Chapter Text
Another perfect cup of coffee. Somehow, Sojiro always manages to roast perfectly, brew perfectly, pour perfectly. It’s a wonder this place doesn’t have a constant flow of customers. Granted, the rainy weather today lends itself toward potential customers instead opting to stay inside, dry, and not at risk of pneumonia. This means, however, that Byleth can read in peace and savor every single sip, every noseful of the scent. The atmosphere couldn’t be more calming. The news chimes out in the background, a deadened white noise to accompany her perusal of complex Japanese syntax and grammatical structure.
“So, Ms. Eisner, was it?” Sojiro wipes his hands on a towel next to the sink, just finished with the dishes left behind by the now-departed movie snob. “Oh, I didn’t realize you were reading. Well, don’t let me interrupt you.”
“No, it’s fine. I think I need a break anyway.” Byleth lifts her glasses enough to pinch the bridge of her nose, then lays the book down closed. “You can just call me Byleth-san, Byleth, whatever you’re comfortable with.”
“Byleth-san for now, then. What do you teach at Shujin?” He looks from around the corner of the kitchenette. He’s trying to avoid poor manners, at least, but the curry needs tended to.
She leans slightly forward on her elbows. “Physical education, though I substitute for any other subject needed.”
“Ah, so you replaced that creepy guy. That’s good, you seem much better.” He’s fully rounded the corner now, back to a full conversation. “Enough to see some of the students outside of class, though? I see you around here with those kids sometimes.”
“Oh, those troublemakers? I teach them some self-defense classes.” It isn’t a complete lie, but it’s definitely not the full truth. “And, admittedly, I do go get lunch with them every so often. My coworkers haven’t really taken a shine to me, being foreign and all, but Kurusu-san offered to introduce me to some restaurants and other spots of interest around the city.”
“Is that so? Huh. The kid hardly got here before you did and he’s still able to do all that for you.” Even as he says it, he seems impressed. “Oh, I guess I haven’t explained it to you -- I’m his guardian while he’s in the city on probation.” But, he rubs the nape of his neck. “He surprised me, though. I was expecting some delinquent, but he’s actually a pretty good kid. He tries to stay out of trouble, gets good grades, makes good friends. Heck, he’s even buddies with the student council president now.”
“I was warned about him, but I share your opinion. He keeps up with homework, doesn’t get into fights or disagreements with other students… I can’t say he always pays complete attention in class, but I don’t think that’s an issue as long as his performance doesn’t suffer.” All this conversation and she’s forgetting to drink before her coffee’s heat wanes.
Sojiro nods. He approves. “Say, you wouldn’t happen to know what his situation is with those ladies, would you? He’s brought a couple back, but I don’t want him getting in trouble with them.”
“I can’t say I’m aware. Hasn’t come up.”
“I guess he actually has some girl friends, then. That’s good. Being a ladykiller can get you in some rough spots. Say… he hasn’t flirted with you or anything, has he?”
“Thankfully, no. I’m sure he’ll end up with a fantastic partner at some point -- he’s got looks and charm -- but I stick to those around my own age. Unless he has dones so and it went over my head… that’s happened sometimes…”
He leans back and crosses his arms, with one hand up to stroke his beard. “You’re a strange one, Byleth-san. But it seems like you’re doing a good job at Shujin. Those kids really needed someone more upstanding after that Kamoshida bastard.”
“I’m no olympic medalist, but at least I’m a decent person. I find that that’s more important.” She finishes her coffee in one final gulp. After relishing the flavor for a few seconds, she continues. “The students trust me, I’m making decent money, and I love what I’ve experienced in the city thus far.”
“Oh yeah, that’s right. You told me you were living elsewhere before this. Somewhere in Europe, right?”
“Switzerland. I taught in a small academy nestled away in the Alps.”
“Has the city been a lot to get used to?”
“Definitely. But it has its own charm, same as the countryside. I can tell you it was far more difficult to find a cup of coffee as fantastic as this.”
He giggles at the praise. “Why thank you, little lady.”
As his laughter subsides, a bell jingles at the door. Akira is there, stowing an umbrella and wiping off the rain. He gives a silent greeting to both Byleth and Sojiro as he passes to the stairs up to the attic.
“Oh yeah, he uh…” Sojiro is trying to find the words, it seems. His eyes squint and follow ley lines across the cafe in a bid to avoid eye contact.
“Lives in the attic, I know. I’ve been up there with the rest of their little group of friends.”
“Ah. Yeah, I do feel a bit bad about it…” His eyes close as he inhales sharply through clenched teeth. “I just don’t really have the space for him in my house.”
Byleth waves a palm, batting aside his words. “Hey, you don’t need to explain yourself. Besides, he seems to really like it up there. It’s homey, comfy, calming. Spacious, too. He’s really made it his own.”
“That’s true. And it keeps him nearby so I can be sure he’s not getting into trouble. Plus he can help out around the shop.”
“It’s not a bad setup. Plus the area is nice. I envy it, honestly.”
“Never thought I’d hear that. You really are a weird one, Byleth-san. Of course, that kid’s pretty weird, too. No wonder he took a shine to you.” He brings his forearm upward to glance at his wristwatch, then utters in surprise. “Oh, it’s already that time, huh? Well, I gotta close up shop. You don’t have to leave, if you want to finish that book. Just yell up to the kid when you’re heading out so he can lock up behind you and get the lights. And don’t let him try anything funny with you.”
She laughs, but this is a motion of hospitality that she can’t refuse. “That would be nice. Thank you, Sakura-san.”
“You can use ‘Sojiro-san’ with me. Equal footing.”
Within minutes, he’s waving farewell and locking the door. Byleth’s headache is all but gone, and as such she resumes her attempts to improve her Japanese abilities.