HERSHE - TIAOM

Interns

After two more weeks, February has finally arrived. Their office is now filled with heart and cupid designs hanging from the main door entrance, the walls, and some on the ceiling.

"What are you girls bringing on the 14th?" asked Puey, cutting his cupid as neatly as he can. Jane and Pie are helping him design their bays.

"Of course, chocolates," said Jane, dropping her scissor on her table to take a look at the finished cupid she'd made.

"Chocolates? Whom are you gonna give it to?" asked Puey. "To be honest, there are no guys here worthy of chocolates except for Van."

"You have a point, Puey. But I will still give chocolates to all my male friends here in the office, especially you..." said Jane, giving Puey a seductive look.

"Ew, Jane! Gross! I wouldn't do that to you! Yuck!"

"What do you want me to give to you then, flowers? That would be awkward," said Jane, laughing.

"No need, Jane. My Valentine's is warm this year. I have a boyfriend who will buy me flowers for that day," said Puey proudly.

"Well, FYI, my I'm no single myself so I wouldn't be lonely too."

Jane and Puey then realized that there's still another person in the area who's listening to them while busy cutting her cupid.

"What?" Pie stopped cutting when she felt that Jane and Puey were looking at her.

"You still don't have a boyfriend, Pie, do you?" asked Puey, dragging his swivel chair closer to Pie.

"Nope. Is there a problem with that?" asked Pie.

"Mmm, no, but I'm a bit worried about you, sweetie."

"I'm not lonely, Puey, if that's what you want to know."

"Why are you still single anyway?"

Pie sighed. This is the time of the year when everyone is always asking her about her status. "It's my choice."

"We're just wondering," said Puey, glancing at Jane quickly and going back to Pie, "I've known you for more than two years now and you never had a date in any of those Valentine's before."

"Puey, you know Pie isn't the type of person who'll say yes to any suitor, right? It's not like no one has invited her," said Jane.

"I'm just curious, why is it that none of your past suitors were good enough for you?" asked Puey.

"I just haven't found the right one yet, Puey. I don't want to rush into things," said Pie, going back to to cutting her cupid.

"What if the right one had already passed but you missed your chance because you're too naïve?"

Pie dropped her hands on her lap. "Naïve? I don't think so."

"Or what if the right one is already there but you just won't admit it to yourself?" Jane butted, reminding Pie of the conversation they had last time.

Puey turned to Jane, surprised. "Wow! Is it true, Jane? There is someone special?"

Pie shot Jane a death glare while Puey wasn't looking.

"It's nothing, Puey. I was just teasing her," said Jane, getting the message. "By the way, who do you think is gonna get the most chocolates and flowers this time?"

"For the girls, I'd still root for Pie," Puey answered immediately. "Everyone knows she's still single, that adds up to the excitement."

"Why are you two talking like it's some kind of competition?" asked Pie. "It doesn't matter who gets more. It's all about expression of care or appreciation towards another, right?"