Red Cinderella

Chapter 4

Back in the clothes he was in the day before, Kokichi snuck out and walked back to the village. He wanted to see Himiko again. But more importantly, if she was going to the ball or not.

Kokichi opened the door to the sweet shop and immediately started looking around. He didn't see anyone out. He started looking around the counter seeing if anyone was there. Nothing. It was until he saw Himiko come out from the back with a tray of pink and red frosted cupcakes. Their eyes met and Kokichi immediately blushed at the sight of her. "She's so cute!"

"Neyh!? Hey there, you were here the other day! Back again I see," Himiko said, smiling blushing a bit. "Uh, yeah! I just love the stuff you got here, they all taste sooooo good. I just couldn't stay away." Himiko giggled. "That's good, I always love a sweet tooth. By the way, I didn't get your name. Do you not have one or something?" She tilted her head.

"Oh uh, my name? It's Kokichi." Kokichi said, putting one of his fingers on his chin. Himiko was surprised. "Kokichi? That's the same name as the prince." Kokichi froze. "Crap, I should've just given her a fake name!" He thought to himself. "Yeah, my parents just really liked the name so that's what they called me." Kokichi said with an awkward smile.

Himiko just laughed. "Neyh, what a coincidence. Anyways, what can I get you?" Himiko started putting away the cupcakes. "Oh, well since they're there, I'll take two of those cupcakes and two chocolate chip cookies." Himiko nodded.

After he got his food Kokichi just headed outside and sat down where he sat last time and started eating the cupcakes. "Damnit, I didn't get to ask her if she was going to the ball or not. I can't get distracted next time. I need to get straight to the point next time."

He sat there for about 10 minutes thinking about the whole situation. But his thoughts were interrupted by a voice. "Hey there Kichi, can I get you anything else?" Kokichi looked up and saw Himiko. "Oh, yeah! Could I get more of these cookies?" He asked. Himiko nodded. "Coming right up!" She started walking away but was stopped.

"Oh hey quick question!" Himiko turned back around. "I was wondering if you were going to the ball. The whole kingdom is invited in case you didn't know." Kokichi stated. Himiko looked at him with cute curious eyes while tilting her head. "Hmm, well yes I did hear about that. Why do you want to know though? You want me to be your date or something?" She teased. Kokichi started blushing. "Well kinda. I was curious overall." He said awkwardly.

She just laughed. "Well it would be nice but I'm pretty busy. Plus I don't really have anything to wear so it would be pretty embarrassing. It's unlikely that I would show up." She said looking down. She looked disappointed. Kokichi caught this and took both of Himiko's hands and pulled her close. "Please show up! It will make a big difference in my future if you did! I don't really care what you wear! Hell I'll even pay for a dress, I just really like to see you there." They both started blushing hard.

A few silent seconds go by until Kokichi just put some money on the table. "I'm not saying you have to but it would be nice if you did. Also if you decide not to buy a dress you don't need to give me the money back." He said. Himiko was still speechless. Her whole happy and cheerful act just completely disappeared. "Neyh, it's getting late. Uh, do you want those cookies to go?" She said, still blushing. Kokichi thought about it for a few seconds and nodded.

Himiko took the money and went back inside, leaving Kokichi alone. "DAMNIT! THAT WAS SO STUPID! Although, now she doesn't really have a reason not to show up. But she did say she was busy. Plus that interaction may have been a little too aggressive. If not aggressive then most definitely weird. Why am I so stupid..."

As he was thinking to himself, Himiko came back with cookies in a plastic bag with a small red ribbon ties around it. "Neyh, here, this one is one the house." She said putting the bag in Kokichi's hands. "Welp, if I'm able to make it, then it's a date. See ya"

Kokichi blushed at her words. Himiko looked at him one last time and went inside. "Date? That's a good sign right?" Kokichi smiled and walked away. Heading back to the castle.