Asian imports

Jeremy found himself migrating to the Asian import section, filled with the usual shelves filled with little knick-knacks from various games (one looked like some sort of white-haired guy with a sword, another was a small yellow and black-stripped field mouse thing...who understood what the hell these things were?) The common theme seemed to be "cutesy", which he just rolled his eyes and bypassed. If there was one sure thing in life, he mused, was that his daughter was definitely not cute.

Past this section of bait-trapping, he found himself looking at various little confectionary items, some stationary, and then dishware and cooking utensils and items. He was not a foodie at all but he still loved a good meal and wondered about the usages of each item. In the back of his mind, he wondered why he even bothered since the furthest he ever went into Asian food exploration was deciding between Panda and Sushi take-out from a teriyaki restaurant. Fat chance of finding good sushi at a 7-11. If Jeremy was ever a person to even remotely think about things, he would've wondered why he was even in that section to begin with.

Still, no one said he was ever observant.

A set of eyes watched as the middle-aged man eyed and picked up a few bowls, then a hotpot container, before settling on a tea set that looked oddly distinctive in his eyes. The person smiled but said nothing, motioning for the younger associate to go over and speak to the man. She watched as the woman approached and the man looked first embarrassed that someone had spotted him, then brush his hand behind his neck with his cheeks slightly flushed, and her associate was good in that she paid him the proper amount of respect and cheerfulness in helping him make a decision. In a matter of minutes, the woman had brought the tea set up to the counter and the man, who looked like he was still somewhat out of things, happily looked on as she brought out several teas for him to choose.

In her mind, she knew what the conversation was like even though, from aisles away, she could not hear them over the din of the store.

You need the perfect tea to go with this set. Do you have a preference?

No, I-I don't really drink tea...not sure even why I am buying this...

Not to worry, sir. Here, we have a selection of teas from around the world for you to sample. This Jasmine tea is from Southern China, very exquisite. A green Matcha from Japan is also one of our top-sellers. Also, today, we have on sale this lovely aromatic brown tea from India, very light and yet packs a good caffeine punch.

The woman leaned in very slightly as the two saleswomen waited for the man to make his selection. She knew it would be a lifechanger whatever he chose...

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Author's note: There will be points in the story where your comments can help influence what happens to the character involved. Here is the first choice: What type of tea he selects will determine his eventual transformation. Please send me a message to let me know your preference (poll open until November 12.) Thank you!