're like a daughter to me." he said.

You smiled but the smile could be seen as both smiling and frown as you cracked, your tears began to become overwhelming as you let it all out, using your sleeves to brush the tears away to only be waved again with new ones; Mr Fryman only pulled you back into a warm embrace, but this time, you could feel the happiness and the love in it.

After an hour of talking of appreciation and hearing compliments, -and slacking off- you found yourself some courage to ask the owner for a few hours off, of course, the reason was to buy the matching rings before the store is closed.

"U-Um, Mr Fryman, sir. I'm sorry that I'm asking too much, b-but can I have a few hours off? I-I have this gift to buy for Steven, and I'm afraid the store will be closed, s-so I-"

Mr Fryman chuckled, ruffling your hair. "Go ahead, girl. It's not a big deal. I'm pretty sure my son and I can handle the shop for a few hours. Plus, the customers had died down a bit." he said, seeing you fidgeting with the envelope of cash he gave.

You bowed repeatedly and almost screamed 'thanks' for so many times, Mr Fryman only chuckled as he pulled his son under his arm and waved at you, seeing you rushing towards Connie's home.

Mr Fryman looked down to his son before looking back to his long line customers, he smiled and rolled his long-sleeved upwards. "Come on, son. We've got works to do!"

Meanwhile, you were rushing towards Connie's house with the envelope inside of your apron's pocket, safely kept as you ran through the whole way; once you arrived, you panted heavily, lungs barely registering air as you rings the bell tiredly.

The door was soon opened, revealing Mrs Maheswaran with a confused face when she looked at you, almost surprised to see you in an apron with a hairnet. "(Y/N)? Are you alright?" she asked.

You nodded, swallowing thickly as you felt your throat dried. You straightened your posture and politely greeted the woman. "Hello, Mrs Maheswaran. My apologies to disturb you, but may I see your daughter?" you asked politely, cheeks flushing from the long run you took.

Mrs Maheswaran insisted you in as you politely doing so, taking off your shoes, you set your butt on the nearest couch they had and took the glass of water that Mrs Mahswaran gave you before gulping down hungrily.

"Connie! (Y/N)'s here!" the mother called, earning a yelled back as Connie took a moment to arrive downstairs, maybe to put bookmarks in her book so she wouldn't forget where she had read.

Connie smiled at your presence -who had finally calmed down- and took the glass of empty in her hand, walking towards her sink and washed it. "Hey, (Y/N). Did we have a play date today? 'Cause I can't remember." Connie joked, rinsing it and walked back towards you.

You shook your head and pulled out the envelope from your apron, showing it to Connie. "I-I have the money! Can we go to-"

Connie shut you off and forced her hand onto your mouth, forcing you to be silent as her mother looked at her daughter weirdly. "Excuse me, mom. I'm going somewhere with (Y/N). Is that okay?" Connie said, forcing her feet to be shoved in her shoes as you did the same.

Mrs Mahswaran raised an eyebrow in suspicion as she nodded slowly. "Yes, you may." she said, looking at her daughter dragging the innocent girl outside of the house with a bid of goodbye.

Once Connie made sure her mother is out of the range of eavesdropping, she pulled her hand out of the way and you huffed for air, wiping your lips from the sweats that were on Connie's palms.

"May I have the explanation of why you pulled the trick of shutting me up?" you asked.

Connie sighed and apologised. "Alright, I'm sorry about that but you can't tell or say my Auntie's name in front of her." Connie warned.

You tilted your head to the side in curiosity. "Why not?" you asked.

"My mom... and my auntie, had a bad history. And it resulted that they don't want to do anything with each other! So that's why I rarely visited my auntie. If my mom finds out, I'll be grounded for life!"

"May I ask why your mother didn't want to see your auntie?"

Connie shook her head. "No, you may not."

You nodded and smiled. "Okay. Then let's get there before it's closed!" you said, sounded almost cheering since you got so excited to buy the rings.

Connie smiled back and latched her hands to intertwined with yours, giving you a firm nod, you and Connie took a run towards Connie's auntie's store before it's closed.

Apparently, you both made it in time and if you didn't, Laurel still accepted the visit even after the closed hour but you didn't want to bother her, she must be felt super tired of running the store you thought.

Laurel was behind the glass counter per usual, smiling widely when she saw Connie and you panting while entering he place tiredly.

"We... made it!" Connie panted out, clutching her knees desperately as she tried to regain her breaths back.

You nodded as you leaned on the wall, beads of sweats trickling down your chin as you do so, trying to regain your composure and breaths as you slowly walked towards the counter, the many safely kept in your apron's pocket.

