Many children bring happiness, a shameless start

Lip and Mandy held hands, walking side by side until they arrived at a barbershop called Totem, located near Kevin and Veronica's Alley Bar.

"Hi, Joe!" Lip greeted enthusiastically as he spotted a long-haired Indian man cutting the hair of a handsome boy, who looked about eleven or twelve.

"Hi, Lip!"

Joe paused his work, walked over, and bumped fists with Lip.

"Lip, it's been a while since you've stopped by!"

"Yeah, I've been busy these days."

"Busy dating, huh?"

"Of course! Oh, let me introduce you—this is my girlfriend, Mandy."

"Hi, Mandy."

"Hi, Joe."

Mandy smiled brightly as Lip introduced her as his girlfriend, the happiness evident on her face.

As Joe returned to focus on his client, Lip leaned toward Mandy and whispered, "I think Joe's the coolest barber around here. A great barber isn't just skilled; they're also good listeners, open to their client's ideas, and patient when communicating."

"Before you get your hair cut, remember to talk to Joe," he added.

Mandy nodded, then asked, "Lip, what kind of hairstyle would you like me to have?"

"I like simple, natural styles—something that makes you feel comfortable."

"Lip, your standards aren't exactly low!" Joe chimed in with a chuckle as he turned to glance at them.

"Joe, this is easy work for you!" Lip teased.

"You little flatterer! Just don't forget to pay. I may not want a tip, but I don't work for free!"

"Hahaha!"

Lip and Mandy laughed at Joe's humor.

"Joe, why do you think Lip's standards are high?" Mandy asked curiously.

Joe paused for a moment to consider his response.

"What Lip calls 'simple' isn't really simple. It might look easy, but achieving that look requires precision—length, texture, and density of the hair all need to be carefully managed."

"And 'natural'—well, that's a whole other challenge. To look natural means highlighting who you are without making you resemble someone else. It takes into account your facial features, proportions, and even your temperament."

"In the end, making you feel comfortable means adjusting everything to suit your unique qualities, enhancing your best features, like fitting Cinderella with her glass slipper."

"Wow, Joe, just hearing you describe it has me so excited!" Mandy's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

Lip gave Joe a thumbs-up.

"Lip, aren't you cutting your hair today? There's a discount for couples!"

"Alright, I'll cut mine too," Lip agreed with a smile.

"Nora, can you wash Lip and Mandy's hair? I'll be ready soon!" Joe called out.

"Got it!" a pleasant voice answered from the back room.

"Nora? What happened to Katie? Did you get new help?" Lip asked curiously.

"Nora's my sister. Katie had something come up at home, so Nora's helping out today."

"Gotcha."

"Bro, I know you love when Katie washes your hair, but let me tell you—Nora's even better. Not something I'd say to just anyone."

"Really? I guess I'll find out soon," Lip replied skeptically.

Just then, a tall, stunning woman stepped out from the back room. She looked to be in her early twenties, with flowing brown waves, sun-kissed skin, and strikingly defined features. She was finishing off the last bite of a chocolate pie as she asked, "Alright, who's up first?"

Mandy looked at Lip and smiled. "I'll go first."

"Okay," Lip nodded, watching her follow Nora into the back room.

As he waited, Lip found himself deep in thought. I feel like I've seen this girl somewhere before… but where?

"My sister's pretty, huh?" Joe's sudden comment startled Lip out of his thoughts.

"Huh?"

"C'mon, angel face, devil's body—you were staring."

"Yeah, sure," Lip stammered, recovering quickly. "So… you must've inherited all your parents' shortcomings?"

Joe laughed. "You punk! How about I send all the women who want me to your house, huh?"

"Hey, I was just kidding!" Lip laughed along. "But seriously, why haven't I ever seen you with a girlfriend?"

"Because I'm into men."

"Oh, wow! I didn't expect that."

"Life's full of surprises. I never thought I'd end up this way either. Who knows? Maybe you'll bend someday too."

"Uh… not likely!" Lip retorted, though the idea made him cringe inwardly.

"Jerry, you're all set. What do you think?" Joe turned to his client.

"Joe, you're awesome!" the boy exclaimed, grinning as he checked his haircut in the mirror.

"Alright, let me wash it for you and blow-dry it," Joe offered.

"No, I want that pretty lady to do it!"

Joe glanced at Lip, and they both smirked.

"Okay, but you'll have to wait a bit."

"Fine by me!"

Moments later, Mandy came back with her hair wet, looking radiant. Lip couldn't take his eyes off her, and Mandy, noticing his gaze, blushed deeply.