Garu sighed.
I don't even like her. I've said it mentally and physically. Both of us know I don't like her. Why does she keep trying? Why does she call me her boyfriend, when everybody knows I'm single, and not interested?
Pucca skipped happily through the restaurant, bringing one huge bowl in her hand, approaching hers and Garu's private table. She placed their noodles on the table.
Garu looked at the bowl, and raised an eyebrow.
Pucca and I are supposed to share noodles, and slurp on them, until we reach to the point of kissing? Talk about invasion of personal space! Her chair and mine… are so close.
"Thanks." Garu looked up at Pucca, she smiled and she bounced onto her chair that was a measly 2 inches away from Garu's.
"You're very welcome, and- I'm sorry for embarrassing you in front of Tobe." Pucca grinned at Garu. She was trying to be sweet and friendly, Garu was coming off uneasy since her argument with Tobe.
"Embarrassing me?"
"Yeah, you know…I make you look… 'Unmanly.'" Pucca giggled.
"About that…" Garu cleared his throat.
"Garu, you know I can't help it! You're just so dreamy… I have to do something before I go insane! Kiss you, hug you-"
"Rape me." Garu's face was serious, and his eyes stung Pucca's.
Pucca's eyes we're in shock. Not even her biggest smile could hide her sadness.
"…I thought you didn't mind when I did any of those things…" Pucca peeped.
"EXCUSE ME? Do you think running away, screaming and pulling myself out of your arms is a good sign?"
"I…thought you we're just playing hard to get… or flirting or something…"
Garu didn't reply. He just looked at Pucca, blankly.
She really is beautiful…such a pretty girlfriend would go to waste. I mean, guys are all over Pucca when they see her. She has charm. Of all those guys, she fell for me. I don't know…I just… don't love her.
"Garu?" Pucca noticed Garu was completely zoned out.
"Hm? Oh, right…"
"I'm sorry." Pucca frowned.
"It's alright, but, Pucca…I need you to be as serious as you can for a moment."
Pucca blinked. What?
"Pucca, you're the most beautiful girl I've ever met…"
Pucca smiled.
"…You have charm, grace, and mind you- you're a really good cook."
"Thanks…"
"But…I just don't love you. I just don't really feel anything."
Pucca's smile was wiped instantly off her face. She knew instantly, that this was a break-up. Tears stung her eyes, and rolled down her cheeks. She didn't say anything.
All those kisses…gone to waste. All that time…gone to waste. Everything we did together… has gone to waste. Garu was her first boyfriend, and last one.
Garu touched Pucca's cheek, wiped off her tears, and pulled away the hair hanging in her face.
"Pucca…please don't make me feel even guiltier than I am…"
"Garu."
"Yes?"
"Have you been seeing any other girls…or… wanting them?"
"Oh no, Pucca! I would never leave you for another girl. You're as good as it gets, and somehow I can't love you."
"Garu, you were my first one, and now you're my last one."
"You were too Pucca."
Pucca noticed neither of them had touched the bowl of noodles on the table. She pointed to them.
"You want 'em?"
"No, I'm okay. I think I'm going to go home now…but Pucca, remember one thing."
Pucca blinked.
"You deserve more, and…I'm sorry."
With that, Garu left the Goh-Rong. Pucca watched him walk out of the restaurant, not even glancing once back at Pucca.
Pucca started to cry again. I'm really going to get more than I had. Garu, you we're the best boyfriend ever.
---
After that day, Pucca never spoke to Garu again. Ching would never give him a smile again. Ho, Uncle Dumpling and Linguini never invited Garu to eat their noodles again. Ringring tended to flirt with Garu even more than usual. Garu's break up with Pucca seemed to affect everybody in Sooga village. Mostly one person in particular.
Tobe.
After the break up, news spread like wildfire. When it got to Tobe, he went to go find Garu. He found him, and invited him to his house.
Once Garu entered Tobe's house he rolled his eyes.
This has got to be a trap. Some sort of booby-trap or ninja move is going to pop out any second now. Can't he see I'm in a tough time right now? Everybody in this village hates me now, and all he can think about is fighting me! Jerk!
