#masuki

"i know a place."

that was what rei said before the two walked to a cafe downtown. it wasn't anything special— it was an average, everyday cafe. it was something like hazawa cafe, if rei had to describe it, but it had some sort of charm to it.

maybe it's the barista that gave it its charm. after all, the barista was as sweet as the flavors masuki enjoyed— and to masuki's surprise, you enjoyed sweet flavors too.

"hm, what'd ya recommend here?" the blonde asked, glancing at the chalk-written menu above the counter. you thought for a short while, glancing at the options before you pointed to the top-left side of the menu— well, pointed to the drawing of it. "i like this one," you say, "it's fairly sweet, just how i like it."

masuki paused for a short while before turning to rei. "im havin' that one," she said and handed enough cash for a medium-sized cup. rei pulled out a bill before placing it on the counter as you restate their orders.

for a first meeting, it wasn't surprisingly eventful.

she came back the next day.

she wasn't with anyone— looks like rei didn't join today— and you were one of the few employees at work. maybe it's an opportunity to start some small talk? oh, but you two have barely met, and you've only heard stories from rei...

"hello, welcome!" you greet as the glass door opens, the door chimes ring throughout the empty cafe. this time the blonde wore an expression that didn't scream "happy"— her eyebrows were furrowed and didn't seem to look at all relaxed. "uh– is there anything you'd like to order?" you ask, sweatdropping.

she paused.

"somethin' sweet..." she looked down, relaxing a little bit before looking at you again.

eh...?

"oh, alright!" you chirp before handing her a newly laminated menu. "would you like to try this one?" you point to one of the ice-blended drinks, one that cost ¥400. masuki's expression visibly softens, looking up back at you as you gave her a wide smile. "it's fairly sweet, and also one of my favorites"

"sure," she replied, looking through her wallet and placed 4 100 yen coins on the counter. you input her order through the monitor, keeping the signature barista smile. "you like sweet things too, do you?" you ask, attempting small talk.

"yea, they're great!" she smiles. "i love 'em a lot, especially when you get to make 'em for people ya care for."

you two talked for quite a bit on the second meeting.

it was a saturday afternoon when you tried to take the conversations past the cafe.

you would be lying if you said she didn't catch your eye, and you would also be lying if you said you didn't feel something around her either.

she would show up when there weren't that many customers before, yet the cafe boomed in popularity a week after you've met the blonde. admittedly, a chat with her is what you were looking forward to every shift. with the lines however, it almost seemed like it wasn't possible anymore.

besides, you've wanted to get closer anyway.

the door chimes rang throughout the cafe as you look at the glass door. that same familiar blonde haired customer walked through the door, the same old red jacket hung on her shoulder.

"welcome," you flash a grin at her. "the same as usual, i'm guessing?"

"woah, i got a 'usual' now?" she placed a hand on her hip before chuckling. "haha, i'll take it then!" she pulls 4 100 yen coins from her pocket, sliding it towards you on the counter. you counted them before inputting her order as usual, repeating them before handing her the receipt,

with your number on a separate paper.

was it just masuki, or did the drink taste sweeter?

maybe it was because of that smile you sent her before she left.

hah, she's sure to text that number later.

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