Matchmaker Mayhem

The warm aroma of freshly brewed tea greeted Ava as she stepped into her grandmother's kitchen. Morning sunlight streamed through the lace curtains, casting delicate patterns onto the cluttered countertops. Mei Lee sat at the table, her small frame wrapped in a floral shawl, carefully folding paper cranes with the precision of a master craftsman.

"You're late," Mei said without looking up, her voice calm but tinged with that familiar note of disapproval.

Ava sighed, setting her tote bag on the chair before sinking into the one across from Mei. "It's not like we scheduled this, Grandma."

"You don't schedule wisdom," Mei replied, sliding a perfectly folded crane onto the growing pile. "It comes when you need it."

"Well, if you're dishing out wisdom, I could use some," Ava said, leaning back and crossing her arms. "Your idea for karaoke night was... eventful."

Mei's lips twitched with amusement. "I heard Ryan stole the show."

"He's a menace," Ava muttered, though her tone lacked its usual bite.

"Ah," Mei said, finally looking up. "But not a boring one, hmm?"

Ava felt her cheeks warm. "Can we not talk about Ryan?"

"Fine," Mei said, pouring tea into two delicate porcelain cups. "Let's talk about you."

Ava groaned, reaching for her cup. "Why do I feel like I'm about to be ambushed?"

"Because you're smart," Mei said with a sly smile. She set her teapot down and gestured to the cranes. "Do you know why I make these?"

"To give me something to do while I'm sitting here, apparently," Ava said, picking up a paper and attempting to fold it.

Mei's smile widened. "No. I make them to remind myself that small actions can lead to big changes."

Ava frowned, glancing at the growing flock of cranes. "That's... philosophical."

Mei took a sip of her tea, her gaze sharp despite her gentle tone. "You're very much like these cranes, Ava. Always trying to hold your shape, keep your edges neat. But sometimes, it's okay to let go."

Ava blinked, caught off guard. "What are you talking about?"

Mei didn't answer immediately. Instead, she reached into her bag and pulled out a thick manila folder. She slid it across the table toward Ava.

"What's this?" Ava asked, eyeing it warily.

"Open it," Mei said simply.

Ava hesitated before flipping the folder open. Inside were pages of detailed notes, charts, and compatibility analyses. At the top of the first page was a name that made her stomach drop: Ryan Kim.

"What—" Ava's voice faltered as she stared at the file. "What is this?"

"It's a potential match," Mei said, her tone impossibly calm.

"For me?" Ava asked, her voice rising in disbelief.

Mei nodded, sipping her tea. "You're always so busy helping others find love. I thought it was time someone helped you."

Ava slammed the folder shut. "This is ridiculous. Ryan and I are... we're not..."

"Not what?" Mei prompted, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Compatible," Ava finished, though the word felt hollow.

Mei raised an eyebrow. "And yet, here you are, thinking about him."

Ava opened her mouth to argue but found herself at a loss. She hated how easily Mei could see through her. It wasn't fair.

"I don't have time for this," Ava muttered, pushing the folder away.

"Of course you do," Mei said, her voice softening. "You're just afraid."

Ava froze, her hands tightening around her teacup. "I'm not afraid."

Mei reached across the table, her hand warm and steady on Ava's. "It's okay to be scared, Ava. Love is messy. It's unpredictable. But it's also worth it."

The words hung in the air, their weight pressing against Ava's chest. She wanted to dismiss them, to brush them off like she always did, but something about Mei's expression stopped her.

"Ryan doesn't even like me," Ava said finally, her voice small.

Mei smiled gently. "Are you sure about that?"

---

Later that day, Ava found herself wandering through the city, her mind a chaotic swirl of thoughts. The folder sat in her bag, its presence an unwelcome reminder of Mei's meddling. She tried to focus on the crisp autumn air, the golden leaves crunching beneath her boots, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Ryan.

It didn't help that her phone buzzed with a text from him.

Ryan: Lunch today? Or are you too busy matchmaking?

Ava stared at the screen, her thumb hovering over the keyboard. She could say no. She should say no. But before she could overthink it, she typed a quick response.

Ava: Fine. Meet me at the café on Main. 12:30.

She shoved her phone back into her pocket, her heart pounding. This wasn't a date. It was just lunch. Completely normal, totally platonic lunch.

---

The café was cozy, its brick walls lined with shelves of books and potted plants. Ava arrived first, settling into a corner booth and ordering a coffee. She tapped her fingers against the table, trying to look busy as she waited.

Ryan walked in a few minutes later, his usual confident stride drawing the attention of more than a few patrons. He spotted her immediately and slid into the seat across from her, flashing that infuriating grin.

"Twice in one week," Ryan said, setting his coat on the back of his chair. "People are going to start talking."

"Let them," Ava said, though her cheeks warmed.

The waiter arrived, and they ordered their meals. As the conversation shifted to work, Ava found herself relaxing. Ryan, for all his teasing, was surprisingly easy to talk to when he wasn't being insufferable.

"So," Ryan said, leaning back in his chair. "What's new in the world of matchmaking?"

Ava hesitated, her mind flashing to the folder in her bag. "Oh, you know. The usual. Chaos and heartbreak."

Ryan chuckled. "Sounds about right. Any more runaway brides?"

"Not yet," Ava said, smiling despite herself.

For a moment, the conversation lulled, and Ava found herself studying Ryan's face. There was something different about him today—a softness she hadn't noticed before.

"What?" Ryan asked, catching her gaze.

"Nothing," Ava said quickly, looking away. "Just... thanks. For helping with Allison."

Ryan's expression shifted, his grin fading into something more sincere. "Anytime, Matchmaker."

---

As they left the café, Ava's phone buzzed again. She glanced at the screen and sighed. Another client emergency.

"Duty calls?" Ryan asked, slipping on his coat.

"Always," Ava said, tucking her phone away. "Thanks for lunch."

"Anytime," Ryan said, his tone lighter now. "Let me know when you're ready to admit you can't do this without me."

Ava rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her smile. As she watched him walk away, she felt the weight of the folder in her bag, a question lingering in the back of her mind.

Could Mei be right?