Perfect Gift in the Jade Palace

The carriage pulled up at a shop made of purple jade. Naoko's jaw dropped. The color drew the sun like a moth to the flames. How could such a place stay so beautiful after so long? Even the birds on the roof couldn't tarnish this breath-taking building.

“Here we are!” the driver announced. “Thanks for riding with me.”

“Thank you for getting me here,” Naoko said back. He opened the door and walked out of the carriage.

“Have a good day,” the driver said before riding off. Naoko waved her off and turned to the store. Soft citrus made his nose tingle. The soft Asian music put him in a relaxing mood. Just like outside, jade invaded the store. The mouse boy had to shield his eyes form the light dancing off the surface of the merchandise. Once his eyes adjusted, Naoko whistled. A woman in a light green kimono stood behind the counter, smiling.

“Welcome, dear customer,” she said. “What can I help with today?” Naoko rubbed the back of his head.

“I'm looking for a gift to take to my love,” he said. “But I don't know what exactly to get her.” The clerk's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.

“What exactly do you have in mind?” she asked. Naoko shrugged his shoulders.

“She definitely loves everything Asian,” he said. “Her favorite jewel is jade.” The clerk clapped her hands together.

“You've come to the right place!” she said. “Come with me!” She walked over to her new customer.

“Are you looking for something big or small?” the clerk asked.

“Uh... small, I guess,” Naoko said. “I don't think I can carry a big gift with me in the place.”

“Hold out your hand.”

The mouse boy gave her a blank stare. “Huh?”

She broke into a little smile. “It's to help me see your true love to get idea of what she would like.” Naoko stared at her first, blinking.

“It's okay,” the clerk said. “It won't take too long.” The mouse boy held out his hand and she clutched his wrist. The clerk closed her eyes.

She saw a dark-skinned catgirl smiling in a field of sunflowers. She held out a little purple flower towards the person in front her. Around her neck was a little silver heart charm necklace. The kitty girl said something before the clerk opened her eyes.

The woman in the green kimono broke into a little smile.

“I have just the thing,” she said. “Wait right here.” Naoko watched as she walked over to the counter and unlock a glass box. The mouse boy walked over for a little. Several jade and silver necklaces with many different charms on them. Naoko blinked many times.

“Wow,” he whispered. The clerk stood with a huge grin.

“Take whichever one you like,” she said. The mouse boy looked up at her.

“It won't cost me too much, will it?” he asked.

“Not at all. Just a kiss, honey.” She giggled when she saw him staring at her with big eyes. “Just a kiss on the cheek.” Naoko breathed out in relief. He took a moment to look through the many necklaces on the black velvet background. His eyes were drawn to the jade Kanji for love before he also noticed a heart-shaped jade charm. The clerk smiled.

“You can take them both,” she said. “It's fine.” Naoko looked at her with big eyes.

“I'll take these two,” he said, picking up love and heart.

“Two kisses on me cheeks, please?” the clerk said. The mouse boy blushed before he complied on both of her cheeks.

“Thank you and have a good day, dear customer,” she said. Naoko bowed his head. He turned to walk out of the store.

“Oh, dear customer,” she said. Naoko turned around.

“Hm?” he asked. The clerk stood up straight in a hop.

“How long are you going to be staying in the city?” she asked.

“I don't know,” he said. “Why?” The clerk pressed her hands together.

“Stick around for the next thirty minutes,” she said.

“Why is that?” the mouse boy asked. The woman smiled and winked.

“You'll see for yourself,” she said. Naoko tilted his head.