Chapter 7

Throughout the summer, Claire spends a lot of time with Kai. Whenever the Seaside Cafe isn't bustling with customers, they take walks on the beach while Claire is engaging in conversations that flow freely, encompassing anything on her mind. For Claire, it's a newfound joy to have someone she believes who listens to her, cherishing every word she shares. The gentle sound of the waves crashing against the shore provides a soothing backdrop to her heartfelt words of endearment. Amidst the vast expanse of the beach, Claire creates her own intimate world, where time slows down, and can can freely believe that there is a future with Kai.
In the small town of Mineral Town, the other residents seem too absorbed in their own daily lives to take notice of Claire and Kai. Oblivious to the world around them, Calaire find comfort in Kai’s presence. Their walks along the shoreline remain a secret, shared only between the two of them and the vast ocean that stretches out before them. The simplicity and beauty of these stolen moments become a sanctuary for Claire, a space where she can be her true self without judgment or interference.

Meanwhile under the cover of Mineral Town's slumber, Kai's nights take on a scandalous allure as he becomes entangled in a clandestine dance with Popuri. With her family fast asleep, Popuri escapes the confinements of the chicken ranch, and like a nocturnal sprite, she ventures out to meet Kai. In the moonlit darkness, their stolen moments unfold with an intoxicating mix of whispered promises, stolen kisses, and the thrill of defying the boundaries that confine them. Time becomes an ephemeral construct as they embrace the excitement and longing that come with their secret romance, cherishing every stolen second together.

As the night wanes, Popuri quietly slips back into the familiarity of her home, leaving no trace of their forbidden connection behind. The world remains unaware of the passion that ignites between them during those secret hours. With the rising sun, Kai and Popuri resume their separate lives, tucked away from prying eyes. They carry the weight of their hidden love, an intoxicating secret that binds them and leaves them yearning for more stolen moments beneath the veil of night.

And so the summer in Mineral Town unfolds, with Kai deftly navigating the intricate dance between Popuri and Claire, his secret carefully guarded from prying eyes. Confident in his ability to maintain this delicate balancing act, he continues to bask in the thrill of his forbidden pursuits. His well-honed charm, honed over the years, lends him an air of invincibility, fueling his belief that he will never be caught.

As the Summer draws to a close, a gentle breeze carries Claire and Kai along a leisurely stroll through the picturesque landscape of Mother's Hill. At the hill's summit, Claire leads Kai to her favorite spot, a hidden gem that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire town. They stand together, gazing out at the tapestry of Mineral Town spread out before them. The golden hues of the sunset cast a warm glow over the familiar houses, fields, and winding paths. From this vantage point, the bustling lives of the townsfolk appear like miniature figures going about their daily routines. It is a moment of quiet reflection and a reminder of the beauty that lies within the ordinary.

Claire's eyes sparkle with wonder as she takes in the breathtaking view before them. The sight of Mineral Town from the summit of Mother's Hill leaves her awe-inspired. "Isn't it beautiful?" she muses, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "It's hard to believe that people only come here on some festival days."

Kai turns his gaze from the town to Claire, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Not as beautiful as you," he responds.

A rosy blush paints Claire's cheeks as she shyly looks down, her gratitude evident in her eyes. "Oh, Kai, you always say the best things."

Closing the distance between them, Kai reaches out and gently takes hold of Claire's hand. His touch sends a gentle electric current through her, stirring a mixture of excitement and tenderness within her soul. With a glimmer in his eyes, he reveals a delicate bracelet crafted from seashells he had diligently collected during their walks along the beach.

"Happy birthday, Claire," he whispers. As he carefully ties the bracelet around her wrist, the delicate shells create a symphony of whispers. Claire's heart swells with gratitude for this thoughtful gesture.

In that magical moment atop Mother's Hill, as their lips meet in a tender, passionate kiss over the breathtaking landscape of Mineral Town, Claire's heart swells with a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. For that fleeting instant, she believes that she has finally found her happily ever after, a love that makes her feel complete and cherished, erasing all doubts and fears, igniting a glimmer of hope that this connection may be the answer to her long-standing yearning for true happiness.

