Mochi tried very hard to stay busy behind the counter.
She wiped the same spot.Again.And again.And again.
For the eighth time.
Maya watched her with glittering, evil curiosity 😏.
Maya:"You're cleaning that spot like it owes you money."
Mochi whispered, not looking up:
Mochi:"I'm not jealous."
Maya leaned closer.
Maya:"You are more jealous than a cat watching a new kitten sit on its pillow."
Before Mochi could protest—
✋
Laddu raised his hand from Table Three.
Laddu:"Excuse me, waiter!Tall one! Yes, you!"
Mochi felt her soul leave her body 🚀💀.
🍵 MOCHI APPROACHES THE TABLE
She walked over stiffly, posture straight, expression fragile—like a robot programmed for suffering.
Laddu leaned forward dramatically.
Laddu:"I have a very important question."
Mochi gulped 😰.
Mochi:"Yes… sir?"
He coughed, suddenly serious.
Laddu:"Do I look…gentlemanly today?"
The cousin almost spit her drink 🤣.
Mochi blinked rapidly.
Mochi:"…You… look normal."
The cousin snorted.
Cousin:"Normal?He's been holding doors, pulling chairs,and talking like a 1940s romance hero."
Laddu smirked proudly.
Laddu:"I am always like this."
Mochi stared straight into his eyes.
Mochi:"No. You're not."
Laddu clutched his chest dramatically 💔.
Laddu:"You wound me."
Behind the counter, Maya watched like a sports commentator 📺.
😈 LADDU STARTS TEASING
Laddu leaned closer.
Laddu:"Mochi… do you prefer gentlemen…or bad boys?"
💥Mochi's soul officially exploded.
Mochi:"W-WHAT kind of question is that?!"
The cousin leaned in, eyes sparkling with chaos ✨😈.
Cousin:"Yes, Mochi. Which one?Gentleman Laddu…or chaos Laddu?"
Mochi's face turned full tomato 🍅🔥.
She tried to escape.
Mochi:"I—I have other tables—"
Laddu gently tugged her sleeve.
Just a little.Just enough.
Laddu:"Mochi…answer."
Her heartbeat went wild 💓💥.
She glanced at him…then at the cousin…
Mochi:"I… I don't care!"
The cousin gasped dramatically.
Cousin:"She absolutely cares."
Laddu smirked.
Laddu:"In that case…let me ask another question."
Mochi braced herself 😵.
Laddu:"If I opened the door for you…"
He leaned even closer.
His voice dropped to a soft, teasing whisper.
Laddu:"…would you walk through…or run away again like today?"
Mochi nearly dropped her tray 💥☕.
🔥 THE DAMAGE CONTINUES
The cousin rested her chin on her hand.
Cousin:"Wow. I didn't know teasing could be romantic."
Mochi stared at Laddu, flustered, confused, heart racing.
Mochi:"W-Why are you acting like this today…?"
Laddu shrugged, wearing that soft, dangerous smile 😌.
Laddu:"I just feel… inspired."
Mochi's cheeks warmed.
Cousin:"Mmm-hmm.Inspired because someone tall, shy, and adorable is watching."
Mochi's eyes widened.
Mochi:"I-I'm not—!"
Laddu chuckled softly.
He tapped the menu lightly.
Laddu:"Mochi… can I order one more thing?"
Mochi swallowed.
Mochi:"…What?"
Laddu smiled.
Laddu:"A smile."
💥💥💥
The cousin squealed 🥰.Maya dropped her spoon behind the counter.
Maya:"HE DID NOT JUST SAY THAT—"
Mochi turned red as sunrise 🌅🍅.
Mochi:"I—I'M WORKING!"
She spun around and ran back to the counter.
😏 AFTERMATH
The cousin leaned toward Laddu, grinning like a villain.
Cousin:"She's so jealous she could ignite the café."
Laddu's smile softened.
His eyes followed Mochi quietly.
Laddu:"I know."
Then, almost to himself:
Laddu:"And she's cute when she is." 💖