Pinocchio's Star

Chapter 2 - Piero

✿ TWO ✿

I really don't have any idea whether or not I am pretty or pretty ugly. I have no idea what the human standards are for measuring beauty, nor do I care. You'd think that if you managed to attract a handsome guy - someone like Pinocchio - you're somewhat decent looking.

But no.

Based on my observations, you can never tell with this guy. Pinocchio doesn't discriminate - ugly or pretty, short or tall, plump of thin, married or not married... as long as you belong to the female population, I think you are qualified as Pinocchio's next amore.

"Bella," he said as he casually strode to my table, leaned down to my level, completely invading my personal space. "What is your name?"

"Uh," Would it be a good idea to tell him my name? Surely he wouldn't know that I am an undercover Star.

"What is the matter? Cat got your tongue? Or perhaps you are the shy type?" he chuckled while I tried not to look disgusted. "If that is so, then let me introduce myself first."

He took my hand - without my permission, might I add - and placed a small kiss. I felt warmth wash over my whole body when his lips made contact to my hand (which had cream puff crumbs left in it, by the way).

"The name is Piero Pinocchio," he said, looking at me through those thick lashes. "You can call me Piero."

I widened my eyes slightly.

Well, this was surprising. He usually almost never introduces himself by his real name, so the fact that he told me his real name caught me off guard that I blurted out my real name as well.

"Astra."

He smiled and it might be my imagination but it looked... genuine. "What a pretty name."

"I hope you're cheering up now, Ast - " Stella emerged from the kitchen and was cut off midsentence when she saw the topic of our conversation, just inches away from my very own face. "M-may I help you?"

"Ah." Piero stood up. "I'd like to have a loaf of bread and," he glanced my way. "Cream puffs for the lady there." he even had the nerve to wink at me. After that, he left the store while Stella and I watched as he disappeared from the view.

"This is quite a bizarre moment." Stella commented.

I agree. "By the way, those cream puffs..."

" - are already paid for by that guy. I'll give you more."

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I fumbled with the dress that Stella gave me to wear. I never understood why there were so many buttons in human clothing and why it was very thick that it was actually suffocating - especially the corset. Once I managed to put the buttons in their rightful holes, I started to comb my hair - human ritual that must be done as well according to Stella.

Today would be the same as the others - following Piero Pinocchio and attempting to expose his skirt-chasing ways so I could teach him a lesson.

I glanced at my door when I heard a knock. "Come in."

Stella poked her head. "Your client is here for you."

"Who?"

"Piero Pinocchio." She said in a straight face.

"That's not really a good joke, Stella." I turned back to the mirror and continued combing my hair. "Are you saying that that rake actually came for the same girl in the same day?" I shook my head, finding it ridiculous. "That guy goes on different conquests every day, Stella."

"If I told you that he bought a box of cream puffs just to get me to get you for him, will you believe me?"

I stopped mid-brush. "He's really there, isn't he?"

I saw Stella nod from the reflection of the mirror. Dread washed over my body.

With a defeated sigh, I stood up and went down to the bakery where, sure enough, Piero was there. He was sitting down on a table, looking out the window with a faraway look and for some reason, I found him more attractive when he wasn't trying to be... well, attractive. When he noticed me, he smiled that for a moment, I was dazzled by his pearl white teeth.

"I went through the neighbourhood, asking where you live, and I was surprised when I found out you live in this bakery, bella."

I noticed the cream puffs that was on the table. When he followed my gaze, "Oh this? This is for you."

This... I don't know how to handle this kind of situation. I was so used to hiding behind his shadow, sabotaging him without him knowing, that I had no idea how to act when his object of affections turn to me. Everything about this situation is surprising me, from the fact that he asked around the neighbourhood just to find me. Of course, it might as well be a lie but I don't think he'd know where I live without asking a few people.

He usually never exerts effort to find a specific girl, he just seduces any that comes his way. Which is why I find this situation peculiar... and suspicious. What could he possibly want with me?

"You don't want any more cream puffs, cucciola?" he asked when I didn't reply for a few seconds.

As much as the cream puffs tempted me, I'm not going to be snared in his trap. Unlike the unsuspecting ladies he approached before, I know exactly what his character is.

"No, thank you, Mr. Piero." I said. "Do you have any business with me?"

My professional tone surprised him, which was understandable. Usually, women would reply with a flirtatious tone especially since he has been throwing hints at me that he was interested.

Well, I wasn't.

"I just wanted to see you, Astra." I tried not to flinch at him using my name so casually.

Remember, this guy is a skirt chaser!

"Then, I believe you have seen me. Do you have anything else to say?"

He blinked. "No, not really..." His usual suave lines seemed to have fled away from him as he continued to look at me in a daze, almost like a dreamy expression, longing for me...

...which might as well be his strategy.

I'm not going to fall for that, you scoundrel.

He stood up from his chair and when I thought he was about to leave, I felt warmth in my forehead, where he placed his lips so quickly it felt like fluttering feathers... if that made any sense.

I was too stunned to respond that when he was at the door, he looked back at me and smiled. "I'm glad I could see you, Astra."

My mouth was left open like a fish. His eyes seemed genuine, but my mind refused to believe it. I had seen enough of him flirting with a number of women in a day to actually believe him. Now that he is done with me, perhaps he would move on to the next woman and I could finally continue to sabotage him in the shadows.

At least that's what I hope would happen.

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Astra, do you really think he'll leave you alone?

Haha XD

This story is going to be a short one (well, a lot shorter than ROR) but I hope you'll enjoy reading it.

Have a good day!