"Wait, what?"
I couldn't believe what I just heard. However, this time, it sure is no prank like the one in the stadium, because serious Sera never jests around. Her eyes right now are staring right into my soul and a sense of stomach-squirming uncomfortableness this is bringing is just borderline unbearable.
"There, there must be a reason behind this, right?," I stammer, "W-Why?"
"...So that we can fend off Bren...", Sera answers.
"Oh, so that means we're just acting like we're a couple?", a feeling of relief starts filling my bowels.
"No, I'm asking you to go out with me. We're not going for just a name..."
With the stern face still not wearing off, what she just said was for real. Why though? Isn't just pretending enough?
"I...I'm sorry...I don't think...I can't... Isn't pretending enough though?"
Sera's smile returns back slightly, but it's not a one of satisfaction.
....
"Could you guys move to the side a bit? I wanna just snatch that," a middle-age man behind Sera requests, pointing at one of the items in the section.
Startled with the sudden voice at her back, Sera turns to look and shifts towards me.
"Thanks! You guys have a good night."
"You too...", we both say in unison, as the man walks away to the cashier with his over-filled red basket.
Sara claps and sighs.
"Let's eat now!", Sera's full grin returns, although in my eyes it feels a bit forced, "Man, I want that skewer boiling there."
"I'm sorry..."
"It's alright! I understand...", Sera nods, "Anyways, more importantly, you're treating, right?"
"I never said that."
Sera pouts in disapproval.
"You are anyways...", Sera bends down looking at the items,"Hmm...that one also looks good. You know what, maybe I should have both..."
She turns slowly to me, wiggling her eyebrows.
"Fine..." I allow, "Since, I disappointed you."
"Yes!", Sera makes a fist of achievement.
With the energy back, things seem to have settled down now. Still, in my heart, I can't help but wonder what drove Sera to say what she said.
"Can I have three?"