Chapter Text
Kirari never liked coffee, from its aroma to its taste. The bitter smell that Kirari always found too strong. And if the scent of itself was already too bitter for her, she never dared drink it. Her preferences lied in the milder flavors of tea, both stimulating and calming. Not akin to the stimulation that coffee provided, if she could call it that. It reminded her more of an unhealthy jumpstart of energy that would leave people hyper. Runa, on the other hand. . .
Saying that she loved coffee would be an understatement. The girl practically lived for it, not a day passing by that she wouldn’t have a cup of coffee in her hands. Always drinking it, no matter what kind it was. Americanos, cappuccinos, espressos, if someone could name it, Runa would drink it.
The same kinds of coffee that Kirari would never try.
“You know I don’t really drink coffee.” Kirari puts her hand in front of her nose, trying not to breathe much of the caffeine flooded atmosphere. Runa smiles deviously, as if coffee wasn’t the only reason why they were there. And if Kirari were to be honest to herself, she knows it wasn’t. However, denial can often run deep.
The line moves along at a snail’s pace, which gives Kirari ample time to check the menu posted above. A frown tugs at her lips, disapproving at the lack of tea. Even for the non-coffee based drinks, most of them were chocolate. Which Kirari wouldn’t mind. Had they not been in the Ice-blended section. Resisting a groan, she turns to her companion. “Seriously, though. There’s nothing here that I’d like.”
Her complaints were short-lived, as they got closer to the counter. The cashier taking people’s orders was breath-taking. Her violet hair styled into a side ponytail tied with white ribbon, with her bangs swept to the left. Two thick strands framing her both sides of her face. Kirari’s heart skips a beat, then beats even faster. Her breath hitching in her throat as their eyes meet for a brief second. Violet eyes meeting blue. Kirari blanches at this feeling, blaming it already on the caffeine she inhaled. Runa’s laughter brings her back to reality. “Nothing here that you’d like, hm?”
“Hello, good morning! What can I get you?”
“I’d like a Java Chip Frappuccino. Venti, with 2 shots of espresso with vanilla bean powder and some caramel- vanilla syrup drizzle.”
Kirari cringes at Runa’s order, unsure how the cashier could even memorize that order with how rapidly Runa said it. To her surprise, the cashier just nods as she punches in the smaller girl’s order. Asking for her companion’s name, writing it down on the cup, and accepting payment in one smooth motion. As she steps closer to the counter, Runa leaves to find a table for the two of them. Laughing all the way.
“Hi there! Welcome to DeJa Brew. What can I get you?”
There’s hesitation, uncertain on whether she should order or just follow Runa to their table. She tries to think of what she can get, but nothing really meets her fancy. She curses the caffeine in the air that doesn’t allow her to concentrate. To think clearly on what she could get from the selection of coffees .
“New here? Well, if you’d like some suggestions, a lot of people order our caffe lattes. But if you’re more of a cold coffee drinker, like myself, our popular drink is the Mocha Frappuccino.”
If there was one thing that Kirari disliked more than coffee, it would be cold drinks. Cold coffee, cold chocolate, cold tea. Even if they were supposed to be cold, or iced (however one would put it.) She felt that the drinks were better enjoyed hot, fresh, untainted by the forces of ice. “I think I’d like to try the caffe latte.”
Trying to look at anywhere but the cashier’s smiling face, Kirari takes a peek at the nametag on her uniform.
Sayaka.
“Good choice! Now, may I have your name?”
Wanting this interaction to end already, she blurts out the first name in her mind. Not even thinking about it. “Sayaka.”
“What a coincidence! That’s my na--”
“I mean,” she cuts her off, cursing internally at her mistake. “It’s Kirari. Sorry, I was just reading your nametag.”
Great , Kirari thinks, now the cashier thinks you’re a total weirdo .
