Chapter 6
Jun smiled to herself. Despite apparent character mixups, the Snack looked great and she was ready to begin the evening. She didn't know what Hakase had in mind, but she was determined to make this a success.
She checked out her appearance in the mirror one last time, smoothing the royal blue dress over her hips. She looked smart and sophisticated, but also more feminine than she could ever remember. She hoped that Ken would notice the way the dress accentuated her curves, and that it was his favorite color.
The door to the Snack opened, and in walked a young man wearing a sweater over a conservative button-down shirt, and khakis.
"Hi Juli!" the man greeted her. "Sure is quiet tonight."
"Well, it's early yet..." Jun turned, her eyes widening as she realized that Joe was dressed in the Hy costume. She hadn't realized that Ken...
Her heart fell. Ken couldn't even pretend to have a crush on her. Was she really so repulsive that he had to get out of this?
Tears began welling up in her eyes, but Joe sat down at the bar and put his hand over hers on the counter.
"What's wrong, Juli?" he asked gently. "Are you worried about that buyout offer? You know you don't have to do anything you don't want to do."
Jun looked up at Joe, and appreciated the dual meaning behind his words.
"I know that, Hy." she smiled through her tears. "But I think things will work out just fine." Joe squeezed her hand, and Jun smiled more.
"You sure do look beautiful, tonight, Juli." Joe said shyly, his eyes widening appreciatively. "Not that you're not beautiful every night..." he stammered.
"I got dressed up for the celebration of the Grand Re-opening." Jun blushed.
"I love that color on you." Joe complimented her. "Reminds me of my favorite 'superhero'." The Condor winked at the Swan.
"Oh!" Jun blushed an even deeper shade of red. Now she wasn't certain if it was 'Hy' or Joe talking. But either way, she was feeling better.
Neither Joe nor Jun noticed someone else standing in the doorway to the Snack. Ken wore jeans and a leather jacket, and had been attempting his best 'tough guy' expression when he saw Joe holding Jun's hand on the bar.
His face fell, but he resolved to deal with this, while remaining in character. He walked up to the pair and...