Tsubaki locked the door of the bakery after making sure all the lights were switched off and the windows were properly locked from the inside. She turned around and smiled when she saw the tired faces of her employees.
"Thank you for your hard work, everyone!"
Chiyo, the girl with a short ponytail rubbed her eyes. "Today is surely exhausting. I never thought our new custard pie would become a hit like this!"
"Yes. Whenever we brought out the fresh batch, they would be sold out immediately. But I'm glad the customers loved them." Yoshie exclaimed. She looked tired as well but happy.
"Sister Tsubaki, you'd handle the handsome customer's orders right?" Kohana looked at Tsubaki who was rummaging her tote bag.
"Huh? The handsome customer?" Tsubaki furrowed her brows. "Which one?"
"Don't you remember?" Chiyo's eyes lit up. A certain imagination crossed her mind. "The one in a black suit who came to order cakes yesterday! Mr. Fuse!"
Chiyo's remarks attracted their attention. The bubbly girl continued gushing over the man.
"I heard he's the mysterious head of the Fuse Family. President Fuse is so lowkey, that he never appears in the media. I think he is the president! Oh, so handsome and charming!"
"Forget about Chiyo, Sister Tsubaki," Kohana shot Chiyo a look, "Of course, you're the one who should make them. After all, hummingbird cakes and chocolate mousse cakes are your specialties! You could leave the donuts to the Osaki sisters."
"Oh, him," Tsubaki laughed, "I'll make the hummingbird cake. Ono and Kaori would handle the rest. Alright, let's stop chatting. You guys better go home straight. Don't wander around, tomorrow is going to be more hectic."
"Okay, you're the boss." Yoshie grabbed Chiyo's hands. "See you tomorrow."
"Be safe!"
Three of them left the shop. Tsubaki straightened her white long-sleeved cardigan before starting walking.
She needed to go somewhere else before going home. She glanced at her watch. It was 8.10 PM already. She had to hurry.
"Tsubaki!"
Her feet stopped in her tracks. Frowning, she turned around. A face she didn't want to see came into her view.
A tall man in casual clothes was walking toward her. Tsubaki kept quiet and didn't have any intention to speak to him.
"Are you going somewhere? I have something to discuss with you." The man smiled.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Kitaoji. Could we talk some other time? We have a meeting among shop tenants tomorrow anyway so I think it'd be better if we hold it first."
Tsubaki forced herself to smile. She took a few steps back to increase the distance between them.
"But, it can't wait until tomorrow. I want to talk about something personal with you." Kitaoji Masaru declined Tsubaki's suggestion.
"I believe we are not close enough to discuss anything personal. You're the owner of the shop lots and I'm just one of your tenants. I'm sorry, Mr. Kitaoji. We'll meet tomorrow."
Tsubaki bowed her respect and turned around, trying to leave. But Mr. Kitaoji quickly grabbed one of her hands.
"We could be more than that. Why don't you just accept my proposal?" Mr. Kitaoji refused to let go of her hand. "What more do you want? I have looks and money, you don't have to work anymore if you just be my wife."
Tsubaki sneered. She pulled away with great force he nearly stumbled on the road. Mr. Kitaoji often forgot the girl before he was a strong-willed person.
She could easily defeat him using a simple self-defense act if she put her mind to it. Luckily Tsubaki went easy with him this time.
"You don't have my heart. Let's just keep it that way."
"Tsubaki!" Mr. Kitaoji tried to touch her hand again but a strong force grabbed his wrist, exuding pain. He looked angrily at the man's face "Who are you?"
A pair of cold grey eyes were looking down at him. He instantly shivered, being intimidated by the man's gaze.