You smiled tiredly at Laurel, panting ever so slightly. "H-Hello, Laurel." you greeted, panting softly.

Laurel smiled back at you and nod her head once. "Hello to you too, dear. I've been waiting for you. Who knew that many people wanted matching rings lately? Thank goodness that I always keep my promises!"

You nodded. "Thank you, Laurel. It must've been hard for you to keep the most perfect matching rings from everyone. I owe you!"

Laurel laughed hysterically and waved her hands as her other hand covered her lips as she giggled. "Nonsense! It's not that hard. Well, it is- but it's fine! My store had been earning more customers than usual! I'm not sure if it's a curse or something, but it's definitely you that made my store blow up!"

Your eyes widened as you leaned forward in panicked. "B-Blow up?" you asked, panicked.

Connie rushed beside you and chuckled, shaking her head. "It means that her store had been famous for the past few weeks. I was shocked too."

You sighed in relief and leaned softly at the counter, you smiled at Laurel as you handed the envelope with cash in it; Laurel raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Here, the money I've promised you. I want to buy the rings, please." you asked politely.

Laurel looked inside of the envelope before closing it and set it aside, she unlocked the glass and sliding it to the side, crouching as she tried to find the box; once she found it, she set it on the counter with a warm smile.

"Here you go. One box of matching rings for you and your soon-to-be boyfriend!" Laurel cheered and handed it to you, opening the box to let you know that the rings still there.

You smiled so widely as you slide the box further to you, eyes glistening tears of overwhelming happiness, you just had to make sure that Steven will like it. You looked at Laurel with glassy eyes and cracked smile. "T-Thank you, Laurel." you said as a tear rolled down your cheek.

Laurel shook her head. "It's a no problem, dear. Oh, and here. I don't need the money." Laurel said, sliding the envelope to you.

Your eyes widened as you shake your head violently, you pushed the envelope to her as you pleaded for her to keep it. "Please. I can't get away with this without paying or any effort on doing it!" you pleaded.

Laurel laughed and slides the envelope to you again, used her hand to block you sliding it back to her. "No, I insist. (Y/N), ever since you came in here, I've been receiving more customers than ever! I haven't got it for years. And I need to thank you for it." Laurel said.

'That's exactly what Mr Fryman said to me today.' you thought.

"But I... I can't accept these rings without paying. Isn't that illegal?" you stated.

Laurel giggled, shaking her head. "Not if I change the price. And since I'm the owner of this store, I say that the price is 0 dollar and I insist you to have it or else I'll throw it away!" she threatened.

You shook your head. "P-Please don't throw it away!" you pleaded.

Connie who was silence from the beginning suddenly had a feeling of eating popcorn while watching the scene unfold.

Laurel shoved the envelope and the rings to you further. "Then I insist for you to have these rings."

Your breaths became shallow as you nodded slowly, taking the envelope and put it inside your apron as you did the same for the rings, closing the box before softly and neatly putting it in.

You smiled again at Laurel. "Thank you. So much. I can never repay you."

Laurel shook her head. "It's because you never will have to. I am sincere."

As she said that a customer came in with a jingle of the bell rang and echoed in the store, revealing a huge family barged in while the kids had their eyes sparkled and the adults mesmerized the luxuries.

Laurel smiled at the family and greeted them per usual, she then looked back at you and took your hand in hers. "See? I've been receiving more and more customers each day. Thanks to you." she finished, squeezing your hand before letting it go and serve the mother of the family with a warm smile.

Connie hugged your side and pushed you towards the door while smiling. "Come on, let's go. We got what we needed." she said and pulled the door wider for the both of you and Connie to step outside.

As on the way home, both teenagers were silent, enjoying each other's company as you and Connie took a slow journey to go back home.

Suddenly, Connie stopped her walk and looked up to the sunset sky, you looked back to Connie before doing the same as her.

Connie let out a very loud cheer that startled you, looking back to Connie, she spun herself around while giggling and cheering loudly as if she had won a huge lottery; you smiled at her as you yelled together in the empty place.

You shouted the last.

"I love you, Steven!"

I'm so sorry that I missed publishing in New Year;-; You have no idea how it pained me to wish you guys New Year but didn't actually give you anything for a gift!

I tried to make this chapter longer but I don't know if it did or didn't.

Again, Happy 2021, never to mention 2020 ever again!

Holy crap, 75k+ readers?! You guysss! I love you guys so much!

P.S: I had to skip the 'A Very Special Episode' since it's about commercials and stuff. And how should I insert the reader even? XDD

Love you guys. Never forget it.