I walked down the street. I got inside the bookshop, ate, and continued with my day’s duties. My thoughts often drifted to Chester, how he seemed to cling to me in that moment; trying to figure out what he could possibly want form me, and what I'd be willing to give.  

By the time the clock struck 5, it was time to close up. I started to blow out candles I had lit after sunsdown, organizing books back to where they were supposed to be. The door jungled as someone walked in. 

“Sorry, we’re closing up-” I turned, staring blankly at Chester.  

“...Hi...” he smally smiled. 

“What do you want." I sighed deeply. 

“Um... dinner?” he gestured behind himself. “I-” 

“Dinner?” I echoed with a dull expression. “Let me get this straight, you want to take me, a guy you met a day ago to dinner? I already said you don’t owe me anything-” 

“If you don’t swing that way-” he stuttered. “Just- just a friendly dinner between new friends.” he grinned nervously. “No harm.” 

“Hah, no.” I scoffed. “I’d be more inclined to let you cook again!” I joked. 

“Ok then.” he hummed, walking past me. “What do you want?” 

“Huh?” I snapped. “I didn’t say-!” 

“Hm, I did notice you have very few ingredients- oh! I'll run to the store! We can pick out-” I cut him off. 

“I don’t know what you’re playing at, Mr. Chester, but I'm not letting some stranger into my home and cook-” I was cut short. 

“You did yesterday~!” he grinned. “Besides, can’t you tell I have no ill intent?” 

He actually wants to cook for me... how odd. He thinks he owes me some great deal, but he doesn't. I don't want to owe him. If I agree, I must set my own conditions. At best, I'll get a meal out of it. I took a long breath, unclenching my hands. 

“...Fine... only if you agree to my terms.” I crossed my arms. “This is something you want to do, right? Not ‘cause you owe me, and not ‘cause you want me to owe you, correct?”  

“Yes.” he nodded. “I’ll pay for everything, drive, cook. The only thing you need to do is pick out things you wanna eat~!” he beamed. 

“What do you get out of this deal?” I huffed. 

“A friend!” he smiled. ...How foolish...  

“...We’re walking.” I nodded once, walking towards him. “Let’s go before it starts raining again.” I huffed, opening the door.