Sugar Cafe

The city looked brighter compared to the rain moments earlier. As expected, pink ruled the land. Everything, just as the name of the city suggested, was made of edible sweets. Roads made of dark chocolate. Everything glass was made of rock candy. The clouds were made of different colored cotton candy. Instead of bricks, the buildings used cookies for the exterior. It felt like a child’s gingerbread project came to life around them. Naoko wandered over to a shoe shop and stuck out his tongue.

“Uh-uh-uh,” Kaya said as she grabbed him by the shoulder. "Please don't eat the buildings." Naoko lowered his ears. Kaya gave him a gentle smile.

“I know you are hungry,” she said. “I’ll take you somewhere more filling.” Kaya gently pulled the mouse away by his arm. Naoko nervously laughed now.

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The guide led her guest to this made of cookies and caramel. She pushed open the rock candy glass door. Little flakes of glitter rained down upon them as they walked inside. The place didn't look so crowded. In fact, there were only about eight stools in front of the counter and six tables. Kaya walked up to the cashier and rang the bell.

“Hello?” she asked. “My friend and I would like some service over here.” A curvy woman dressed out like a French maid walked out from the back.

“Welcome to the Sugar Cafe!” she greeted the customers with a bow. “What shall I get for you today?” Kaya and Naoko looked at the golden menu above.

“I'll have your cheese plate,” the mouse boy said.

“And how is your fried chicken sandwich today?” the guide asked.

“Great as ever!” the woman said, grinning.

“Then, I'll have that,” Kaya said. The woman, possibly the owner wrote down their orders.

“Got it,” she said. “Will this be for here or to go?” Naoko and Kaya looked at each other for a minute.

“To go,” Kaya said at last. “My friend here has an important date with his beloved and doesn't want to keep her waiting.” Naoko quickly nodded.

“Alright,” the owner said. “Please take a seat and your food will be right with you.”

“Thank you, ma'am,” Kaya said, bowing. Naoko and the owner bowed before the customers took their seat at the counter. Kaya raised her arms above her head.

“I come here when I want a quick bite to eat,” she said. “The food's really good and the bargains are reasonable. In fact, the food tastes better when you eat it outside.”

“I see,” Naoko said. Another thought crossed the guide's mind.

“Hey, you know what?” she asked. “After we get our food, we should go down to the center of the city and make a wish in the Fountain of Love!” The mouse boy blinked at her with a blank stare.

“You serious?” he asked.

“Yep!” Kaya said. “You could even give your love something really cool. The trip won't take very long. Please? I just really want to make a quick wish and see if it comes true this time!” She looked at him with pleading, sweet eyes like a little child wanting candy. The mouse boy tried in vain to resist.

“Fine,” he said. “We'll make a quick stop.” The guide squealed as she wildly hugged Naoko. He tried to push her off.

“Get off, you a crushing me!” he complained. The owner walked back in with their orders. The pair jumped when she loudly cleared her throat. She smiled as they looked up.

“Your food is ready,” the owner said.

“Thanks,” Kaya said. “How will you accept the payment?”

“Three kisses on this card,” the older woman said, shoving forward a small pink card. The guide leaned down and kissed it three times.

“Thank you,” the owner said as she took back the card. She handed them the food in exchange. Naoko and Kaya bowed before they left.