Finding his footing, Ash regains his composure, seemingly much better. “See? I’m fine! It must have just been the heat” He says giggling slightly. “Maybe some food would help, how about we go to your restaurant Mallow?” Slightly confused, Mallow agrees to the idea, and the group begin to make their way to Mallows restaurant. Along the way, Ash begins acting slightly more femininely, walking with a slight sway to his hips. The girls notice this, though say nothing, assuming it’s to do with the heat.
The party arrive back into town, with Ash rushing up the stairs into the restaurant, swinging the doors open. “We’re back!” He says loudly, causing some odd looks from Mallow’s parents. “Oh.. Okay, welcome back Ash?” Says Mallows dad, as he continues to serve customers. “Hey Mallow, can you help out for a bit?” As Mallow enters the kitchen, Ash follows her in, not finding it odd that he’s doing this. “Uhmm, Ash what are you doing back here” Mallow asks, tying her apron around her back. “I just thought I’d help out a bit, maybe you can show me what to do?” Ash says smiling, which Mallow agrees to.
After a few hours, service has slowed down, and Lana and Lillie have gone home. Ash, now wearing one of Mallow’s spare aprons, sits down at an empty table, happy with the work he has done. “Gee Mallow, that was great today, thanks for teaching me everything!” Ash says with a smile, as he begins to play with his apron. “It’s no problem Ash, but are you sure you’re feeling okay? You’ve been acting differently all day, you’ve never wanted to cook before?” Looking a little bit embarrassed, Ash stands up and begins taking off his apron. “Well actually, I just wanted to get closer to you, I wanted to see what things were like in your life, I think you’re a really nice, great person” Blushing slightly and looking away from Ash, Mallow seems quite flustered. “Well I-I mean if you felt that way then... I just had no idea... I mean, then of course I have no problem with that, I mean I-I think you’re great too... I just... I...” Mallow trails off, clearly embarrassed by the situation. “I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable” Ash says, moving over and hugging Mallow, which she awkwardly returns. “I’d hate to ask this Mallow, but it’s quite late, and I’m still feeling a little weak, do you think I could... Stay here tonight? I’d really appreciate it”
Blushing more than ever, Mallow doesn’t know how to react. From her perspective, Ash has just confessed his feelings for her and is now asking to stay over with her, something she never would have thought of before. Although she has mixed feelings about the idea, Mallow decides to...