The cashier laughs, however, much to the surprise of Kirari. She wishes that the ground would just open up and swallow her whole already. Her face burns with embarrassment. Normally being a master of self-control and keeping her emotions in check. This time, however, she isn’t sure what’s happening.
Kirari doesn’t like coffee, at all.
“You should’ve seen her, Ri! All blushy and tongue-tied over that cashier girl!” Runa laughs as she drinks the monstrosity, as Kirari puts it, with gusto. "I've never seen her like that before!"
They had met up with Kirari’s sister after getting their orders from the cafe. They were to discuss their group project for their class, but were sidetracked with Runa’s vivid (and not 100% correct) recap of what happened just 30 minutes ago. Kirari only half listening, did not object to any incorrect details that Runa gave. Not wanting to relive her embarrassing display at DeJa Brew. She was thankful for the fact that Runa wasn’t there to witness her fall from grace with the cashier. The urge to hide her face in shame as she walked to the table grew with each step. But, she wouldn’t allow Runa the satisfaction of seeing her perturbed by their interaction.
It was all for naught, with how Runa told the story.
A small smile tugged over the twin’s face, almost laughing at her sister’s expense. “That explains on how she bought coffee.”
Said coffee was still in Kirari’s hands, warm and full. Not even a single sip lessened from its contents. Its size not as note-worthy as Runa’s drink. Other than size, both drinks could be compared by the amount left in it. The venti drink was already halfway finished. The latter’s sweet tooth being displayed as she took another gulp of her drink.
“Speaking of coffee, looks like the cashier likes you as well, sis.” Ririka smirks, glancing at the cup between her sister’s hands. Having just noticing a very inconspicuous yet important detail. Intrigued, Runa also takes a peek at the cup by Ririka’s place, a sly smile growing much to Kirari’s obliviousness.
“Hm?”
“Don’t tell me you didn’t notice!” Runa laughs, grabbing the cup to point it out. Surprise painting her face momentarily, as the cup weighed more than she expected. But, the expression of mirth came back quickly. “Oh my gods, there’s a smiley face right next to your name! And the dots in your I’s are hearts! I mean, mine doesn’t have any!”
Kirari bites back a retort, not wanting to share her theory why there would be a smiley face there. And potentially embarrass herself even further. “Your name doesn’t have any I’s, Runa.” Kirari emphasises on the name, and the given obvious of the lack of I’s in it.
“It was just my first time at the cafe, it’s obviously nothing. And I don’t like the cashier.” she harrumphs, holding their stares down with her own. A scowl rising to her face. It was obvious that it was the coffee atmosphere that made her act like that, why couldn’t her friend, and her sister see that?
Denial can often run deep. Ignoring the sly expression on Runa’s face, Kirari reminds them of the reason why they met up in the first place: the project. They allow her to change the topic, seeing as it was 15% of their grade in that class.
The coffee slowly being forgotten in the background as details and assignments rose to the foreground.
The next day, Kirari would find herself returning to the same cafe. Without Runa. She takes in the sights of the cafe, its coziness not lost to her. She takes in the details of its interior that she ignored the day before. The relaxing ambience, soft jazz music playing on their speakers, and how everyone seemed busy on their laptops or working.
She still disliked the aroma of the coffee around her, but she pushes on. Walking towards the counter, she doesn’t see the violet haired girl from before. In her place, a princely blonde was taking the orders.
Falling in line, Kirari doesn’t feel as sick as she was yesterday. Brushing it off as her getting accustomed to the scents of the cafe, even if she didn’t enjoy them. She watches the blonde take the orders, having a different kind of charisma compared to Sayaka. And a different kind of uniform. Kirari takes note of that.
“Hello, welcome to DeJa Brew. I’m Mary, how can I take your order?”
She orders the same drink from yesterday, which she promptly forgot about as they worked on the project. Which later on became cold coffee. Which, Kirari gave to Runa. Who enthusiastically drank the abomination in one gulp.
