Mushroom Chronicles

Frappe for Two

I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I spot another "Happy February 15th!" post in my Facebook feed. The unfollow button is my best friend today. I don't need that kind of posts... even if I'm one of those unfortunate singles this Valentine's Day. But who cares? Valentine's Day is a day for love, and self-love counts.

"Ma'am?" I yelped as the taxi driver called me. Crap, I'm so glued into my Facebook feed that I didn't notice where we were now. Heck, I didn't even notice that we were out of the traffic jam. "We're here."

"Oh!" I looked outside through the car window. We've arrived at my destination, Sundollars Cafe. I felt like getting a frappe and a slice of raspberry cheesecake today, which is why I decided to go to my favorite cafe.

"Thank you." I nodded and paid the taxi driver with the right amount of cash before getting out of the taxi.

I blinked a few times at what I'm seeing right now. So many heart-shaped balloons! So many couples sharing drinks! So many couples whispering sweet nothings to other, pinching each other's cheeks! So many hearts in general! I've got to admit, I could feel a well of jealousy inside my heart.

I wonder if those boyfriend-for-hire posts are real or just satire? For real, I feel like hiring a boyfriend right now, now that I'm seeing these lovey-dovey lovebirds in the cafe. Uggggh! I'm so jelly!

A certain ad caught my attention which somewhat explained the increased number of couples in the cafe. "Oozing with delectable whipped cream, chopped peanuts, chocolate syrup, and caramel macchiato, the limited-edition Caramel Lovers Frappuccino is now here this Valentine's Day. Buy one (1) order of venti-sized Caramel Lovers Frappuccino with your significant other and get our limited-edition Kinoko plushie for free!"

Alright. Let me get my phone again. Where the hell are those boyfriend-for-hire posts? I must hire one. Now. For the Kinoko plushie! (I mean, it's so cute! Their mascot is a plump, happy mushroom! Who wouldn't fawn over that adorable, enthusiastic mascot?!)

"Miranda?"

I raised an eyebrow while my eyes were still glued on my phone. Maybe I'm just hearing things; maybe I'm just imagining someone calling my name. Like someone I know would enter here all of a sudden... unless one of my friends brought her boyfriend or his girlfriend here because they knew about the promo. I kept on scrolling through my Facebook feed, still standing near the entrance of the cafe.

"Um, Miranda?"

Ugggggh, I can't find those boyfriend-for-hire posts anymore! Or... don't tell me they got hired already--

"Miranda?"

I let out a small shriek when I felt someone tap my shoulder. With widened eyes, I quickly turned around only to find a guy I'd never expect to meet here in Sundollars Cafe, of all places. My jaw dropped, my heart almost sank, and my knees shook as I recognized his profile.

"M-Matthew?"

"Miranda! It's been two years." He flashed his panty-dropping smile. I was not emotionally prepared for this moment. I was looking around frantically, trying to avoid his look and smile. But one thing's for sure, I couldn't hide the redness of my face.

But there was one thing that bugged me: what the hell is Matthew doing here? And why is he alone?

"Y-yeah, t-two years." I tried my best to reply.

"Aren't you happy to see me, Miranda?" I didn't get to look at Matthew's expression. I was so busy avoiding Matthew's gaze, so I look like a goddamn awkward, crazy mushroom right now.

I'm such an idiot. If I continue to act like this, Matthew would quickly figure out that I was crushing on him. Crushing on him for quite a long time, ever since I've met him during my high school years.