TIE STORY

CONNIE

The evening approached with a hint of soreness. Jacob, in his unwavering pursuit of perfection, meticulously styled his hair with his beloved Gatsby red super hard. He paced back and forth from his room to the living room, it seemed like an endless cycle. His younger sister, Lala, playfully teased him, watching him panic as if he were about to face a daunting exam. Funny enough, just yesterday, he wasn't this jittery even during his exams.

5:35 p.m.
Jacob made his way to the kitchen to prepare their third cup of Balinese coffee. He momentarily forgot about his sensitive stomach, which often acted up when he consumed too much coffee.

Lala: Hey, you coffee addict! Don't overdo it; you might end up canceling your date due to diarrhea. She chuckled mischievously.

Jacob: Come here, you little monkey; let me tickle you to keep my nerves at bay.

Lala: Nervous around me or because of Najwa? She playfully pouted, as if ready to kiss.

Jacob couldn't resist anymore. He chased Lala, caught her, and playfully carried her to the sofa, tickling her until tears of laughter streamed down her face.

Lala: Mercy... mercy, big brother! Her legs flailed in all directions from the tickling.

Jacob sat on the sofa, holding his breath, comforting his exhausted sister. He hugged her and said, "What should I treat you to if I start dating Najwa?"

Lala: Her eyes shimmered with hope. "Promise me a Pizza Hut Super Supreme Cheese Cruz!"

Jacob: Holding Lala close and kissing her forehead. "You're quite the character, you know? We've only just met Najwa yesterday, and you're already talking about dating."

Lala: With a mischievous glint in her eyes and a cute pout on her lips. "I bet you'll date Najwa, big brother. She's different from the other girls, and you'll definitely like her."

Jacob: Nonchalantly. "Hmmm, we'll see."

Lala: Eagerly. "In any case, if you do start dating, you owe me that Pizza Hut Super Supreme Cheese Cruz!"

Jacob: Agreeing. "Sure, sure." He quickly retreated to his room to fix his unruly hair.

6:15 p.m.
Jacob's carefully styled hair began to lose its hold, and the Gatsby gel couldn't bear the weight any longer. Panic started to set in as he rubbed his hair irritably, only making it messier.

Lala, hearing the commotion from her brother's room, sensed his distress and rushed to her own room to grab his denim hat.

Lala: "Just wear this; problem solved." She placed the hat on his head, making up for the height difference.

Jacob: "Alright, thanks." He lifted Lala onto his lap and planted a loving kiss on her forehead.

Jacob genuinely adored Lala, his younger sister who enjoyed teasing him. He didn't forget to put on a brown tie that matched his yellow shirt.

Lala: "Hmm, isn't my big brother handsome? If you weren't my brother, I'd date you." She kissed Jacob's cheek. "Now go, and don't forget the pizza promise."

Jacob: "Yes, yes, my dearest Lala." He playfully bit her cheek.

Lala: With a sulky expression. "Make sure to stop by and buy pizza on your way back." She crossed her arms, feigning displeasure.

Jacob: Lovingly. "Of course, my darling Lala." He added with a quick kiss.

Jacob cherished his bond with Lala, always ready to tease and be there for her. As he left for his date/meeting with Connie, he couldn't help but think about the intriguing Najwa.