Strawberry Chocolate

By Alyssia Tse

“Aster!!”

I turned to see who had called my name. Wouldn’t you have guessed it? It was Kitsu, rushing towards me, looking quite panicked. It was kind of funny.

“Yo, Kitsu! Did you ask her already?” I hoped the answer was yes. Seriously, they’ve been dating for a few months now, how could he get shy asking her what her favourite chocolate was?

“Yeah, yeah, I did! Azure said her favourite type of chocolate was strawberry chocolate. I can’t believe I haven’t asked her that question yet!”

I’m so happy for my friend. He’s been crushing on Azure since Year 9! But now, he finally confessed, and now they're such a happy couple! Although, He looks kind of nervous…… what’s wrong?

“What’s up Kitsu? You look kinda nervous.”

“Well, here's the thing,” We left school and started walking while he continued. “When I asked her, she replied to me with ‘Strawberry chocolate’... but…. What type of strawberry chocolate?”

That got me confused. “...What do you mean, what type of strawberry chocolate?”

“You know? Like… does she want strawberry-flavoured chocolate? Or chocolate shaped in a strawberry? What if it’s chocolate-covered strawberries? What if she wants chocolate with strawberry inside!?”

“Well…. You could always just make one of every type of ‘Strawberry Chocolate?” I suggested.

Kitsu stopped in his tracks. He put his finger to his chin, and looked like he was giving the idea a thought…

“That’s… That’s actually a pretty good idea! Valentine's Day is in two days, so I better start collecting the ingredients! Thanks, bud!” Kitsu ran back to catch the train…. Wait a minute….. He left me!

Aster is a genius! Why couldn’t I have thought of this sooner? I sat on the train and started to look for strawberry chocolate recipes. I found a good one for strawberry-flavoured chocolate and another for chocolate-dipped strawberries. I also need to find some strawberry-shaped molds... Should I also use different types of chocolates?

I got off the train and walked to the large shop titled ‘KC’s Bakery’. I walked into the large store and started to look for baking supplies and ingredients. This should be easy.

Never mind. I take that back. This is not easy. Seriously, where in the world are the molds?

1 hour of absolute confusion and chaos later, I finally found everything. Geez, why were the moulds near the colour dyes instead of the trays? I paid for my things and went back home. By the time I arrived back home, it was time for dinner… I guess I’ll make the chocolates and buy the boxes tomorrow after school.

The next day came and went and it was Valentine’s Day. I went to school with 2 red heart-shaped boxes both tied with a gold ribbon filled with chocolates I made last night. I was full of jitters the whole day. What if she didn’t like the chocolates I made? What if she actually lied? What if she didn’t want to be my girlfriend after this!?

The last bell rang and I met Azure at the gates. I was carrying the 2 chocolate boxes in my hands. I really hope she likes them.

“Hey ya Kitsu!”

“Hiya Zuzu” I smiled, she was so adorable! “I’ve got something for you…”

“Ya did!? You shouldn’t have! I’ve also got a surprise but you first!”

“Well, uh, you see….” I kept stumbling on my words, so I sucked in a breath and gave her the heart boxes

“...These are for you. I hope you like it….”

Azure took them and opened the top box. Inside was filled with one of everything that could be considered strawberry chocolate. She slowly looked up at him dumbfounded. She looks so cute but… did she like them? My doubts were answered with a squeal of delight and a bodyslam hug.

“Thank you, thank you, Thank you! I can’t believe you’ve done this for me!” She kissed me on the cheek, grabbed my hand and started to drag me towards the train station.

“Now it’s my turn! You’re going to love it!”