“BY ANY CHANCE, do you write, too? You know a lot about publishing,” Tsa asked in amusement.

“What do you mean ‘do I write, too?’ You’re a writer?” Av was also amused.

Tsa nodded.

“Ah. I don’t think I know a lot about publishing. But, yes, I write under the romance genre.”

“Traditional publishing?”

“Yes, and online. You know, having talent is not enough anymore. You should have a social media presence, too. Big social media following tantamounts to marketability.”

“And talent?”

Av laughed softly. Then it disappeared as it was replaced by confusion. She was holding the ‘Never Ending Story’ book.

“How strange. The scanner does not recognize the barcode. It couldn’t be because the scanner stopped working. It’s a new replacement.”

“What? How come? I got that book from the fantasy section. I mean, I picked it up from the floor, but I’m sure it’s from the same shelf.”

“Could it be that I missed encoding it to the database?” Av stared at the barcode closely. “But I check the records every day and find no book missing. And the barcode looks different. Ah, I know. Since you’re my very first customer, I’ll just give this to you for free.”

“You’ll do that?” Tsa stared in awe. “Thank you!”

“It looks like a nice book.”

“I’m planning to write a children’s book. I hope I could get inspiration.”

“I’m broke.” Jo faked a cry as she finally appeared beside her, carrying her basket full of books.

“It’s okay.” Tsa jokingly stroked her back.

“Why did you have to drag me into this place, huh?”

“She’s so grateful,” she told Av.

“TSA, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but how long have you been friends with Boss Dustin?”

Tsa put on her helmet.

“Why? Do you like him?”

“I had a crush on him when I first saw him, but when I found out I was older, I changed my mind.”

“For a newcomer, you’re too nosy, do you know that?”

Tsa mounted her scooter. Jo put on her helmet, too, and got on. Good thing they brought backpacks to carry their books.

“I’m just curious. I see myself working with you for a long, long time. You can trust me.”

Tsa started the engine, and moments later, they were on their way home.

“I met Dustin when we were in high school. He was a transferee. That time there was a virus outbreak that started in China, and because of that, Chinese people, even those who had lived in the Philippines for a long time, were discriminated against and bullied. It’s not that he could not stand up for himself. But being a student government officer at that time, I did my duty as a peace-keeper. Since then, he kept following me around. That’s it. We became friends.”

“You’re aware that he’s a handsome guy, right? Weren’t you attracted to him at all?”

Tsa crinkled her nose.

“I always knew I couldn’t date him.” Tsa laughed softly. “Dustin is an obedient son. His Mom was kind to me, and she asked me to watch out for the girls who get close to her son.”

“His Mom should be grateful someone stood up for his son. At least, she should let Dustin date you.”

“And then, what? Ruin our friendship? I admit I once had a crush on Dustin, but I have outgrown it. I’ll never find someone like him in this world.”

“Oh, how tragic.”

“Shut up.” Tsa burst into another laughter.

“DO YOU live here? That makes us neighbors then,” Tsa said as she stopped in front of a boarding house.

“Yep. That means we should hang out often.” Jo got down from the scooter and pulled the helmet from her head. “Should we go to the coffee shop together from now on? You’ll save me fare.”

Tsa took the helmet from Jo and hooked it in her arm.

“As long as you pay for my gas.”

“I’m just joking.” Jo made a face.

“Good thing you don’t have a curfew.”

“The landlady’s daughter works at a BPO company, so she stays up until her child comes home. I just took the opportunity. Good night, Tsa—hey, it’s already morning. See you later! Thanks for today.” Jo made a salute.

Tsa smiled and pressed the clutch.

“Thanks for coming with me. See you later!”

TSA DROPPED her backpack on the couch and flexed her shoulders. It hurt a little. With a loud sigh, she sat and opened it. She took the books out like a child opening a present. Now, which one should she read first?

She found herself bringing the ‘Never Ending Story’ book on her lap and putting the rest aside. She could not understand why, but there’s something about that book that she could not just simply ignore. And she thought of the moon.

“Okay. I’m going to read you in the morning. But for now, I need to sleep,” she told the book as if it could understand her.

Tsa jumped as her phone rang. She took her phone out from her pocket and wasn’t surprised when she read Dustin’s name.

“Hey...” Tsa leaned on the couch and took a deep breath.

“Where are you, Tsa?”

“Home.”

“Oh.” Dustin paused. “I’m relieved to hear that. Did I wake you up?”

“Not at all. I just arrived home and was about to sleep. What about you? Why are you still awake?”

“I’m at a boring party with Mom. I’m thinking of an excuse to escape.”

Tsa laughed.

“It’s your fault you’re an obedient son. Hehe. Kidding.”

“We’re going home soon. You should sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.” His voice was soft and low.

Tsa nodded, even though he could not see it. “See you. Take care, okay?”