A/N: We'll see how this one went. I didn't want too much to happen just yet, so it's a little fast-paced, but I did have to keep a conversation going. It's challenging at times. Enjoy though!
Chocolate
"I'm from Finland," Kirsi said, taking a bite of her chocolate cone. "This one's better." Hei smiled softly as he watched Kirsi run her small, pink tongue along the frozen, chocolate cream. She seemed so blissful, amused and captivated by a simple dessert.
In the time that had passed, Hei's curiosity and attraction to Kirsi had become slightly suspicious. In his mind, he had rattled off all of the potential explanations for the girl's curious behavior and appearance. Still, Hei had been pleasantly surprised to acquire new information about her.
"Finland, huh?" he muttered they as walked up to a park bench. They sat down together with at least two feet's distance between them; Kirsi's idea.
"Yes," Kirsi replied softly, taking a bite of the vanilla wafer.
"Why Japan?" Hei asked. Kirsi glanced up at him, but still Hei detected no connection.
"Just because."
"That's all I get?"
"Would you like some?" Kirsi asked distantly, holding out some money. Hei waved her hand away, but when she didn't react to it, he gently closed her fingers over the money.
"No, thank you," Hei told her, narrowing his eyes on her.
"What do you want, then?" Kirsi asked him.
"Your attention and some simple conversation," Hei replied. "Is that too much?" Kirsi smiled a small smile.
"No, I guess not." She finished off her cone and turned to him.
"Did you like Finland?"
"Yes," Kirsi said. However, it was clear to Hei that she was holding something back. What was it? Why?
"How long are you in town for?"
"I don't know yet," Kirsi replied truthfully. "Until I want to leave, I suppose." Hei watched Kirsi clutch the hem of her dress, a knee-length, light-green sundress with spaghetti straps and black lace beneath the bosom, wrapping around her chest to form a neat bow in back. That was a usually a sign that a girl was uncomfortable or nervous, especially since her dress certainly wasn't short and therefore did not need to be pulled down.
"Where are you staying in town?" Hei tried cautiously. She could take it as an inappropriate question. Kirsi shook her head, and Hei determined that to be the answer to his question. "Alright, I understand."
"Tell me about you," Kirsi whispered softly. A group of teenage boys walked by and stared at Kirsi strangely. She didn't respond to them, but Hei was a little angered at their poor manners. Perhaps he wasn't one to judge, as drawn to Kirsi as he had been.
"Eh, but she's kind of cute too," one whispered to the others.
"If you're into vampire-chicks."
"That could be kind of hot," another mumbled. "Maybe she's kinky." The boys gained some distance from the two.
"Ignore them, Hei," Kirsi said, placing her hand on Hei's knee. "It's okay."
"Okay," Hei agreed. "I'm from China."
"I know."
"Oh? Gee, how could you tell?" Hei asked sarcastically. "You haven't really looked at me this entire time."
"I see you," Kirsi said calmly. "But don't stop." Hei started.
"What?"
"Tell me more. I'm curious."
"Curious..." Hei mumbled.
"Just like you."
"I'm a student. I don't live too far from here. What else would you like to know?"
"What's your favorite ice cream flavor?" Kirsi asked.
"You're just itching for another cone, aren't you?" Hei teased.
"Yes," Kirsi replied honestly. Hei then detected the trend in Kirsi's behavior. She was only interested in sharing when she had ice cream. It was unusual, certainly, but it proved very true. And yet Hei wanted very much to take advantage of every minute Kirsi would give him.
"Will you come out with me again?" Hei asked her. Kirsi looked up at him.
"For ice cream?"
"Maybe we'll do something else first," Hei suggested. "Maybe lunch or dinner? A nice walk? Do you like amusement parks?"
"Aren't those for cheap thrills?" Kirsi asked. And then there was that, her way of blatantly sucking the fun out of things, even if they were cheap thrills or false favors.
"But you've been to one?"
"Never wanted to go."
"Let's do dinner then," Hei said quickly. "I know a place that has really great food. Perhaps you'll find something on the menu you've never heard of. It's a great place to try if you aren't used to-"
"Ice cream?" Hei couldn't help but laugh.
"Yes. In fact, they are notorious for a flavor I know you'll love."
"What is it?"
"It's a secret," Hei whispered tauntingly. Kirsi was easily manipulated by the promise of a new flavor. The frozen treat had her in a snare, motivated like a puppet, and Hei was the master puppeteer. As long as he had money in his wallet and a new flavor for Kirsi, should would offer him company. One thing was also true: Kirsi might never trust him. No matter where this relationship went, the wall she had built up might forever be part of her personality. A Snow White in personality and complexion, the temptation she incited in Hei greatly rivaled her introverted ways.
"I do like secrets," Kirsi said. She then removed her hand from Hei's knee. It appeared they had both forgotten it was there.
"Can I at least have your phone number?"
"I don't have one," Kirsi said firmly, standing. Hei stood as well.
"Don't be in such a hurry," he said quickly. "I only want it so that I can pick you up. Is tomorrow night okay?" Kirsi seemed to ponder this for a time before scratching her cheek.
"You can meet me here," she finally told him. Hei frowned.
"I'm not a serial killer, you know." Kirsi simply shrugged.
"Friday is better." Hei smiled.
"Okay," he agreed. "I have a special flavor picked out for you."
"I'm excited," Kirsi told him, though her voice was entirely void of excitement.
"What about this park?" Hei tried. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"That's a strange thing for a boy to say," Kirsi mused.
"Well?"
"It's okay."
"The park?" Hei asked, somewhat surprised. Girls were usually dazzled by this park. It was filled with bright green palms, radiant summer flowers, a gargantuan fountain with sparkling blue water, and it even offered carriage rides. More than that, at that particular time in the afternoon, it always glistened beneath the sun's golden rays.
"Yes, it's okay."
"Hmm, you're okay too," Hei laughed. "We'll meet here Friday then. But you have to promise me something."
"What is it?"
"That you won't be so elusive then."
"I can't promise you that yet."
"Why so many secrets?"
"You have secrets too," Kirsi protested.
"Like what?" Hei demanded.
"Secret ice cream."