In that split second, Claire's eyes snap open, her heart pounding with a mix of surprise and alarm. She feels Kai's hands, once gentle and tender, now venturing into unfamiliar territory, slowly sliding backward on her waist. A wave of disappointment washes over her, tinged with a sense of betrayal. With a mixture of frustration and sadness, she gathers her strength and pushes Kai away, her heart heavy with the realization that their once romantic moment has taken an unexpected and unwelcome turn, leaving her feeling hurt and unsettled.

"What were you doing," asked Claire sternly.

"I'm sorry," Kai responds. "I guess I took it too far."

An awkward silence hangs in the air, their emotions swirling between them. After a moment of contemplation, Claire gathers her courage and speaks with a determined tone. "Listen, if you want us to take that step in our relationship, I need us to do something."

"What is it," asked Kai.

Claire meets his gaze, her expression serious. "I want our relationship to be public. No more hiding. I want to tell everyone that you are my boyfriend. Then, and only then, we can consider taking that step."

Kai reaches out and takes her hand, his touch as gentle as ever. "I understand," he responds, his voice filled with a comforting tone. "But let's wait until next Summer. I need to leave soon to work on my other locations. It wouldn't feel right to tell everyone and then leave in a few days. It might look weird and people might ask questions. But if we wait until early next Summer, we can let our love bloom like a catmint flower. What do you say?"

Claire sighs, a mixture of hope and disappointment lingering in her heart. She had hoped to go public with their relationship before he left. However, as she considers Kai's reasoning, she begins to see the wisdom in his words. If she can wait until he returns and encourage him to make a solid commitment to their relationship, the wait will be worth it. With a bittersweet smile, she nods and says, "Alright, I understand. We'll wait until next summer. I believe in us, Kai."

Their hands remain entwined, a silent promise of the love that awaits her in the next year to come. Though the wait may be challenging, Claire holds onto the hope that their relationship will strengthen and bloom when the time is right.

That evening as Kai sits on his bed, with Popuri lying naked beside him, the weight of frustration settles heavily upon his shoulders. He takes a drag from his cigarette, the smoke swirling around him as he grunts in exasperation. Throughout the Summer, he had meticulously crafted moments of charm and intimacy with Claire, showering her with lavish meals and engaging in mundane walks on the beach, all while keeping their relationship hidden from the prying eyes of Mineral Town's residents. Yet, despite his efforts, he finds himself leaving town empty-handed, unable to achieve the level of physical intimacy he desires. Claire now insists on a solid commitment that he simply cannot bring himself to make.

As the cigarette's ashes fall to the floor, Kai's mind races, formulating a plan to extricate himself from the charade with Claire. He knows he must tread carefully, for he doesn't want to upset her too much and risk her divulging the events of their summer spent together. His intention is to keep her lips sealed, protecting the facade they have meticulously constructed. It becomes clear to Kai that he needs to find a way to bring their clandestine affair to an end, while maintaining a delicate balance between his desires and the preservation of their secrets.

"Hey Kai," Popuri's voice cuts through the air as she presses her body against his back.

Kai grumbles with frustration, his tone edged with annoyance. "Yes, Popuri. What is it?"

Her arms wrap around his chest, and she speaks softly, her words filled with hope. "You know, it's been five years since we've been together. I'm hoping that maybe we can let my family know that we're in love and possibly get married."

A sense of unease tugs at Kai's heart as he responds, his voice tinged with apprehension. "You know we can't do that. Your brother would never approve of us. At least this way, we can still be together."

Popuri shifts, sitting next to Kai, her gaze filled with determination. "But I want more from our relationship. I've been arguing with Rick, trying to get him to give you a chance, maybe you two can be friends someday. Then we can tell him about us. Try to understand that I want us to be more than secret lovers."

He takes another drag of his cigarette, his expression distant. "And what if he doesn't?"

A resolute look crosses Popuri's face as she replies, "then I'll run away with you. We can start a new life, open a café somewhere else, and never look back. I'll work as a waitress or whatever it takes in your locations. We can make it work, I promise."

Kai averts his gaze, a mix of negative emotions flickering in his eyes. "I don't want to talk about this anymore. I have other things on my mind."

