Set My Heart On Fire (UPDATED AND CONTINUING!)

17. I Sing, You Sing Along

The white porcelain bowl sat on the wooden plank that served as a rustic place-mat. The ramen was steaming and Katara breathed in the scent of spices eagerly. She came to Mashu's Famous Ramen for lunch. Tomorrow would be the big day where all those weeks of practicing would finally be put to the test. The thought made Katara anxious and she decided to visit Nini to keep her mind at ease. Katara picked up the red wooden chopsticks and turned the ramen, ready to indulge. She grasped a good pack of noodles and brought them to her mouth. She slurped them and her eyes widened.

"So good!" she thought happily. Katara ignored the little burning sensation and continued to slurp the juicy concoction. There was something relieving about the steam engulfing your nostrils and your mouth. Your mind focused on cooling the heat, rather than the everyday that sends your blood boiling.

While Katara enjoyed her meal, Nini stood behind the counter refilling the napkin dispenser. Then she glanced at Katara and smiled. Nini closed the napkin dispenser, newly filled then made her way to Katara.

"Decent?" she asked Katara as she wiped her hands with a rag. Katara looked up to Nini, her mouth filled with bean sprouts and ramen. She nodded eagerly. Nini's grin then twisted into a scowl.

"What do you think you're doing?!!" Nini yelled, slamming a hand against Katara's table, the ramen's broth splashing Katara. Katara yelped slightly in shock and fear. Nini, despite her sweet appearance, was intense when she needed to be. Katara, however, was baffled as to why she was so upset.

"Wha-what do you mean?" Katara mumbled.

"You're grief-gobbling, girl! I know a preoccupied soul when I see one, you've got something on your mind still." Nini scolded  in annoyance. Katara sighed.

"You're right, I am.. grief gobbling." Katara admitted, staring at the bowl and dropping the chopsticks inside. Now it was Nini's turn to sigh. She took a seat across from Katara.

"Alright, what is it?" she asked. Katara met Nini's dark brown eyes.

"You know how you said you knew love when you saw it? Well I think I see it too.." Katara said, reiterating the thoughts of last night, the words feeling warm like the blanket that was wrapped around her.

"I know what I want. I just don't know to pursue it. I mean, I do but..I just don't know what to expect..and-" she said lowly.

"You're scared?" Nini filled in. Katara closed her eyes in silence. "It's okay to be." Nini said simply. Katara stayed quiet, mulling over her newfound fear. Never had she ever been so shaken by the thought of love, real love. At least that's what she hoped for, nothing felt more genuine after all.

"I understand you're afraid of the outcome. You're afraid things won't end up the way you want them to. But you can't make things complicated for yourself. Life's complicated enough, don't do the same to love. Whatever happens one way or another is going to lead you to the one who'll make you happy. You have to take that first step, Katara, even if its scary." Nini said, her eyes sparkling.

"Your friend, whomever you choose, if you want to be with him then tell him, its as simple as that. Don't expect a yes, don't expect a no, just expect an answer." Nini said."