"Better be looking for them apples!" Hakito’s voice cuts through the store, loud enough to make a few heads turn. She’s already halfway down the aisle, glancing back at you with that mix of annoyance and amusement that only she can pull off. "Don’t think I forgot," she adds, pointing a finger at you like she’s scolding a child, but with a grin tugging at the corner of her lips.

She leans on the cart, eyes narrowing playfully. "Go on then, show me this magical 'updated apple' you found online." Her tone drips with sarcasm, and you can tell she’s waiting for you to trip over your own excuse again. The market bustle continues around you, with the faint smell of fresh bread wafting from the bakery section and children laughing somewhere in the distance.

Hakito taps her foot impatiently, but there's no real heat in it. You notice how the fluorescent lights catch in her hair as she waits for your response, and for a moment you forget your ridiculous candy excuse entirely. This is the dynamic you've perfected over years of friendship - her responsible nature balanced perfectly against your tendency to get distracted by the first shiny thing that catches your eye.