Without a word, Popuri jumps off the bed and begins to dress herself. As she puts on her clothes, she speaks, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "You know, I can't promise that I'll wait for you forever. There are other guys in Mineral Town, and if you keep stringing me along like some bait on a hook, I might end up marrying someone else."

A spark of recognition flashes across Kai's face. "You must be talking about that farmer. Jack, was it?"

Popuri looks at him with a mixture of shock and hurt, her voice faltering. She then looks away saying, "Jack is just a friend."

"Don't play dumb with me," Kai retorts, his words laced with a hint of possessiveness. "I know you two spend a lot of time together when I’m not around."

"How do you know that?" Popuri's voice quivers with a touch of insecurity.

"I have my sources in town. Don't forget that," Kai replies cryptically.

Once Popuri is fully dressed, she silently walks out of the Seaside Café, not even bidding him goodbye. Kai takes a deep breath, feeling a momentary sense of relief as the weight of their complicated relationship is temporarily lifted. Now, without the distractions of Popuri and her constant need for public validation, he can focus on figuring out his next move with Claire. He believes he can handle Popuri, but he can't help but feel that Claire poses a greater risk—a liability he must carefully manage. He is grateful that there are only a few days left in Summer, giving him the opportunity to leave town and spend the rest of the year contemplating his choices.

The next day, after a long day of tending to the farm, Jack returns home, his body weary but his heart filled with a sense of accomplishment. The final days of Summer are upon Mineral Town, and Jack had dedicated his time to ensuring a successful final harvest and preparing the fields for the upcoming Fall season. As he steps into the house, the familiar scent of the farm clings to his clothes, mingling with the comforting aroma of home.

As he walks into the house, he is greeted by a peculiar foul smell wafting through the air. Intrigued and a bit concerned, he follows his nose to the source of the aroma. To his surprise, he finds Claire in the midst of what appears to be a cooking endeavor. However, the scene before him is far from picturesque.

The kitchen is in disarray, with half-used ingredients scattered about and dirty pots and pans stacked haphazardly in the sink. Claire, with an expression of determination mixed with frustration, tries desperately to salvage her culinary experiment, but each attempt ends in disappointment. The trash can overflows with failed dishes, and the once well-stocked fridge now shows signs of depletion.

"What are you doing?" he asks.

Claire turns to face him, her eyes filled with embarrassment as she looks at the state she left the kitchen in. "I'm trying to cook something for Kai before he leaves on the last day of Summer. I want to give him something to remember me by while he’s traveling," she explains, her voice tinged with frustration.

Jack sighs, "Claire, you know you don’t know how to cook," he says gently, attempting to diffuse the tension. "But if you want, I can teach you a few things, if you're open to it. It won't be anything fancy, just the basics to get you started."

"I don't need your help, Jack," she cried.

Jack's gaze shifts to the overflowing trash can, and Claire's eyes follow suit, filled with a mixture of embarrassment and regret at the wasted food resulting from her failed cooking attempts. The realization sinks in, underscoring the need for guidance and proper instruction. Jack's words resonate with her, and she silently steps aside, allowing him the space to take over.

Without uttering a word, Jack rolls up his sleeves and begins clearing the cluttered countertops. He sets aside the dirty pots and pans, organizing the remaining ingredients neatly. "Let's start with the basics," he says, his voice gentle yet determined. "I'll teach you how to chop ingredients properly. It sounds simple, but there is a technique to this. Just follow my lead."

Claire watches intently as Jack picks up a knife and demonstrates the proper technique, guiding her through each step. His patient instructions, combined with his years of experience on the farm, make it evident that he possesses a wealth of knowledge to share. Claire follows his lead, mimicking his movements with growing confidence.

As they chop the ingredients together, the kitchen gradually transforms from a chaotic mess into an organized workspace. The sounds of their shared efforts fill the room, a symphony of knives rhythmically meeting cutting boards. Jack's guidance and Claire's determination intertwine, creating an atmosphere of learning and growth.

Through each chop, Jack imparts his wisdom, sharing tips and tricks he has learned over the years. With every slice, Claire's skills improve, and a newfound excitement ignites within her. The once-daunting task of cooking begins to seem more approachable, and the vision of presenting a heartfelt meal to Kai takes shape in her mind.

