He still deeply peered into her baby blues whilst she admired his golden metallics. Eyes so serene he thought. Eyes so extraordinary she thought.

They just stood there motionless, with their arms embedded. Neither one of them wanting to let go, neither one of them wanted to be the first to release the grasp. Soon the silence and unbroken eye contact became awkward. He created a crooked smile and she gave him a half smirk. Nobody had any idea what to do next. All they could manage were tiny, uncomfortable smirks. Zuko nor Katara knew how to break the ice since both of their throats dried up. Every second brought more difficulty to speak up. Zuko's gaze dropped to her mouth and Katara bit her lip. They had no choice but to fake chuckles whilst blushing very hard. This could not be more embarrassing thought Zuko.

"Sorry to intrude on you during your…..personal moment but, you still have work to do. " Iroh specified. Damn, I literally stand corrected Zuko thought, biting his tongue. Like he knew he'd eventually have to, he let go of his old friend. And the fire bender noticed a hint of melancholy in those cerulean eyes. At last, she left those aurulent eyes. Everything occurred in slow motion, like the world was purposefully was making this as agonizing as possible. It was displeasing to feel that unforgettable warmth go and watch the lovely girl walk away. Katara masked her disappointment as she abandoned his solace. He sighed because immediately after Katara departed from him, he felt empty. Katara longed for something more, but she didn't remember what Zuko forgot. Zuko knew there was something missing, something that could've made the withdrawl less painful.

"Wipe down all the tables before more customers arrive." Iroh ordered.

"I missed you, too." Katara whispered in Zuko's ear before she almost exited the Jasmine Dragon.

"No wait." Zuko said, pleading for her to stay. Katara turned around curiously.

"I'll make you green tea….it-it's on the house." he stuttered. Zuko had her attention again.

"Honey?" she asked.

"With honey." he assured as he rushed back into the kitchen. Katara sighed out of relief. Such a sweet boy she thought. After Zuko delivered Katara her tea, he began to clean all the tables. She deliberately took as long as possible to sip that sweet liquid, if she remained in the tea shop she'd be able to watch Zuko working his shift. He didn't mind…not that he knew what his friend was doing. I'm not committing a crime she asserted herself. Besides, I have no plans for today. Something happened when they touched for the first time in four years. She felt sparks. Did he feel something, too? The thought was killing her, pounding in her brain like something inside her was fighting it's way out. NO! she shook her head insanely. What the shit is wrong with me!? He's had a girlfriend for the last four years! He doesn't feel ANYTHING more than just a friend Katara! Wake up for fuck's sake! Katara's chest tightened. Give your heart a break. HE'S ONLY GONNA HURT YOU IN THE END. HE DOESN'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS FOR HIM. YOU'RE ONLY KIDDING YOURSELF. She ran her hand through her hair and tugged at her crown. She wanted to pull her hair out. She concentrated on breathing but she was exasperated. Watching Zuko only made her feel more sorry for herself. She rubbed her temple, exhausted. Katara has met Mai before. Apparently, Mai didn't have any emotions, never expressed herself, ad never showed gratitude towards her BOYFRIEND. For long, she disbelieved that Mai was the right girlfriend for Zuko but it wasn't until recently she strongly felt fond of him. All this harsh thinking has been draining Katara out so she took her last gulp of tea, threw a handful cash on the table, and scurried out the door. She didn't even say goodbye He thought as he watched the young water bender exit the premises.

"You didn't have to pay me so much money!" Zuko called out after her. Zuko wanted to chase after her but he would need an excuse for his uncle. Crap he cursed at himself

"Keep the change." she angrily said as she slammed the door behind her, hiding her tears that were as hot as lava.