She sits by a corner table, one where she wouldn’t be disturbed or be disturbing others. She watches the blonde make her drink, her movements almost like a dance as she maneuvered her way through the small kitchen. Working the machines like they were musical instruments, making her own symphony. Kirari lets herself be impressed, the machines didn’t look like they were easy to use. And the way Mary used them made it all seem like second nature to her.
A dance. A symphony. Artistic. Kirari may not like coffee, but she can appreciate the artistry in making it. Her appreciation is cut short when a familiar voice calls out her name. Violet eyes meeting her blue once again.
A soft smile appears on Sayaka’s face as she sees Kirari approaching. “Was the latte that good that you ordered it again? Did you like it a latte? ”
Kirari snorts, not expecting that kind of small talk. It was sweet, and witty. The gleam in Sayaka's eyes shine brighter at her reaction.
"I didn't drink the one from yesterday, honestly."
Sayaka's face falls a little, unnoticeable really. If this weren't Kirari, and her being used to reading people's expressions. She didn't expect the violet haired girl to be disheartened by it.
"But, it was because my friend finished it in one gulp." Well, it wasn't a total lie. "I, uh, wanted to try it this time." Now, that, that was a blatant lie. Mostly to herself. She doesn't know why she came back, but it wasn't because she wanted to drink coffee.
"Oh! Well, it's not too latte to try." Grinning, Sayaka hands over the cup to Kirari. Hands brushing for a split second as Kirari went to grab it. "If you have any suggestions, feel free to approach me. I'm the manager here, and suggestions are always welcome!"
Huh. So that explains the different uniform of Sayaka.
Kirari strides back to her table, staring at the cup of coffee in front of her. She notices the lack of a smiley face and hearts on her name this time. It wasn't really surprising as Mary was the one who served her today. She tries to ignore the drink at first, its strong scent pungent to her. But, really, Kirari has to drink it sooner or later. Sooner being better than later, as it would be cold by then. She supposes it wouldn't hurt to try the drink in front of her.
It did.
She didn't know what she was expecting. Despite already being made with milk, Kirari still found the drink too bitter. The espresso shot still overpowering the milk mixed into it. Letting the drink cool for a bit, Kirari glares at the offending styrofoam cup. Not at all satisfied with its contents. But, she won't give up that easily. The first sip of a new drink was always unpleasant.
Taking a deep breath, she composes herself. Readying to take another sip of the hot drink.
This time she takes a larger sip, trying to drink as much as she could without choking. Thinking that the bitterness was only concentrated at the top. It couldn't be that bad if she drank more than a tiny sip.
It was worse.
She tries to suppress a gag but fails as the bitterness overwhelms her taste buds. She regrets coming here. She regrets ordering this stupid drink. She regrets biting off more than she can chew (or drinking more than she could swallow, in this case.)
"Oh!" Kirari looks up to see the concerned face of Sayaka, just in time to see her rush off to the counter to grab a pitcher and an extra cup. She rushes back to pour a cup of water to give to Kirari. Which she takes without hesitation. Drinking it far too quickly than she should've. Almost choking in the process. But the relief the cool water brings to her tongue and throat was more than welcomed.
"I'm guessing you don't like the drink?"
They stare at each other, as Kirari tries to calm her rapidly beating heart. She's amazed at how fast the coffee's effect hit her. Not expecting the heart palpitations to arrive so soon. Kirari manages to shake her head.
"I probably shouldn't have drank as much as I could in one sip." A smile tugging at her lips, trying to play it cool. Acting like it wasn't her first time drinking coffee.
"Maybe, you should take small sips next time. Savor the taste of the latte."
Kirari fights the urge to gag once more at the thought of trying to savor the coffee. The bitter taste coming back to haunt her already.
"I'll keep that in mind."
With that, Sayaka smiles and goes back behind the counter. Talking to the other girl managing the register.
Kirari still doesn't like coffee.
But.
Maybe, just maybe, Kirari would learn to like coffee, as well. If someone like Sayaka were there to help her.