"Welcome to Gelatin Gelato, the finest gelatin for miles around! What's your sweet tooth craving today?" Her cheerful voice bounced off the colorful walls, filling the air with warmth.
She giggled softly as she wrapped up the company's whimsical mission statement, her eyes sparkling with delight.
"Choco Chunk Chocolate," came a voice as clear as the bell above the door.
Taken aback by the precise echo of the flavor's name, she couldn't help but wonder how he knew it so well, as she was certain she hadn't served him before.
"Excellent choice! Here you go," she replied, pointing as the machine erupted into a delightful whirl of sound, its metallic arms twirling to whip up a frosty creation.
"Any flavor ideas are welcome; just remember, it has to be edible!" She gestured towards a bright assortment of stick tabs perched on the countertop, next to a jar brimming with colorful pens, a small invitation for creativity.
As she busied herself ensuring his treat was perfect, she missed his reply. Turning back, she was met with silence. "No? Well, perhaps next time you'll surprise me. I hope you enjoy this treat and come back soon!"
With a warm smile, she handed over a vibrant disposal bowl nestled within a branded bag, packing in several napkins and an array of spoons.
"Enjoy! I look forward to seeing you again," she called over her shoulder, her friendly demeanor radiating as she hit a button that activated the machine's cleaning cycle, attending to the next eager customer.
Ken stood with his friends, energy buzzing around them as they shouted their chosen flavors at the menu displayed above. He took a moment to simmer their chaotic excitement down, attempting to compile a definitive list of desires. Just then, a girl of similar age approached the counter, momentarily silencing his friends with her bright presence.
"Hello, welcome to Gelatin Gelato!" she began warmly, eager to repeat her welcoming lines, but Ken had other plans.
"Hi, how are you? I love chocolate and brownies, but I don't see that mix on the menu," he interjected, stepping boldly forward, his confidence overshadowing the initial greetings.
Before he could continue, 10 slid past him, pointing at the menu with a bewildered expression. "How about that?" he asked, flustered.
Without missing a beat, she revealed a special chocolate menu, its pages filled with tantalizing combinations.
As 10 examined the options, she swiftly returned with the stick pad in hand. "What kind of mixture do you imagine with the chocolate and brownies, sir?" she asked, her voice smooth and soothing, captivating them both.
He held the menu up to his face, enchanted by her tone, while Ken discreetly observed, intrigued.
"Oh, I'm not entirely sure. But I know exactly what I want. We all want the same one from here," he declared, confidently pointing to the eighth option showcased on the menu.
"Excellent choice! Anything else?" she inquired, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm.
The group fell silent, exchanging glances and smiles before shaking their heads in agreement, signaling that they were satisfied.
"20 will cover it?" Ken stepped forward, his intention clear; he craved even a small interaction with her.
"That's precisely right. How did you know?" she replied with a genuine smile, her eyes lighting up as she rang up their order.
As Ken scanned the receipt, impressed by the exact total, he shrugged playfully, then took the bag and passed it back to his friends, wishing to receive his own treat directly from her.
"Here you go. The very last one," he announced, relishing the moment.
The group thanked her before bounding towards the door, but Ken lingered momentarily, gathering his courage.
"I would like your number, please," he stated, hope twinkling in his eyes.
"I'm sorry, that's not allowed while I'm on the clock," she replied, her smile unwavering yet professional.
Ken nodded, still enchanted by her friendly radiance as she offered a final smile before the door jingled shut behind him. He scanned the shop, then chose a cozy corner, tucking himself away as he waited, anticipation humming in the air.
