Nina and Chompoo were sitting behind a table nestled in a corner of Z Coffee Roastery. It had become their usual meeting spot during the past two weeks. Progress over the website was slow going; their collaboration often became more heated than that of older women arguing over whose daughter would get married first.

"There's no reason why we shouldn't allow a customer to reserve two places at the same time," Nina explained. "However, since we already have several studios in Chengdu and one in Bangkok, perhaps it would be wise to incorporate a check to prevent booking the wrong studio."

"Before confirming a reservation, it's essential to touch base with the client, either through a phone call or message," she continued. "Otherwise, someone might misuse the reservation system."

"What do you mean?" Chompoo asked.

"Well, imagine if someone with malicious intent decides to book all your slots for the next few days. Then, no one shows up, and there you are, sitting with your arms crossed, losing business," Nina explained.

"Ah, I see. You're right, we need to consider that. Take me back to the homepage; I want to see the banner again."

"You know what, how about I install the project on your computer so you can look at it whenever you want? I can also send you a couple of tutorials on editing CSS styles, so you can experiment with your ideas to your heart's content," Nina liked Chompoo's enthusiasm, but her obsession with color, which Nina shared partially, slowed down the progress of accomplishing more practical tasks.

"Do you really think I could do that? I don't have a laptop," she said in a flat voice, her shoulders slumping.

"Of course you could, but not having a computer is a limiting factor. Though, for editing CSS, you don't need a particularly powerful processor, I'm sure even the computer you use at the reception in the studio would suffice."

"Really?!" Chompoo's voice perked up.

"We'll try," Nina was noncommittal.

"When?"

"As soon as I find the time, I promise, Chompoo."

"The sooner you install the project for me, the sooner I can help and free up more of your time," Chompoo said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Nina, whatever you just promised, you better follow through, or we'll have a very disappointed girl here," the waiter said, placing a new coconut coffee in front of Nina and an iced matcha latte in front of Chompoo. Stephan was a charming young man who enjoyed watching the girls work and, when Z Coffee wasn't too crowded, sat with them and shared his thoughts on their project. It seemed he particularly enjoyed opposing Chompoo's ideas, Nina thought that he might be trying to hide his affection. Judging by how Chompoo laughed at his comments, she wasn't indifferent, and Nina found it charming to watch their interaction unfold.

"I didn't promise anything, I assure you. I was very careful not to do tha," Nina responded.

"Excuse me?! Didn't you just say 'I promise, Chompoo' five seconds ago?"

"Did I? Damn, I need to watch what I say," Nina laughed. She had no intention of disappointing Chompoo and was looking forward to introducing her to the world of design.

Stephan cleared their dirty cups and cast another shy glance at Chompoo, who seemed to be very focused on her screen. Nina wondered if the young woman was feigning disinterest or playing hard to get.

"Stephan is cute," she decided to test the waters once the waiter walked away.

"Stephan? Isn't he a bit young for you?" Chompoo said.

"Too young? You think? Maybe, but he's handsome, isn't he? And very sweet."

"Whatever, if you say so," Nina realized she wouldn't be getting information easily. Still, she felt sorry that Chompoo was playing it cool because she recognized a hint of her own shyness, which she sometimes covered up in a similar manner.

"What do you think about inviting him to the parlor opening?" Nina persisted.

"Stephan? Why would we do that?" The sparkle in Chompoo's eyes contradicted her cold words. 

"Now I got you," Nina thought. "Well, it seems he's just the kind of young, urban crowd Bo wants to attract, right? He has that slight goth horror style."

"Yeah, maybe," Chompoo rested her chin on the palm of her hand. "If you think it's a good idea then you do it. I definitely won't!"

"OK, I'll invite him. Speaking of the opening, would you happen to know of a place I could find a nice outfit? I realized I don't own anything glamorous that goes with this climate."

"Are you asking me to take you shopping!?"

"That would be lovely, would you?" Nina pleaded, clasping her hands in prayer and resting her head on them. "Pretty please?"

"Okaaay. You're lucky I don't have anything better planned for the afternoon." Chompoo warmed up to the idea.

Nina enjoyed shopping. Chompoo knew the right places that held trendy pieces, and they both easily found amazing dresses for the opening. Nina thought Chompoo's decision to buy something new might have been spurred by Stephan promising to come to the opening. She chose a gray long tulle skirt and a fitted long-sleeve top in a slightly lighter shade of gray. Chompoo chose a short dress with a yellow and blue geometric pattern with a raised collar, which, combined with her short hair and thick eyebrows, highlighted her perfectly symmetrical face.

"Bo is coming back tomorrow, right?" Nina asked when they were exiting the mall.

"Tonight!" Chompoo said and Nina felt the insides of her stomach go up and down.