As their chopping lesson progresses, Jack gradually introduces Claire to a variety of utensils and techniques. He demonstrates how to use a whisk to beat eggs until fluffy and a spatula to gently fold ingredients together. With each step, he explains the importance of precision and patience in achieving the desired flavors and textures.

With their chopped ingredients ready, Jack turns his attention to the stove. He selects a pot and fills it with water, explaining the process of boiling and the correct ratio of water to rice. Claire observes intently, absorbing every detail as Jack expertly measures the ingredients and sets the pot over the flame.

"While the water comes to a boil," Jack explains, "let's prepare the rest of our dish. We'll sauté some vegetables and create a flavorful sauce to go with the rice."

With nimble fingers, Claire slices vegetables under Jack's watchful eye. He teaches her the importance of evenly sized pieces for even cooking and the techniques of heat control and seasoning. As they work together, the kitchen becomes a harmonious dance of culinary collaboration.

As the vegetables sizzle in the pan, Jack guides Claire through the process of creating the sauce. He carefully blends various spices and liquids, adjusting the flavors until they reach the perfect balance. Claire eagerly takes notes, realizing that cooking is not just about following a recipe but also about personal taste and intuition.

With the water boiling, Jack shows Claire how to rinse the rice and add it to the pot, ensuring that each grain is submerged and cooking evenly. He emphasizes the importance of timing and maintaining a gentle simmer to achieve fluffy, perfectly cooked rice.

While the rice cooks, Claire looks at Jack curiously. For the first time since they’ve lived together, Claire is starting to see a different side to him. She has always seen the isolated introvert who stays in the farm reading books like an old man. But now, Jack has a kind and gentle look to him. He doesn’t have to teach her anything, but he volunteers diligently and without complaints. For a single moment, Claire starts to begin understanding why the other girls around town is so fond of him. They see a side of him that Claire is too stubborn to see.

As they wait for the rice, Claire says, “Hey Jack, can I ask you something?” Jack looks at her curiously and nods. “How come you are not dating?”

“I already told you, Popuri and I are only friends. Nothing more. Even if I had feelings for her, she doesn’t like me that way at all.”

“Boy is this guy dense,” she thought to herself. “If Popuri wanted him even more, she would be right here riding him.”

Claire sighs and continues, “okay fine, I get it. But what about the others. You know, Karen, Elli, Ann, and Mary. I mean, I see the way the other girls in town look at you, how they're pretty fond of you. It seems like any of them would be interested in dating you. So, why aren't you?”

Jack's gaze momentarily shifts away, his thoughts seemingly wandering to a deeper place. Claire senses a tinge of vulnerability in his expression, and her curiosity intensifies. "Well, it's not that I'm not interested. It's just that... I don't deserve happiness like that."

Claire's eyes widen, her heart aching at the hint of sadness in Jack's words. She realizes that there is more to Jack than meets the eye, a complexity that he has kept hidden from those around him, including herself. She wonders what he means by his self-perceived unworthiness.

Acknowledging that today may not be the day for deeper conversations, Claire decides to leave the matter regarding Jack's self-perception for another time. Instead, she focuses on the task at hand, plating the dish they have prepared together. With Jack's guidance and gentle supervision, Claire takes the lead, her hands trembling slightly with nervous anticipation.

Jack's voice is steady and reassuring as he instructs Claire to handle the food with care, emphasizing the importance of presentation. Aware of his watchful eye, Claire does her best to follow his guidance, treating each element of the dish with delicacy and precision. Though her nerves persist, she begins to feel a newfound trust in Jack's teaching abilities, knowing that his expertise will elevate her cooking skills.

As the final touches are made, Jack and Claire step back to admire their creation. The dish may not possess the polished finesse of Jack's culinary prowess, but it surpasses anything Claire could have achieved on her own. It represents their collaboration, a testament to their shared efforts and growing bond.

"Now it's time for the taste test," Jack declares.

Claire's nervousness becomes even more evident as she watches Jack take a fork and scoop up a mouthful of rice and veggies. Her heart sinks as she waits, her emotions hanging on his verdict. She can't bear the anticipation, desperately hoping for a positive response.

