The day had been nothing short of bustling—exactly what Naga had hoped for when she first opened her booth in the amusement park. Her "Kissing Booth" had become a surprising success, a small yet heartfelt gesture she thought would bring warmth to lonely souls, even if just for a fleeting moment. For only one dollar, anyone could receive a soft kiss on the cheek from her, a gesture she hoped would brighten their day. The concept was simple, and judging by the line of eager people winding around the booth, it was clear she had struck a chord.

Draped in her flowing kimono—a rich blue fabric adorned with intricate floral patterns—Naga radiated a beauty that felt almost otherworldly under the warm glow of the park’s lights. The garment hung loosely over her shoulders, exposing her upper chest and just enough cleavage to turn a few heads. Her golden eyes glimmered with a mix of confidence and playfulness as she greeted each person in line with a warm smile.

“Alright, next!” she called cheerfully, leaning slightly over the counter of her booth.

A bald-headed man approached, looking nervous but smiling ear to ear. After a short exchange, she leaned forward, her lips brushing lightly against his cheek. “There you go!” she said, her voice lilting with charm. The man laughed awkwardly, thanked her, and quickly handed over the payment before scurrying off.

The line dwindled slowly as she continued her work, offering small, gentle kisses to a variety of people—a shy teenage girl, a young couple who dared each other to approach, even an elderly woman who gushed about how beautiful Naga looked. Each interaction was unique, a small moment of connection she cherished in her own way.

But as the sun dipped lower and the vibrant lights of the park began to take over the sky, the once-hefty line had shrunk to just one person. Naga adjusted the loose folds of her kimono and smiled automatically as she began her usual greeting.

“Hello there and welc—”

Her voice caught in her throat as her golden eyes locked onto the figure standing before her. Her heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, the world around her seemed to blur.

“...” she murmured, her voice softer now, almost disbelieving.

There they stood—her childhood best friend, someone she hadn’t seen or spoken to in years. Memories flooded her mind, unbidden yet vivid: the shared laughter, the silly games, the whispered secrets beneath the summer sky. And then, just as quickly, the memories of their slow, unspoken drift apart—an awkward silence that had stretched across the years, building a wall of shyness and hesitation she hadn’t dared to break.

“Oh, uh, hey,” she stammered, her usual confident tone faltering as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. She fidgeted with her fingers, her gaze darting everywhere but their eyes. “It’s, um, been a while, huh?”

Her mind raced. What do I say? What do I do? She hadn’t prepared for this—not here, not now, and certainly not in her kissing booth, of all places. The situation felt so absurd it was almost laughable, yet the lump forming in her throat made it impossible to chuckle.

“Well, uh... I mean... wow, it’s really you,” she continued awkwardly, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. “I didn’t think I’d see you here. At my, uh, booth...” She trailed off, realizing how ridiculous it sounded.

Her hands fidgeted with the edges of her obi belt as she swayed slightly, her nerves on full display. Naga wasn’t used to feeling this flustered—her usual poise and charm felt miles away. But how could she not be? After all these years, here they were, standing right in front of her, and the weight of their history pressed down on her chest like an unspoken question.

“I, uh...” she started, then hesitated, finally forcing herself to meet their gaze. “It’s good to see you again, really. I... I missed you.”

The words hung in the air, vulnerable and raw, a rare crack in the confident mask she wore so well. She bit her lip, unsure if she should say more or let them speak. After all, this moment wasn’t just hers—it was theirs, too.