After a few moments that feel like an eternity, Jack finally breaks the silence. "It's okay," he says with a casual tone.

Claire's disappointment is palpable, and she can't help but feel a pang of annoyance at his lukewarm assessment. She had poured her heart and soul into the dish, hoping for praise rather than such a simple response. "That's it? It's okay?" she responds, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and vulnerability. "I worked so hard, and that's the best you can do?"

Jack offers a reassuring smile, his eyes filled with understanding. "Relax, Claire. Remember, this is your first time cooking something edible. The fact that you've made progress is a huge achievement. As long as you keep practicing and refining your skills, you'll improve in no time."

Claire blushes slightly, her disappointment slowly giving way to a glimmer of hope. Jack's words sink in, reminding her of the journey she has embarked upon. There is still a few days before Kai's departure, and ample opportunities to showcase her newfound culinary abilities.

"Thanks, Jack," she says softly, her voice filled with gratitude. She realizes that his feedback, though not what she had hoped for, holds an invaluable lesson. Cooking is an art that requires practice, patience, and continuous learning. With Jack's guidance and her unwavering resolve, she is determined to hone her skills and prove to herself—and to Kai—that she can create meals that truly shine.

Claire continues to practice over the next few days until the last day of Summer. That day, Claire is determined to make a dish that will impress Kai. She has been practicing diligently, honing her skills and refining her techniques, driven by the desire to prove herself worthy of being in his life. Though she knows her culinary abilities may not yet match those of Jack or Kai, she is determined to keep pushing herself to improve.

With her heart full of hope and anticipation, Claire rushes to the beach, her dish carefully prepared and cradled in her hands. The sun casts a warm glow on the sand as she searches for Kai. Finally, she spots him near his boat, finishing the last few preparations before his departure.

Nervous but resolute, Claire approaches Kai with a mix of excitement and anxiety. He turns and notices her, his eyes lighting up with recognition. "Hey, Claire. Came to see me off?" he asks, a hint of warmth in his voice.

Claire nods, her nerves fluttering within her. This is her moment, her opportunity to show Kai how much she cares. With a deep breath, she presents her creation to him, her voice filled with a mix of pride and nervousness. "I made this for you, Kai. It's something for you to think about me during your trip."

Kai accepts the dish with a grateful smile. He leans in and plants a kiss on her cheek, a gesture that feels both foreign and confusing to Claire as this is the first time Kai kissed her there. But she brushes aside her confusion, attributing it to Kai's desire to keep their relationship discreet for now.

"Thanks, Claire. I'll taste it later before I get to my next destination," Kai says.

A mix of emotions washes over Claire—excitement, hope, and a twinge of anxiety. She was eager for Kai's reaction, yearning for his approval. But she understands that he has other matters to attend to, and she patiently waits for his return to critique her culinary creation.

"I'll be thinking about you," Claire says softly, her voice carrying the depth of her feelings for him. She digs her foot into the sand, her eyes filled with longing.

Kai's gaze meets hers. "I will too. Be safe while I'm away, okay?"

Claire nods, her heart swelling with affection and a touch of sadness as Kai prepares to depart. She watches as he finishes his final preparations, untying the boat and allowing it to drift away into the open sea. Both of them wave as Kai disappears into the horizon.

As Kai's figure becomes smaller in the distance, Claire is left with a whirlwind of emotions. She feels a mixture of love, hope, and uncertainty. Her mind is filled with thoughts of Kai, their budding relationship, and the journey they are embarking on.

But as Kai turns away, a sudden surge of dismay fills his heart. He glances at the plate of food in his hand, his face contorting with disgust. Without a moment's hesitation, he flings the dish overboard, as if discarding a burden that he no longer wishes to carry. The food sinking for the fish to enjoy.

Claire, unaware of Kai's action, remains hopeful, her gaze fixed on the horizon. She clings to her belief that their relationship will blossom and that their love will endure, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties. As she stands on the beach, her heart heavy yet filled with determination, Claire vows to continue improving her cooking skills. She knows that one day, she will create a dish that not only impresses Kai but also reflects the depth of her love and commitment. And until that day arrives, she will keep her hopes alive, believing in the transformative power of food and the potential for their relationship to flourish.