Work Text:
“Let’s stop by somewhere before we get back,” Touka offered.
Shirazu smiled, “Oh, are you treating us, Touka-san?”
“Why not?” It’s not like there’s much else she spends her money on.
“Yes!”
“Sensei, you’ve always gone around to coffee shops even when you were rank 2, haven’t you?” Mutsuki asked politely.
“Yes.”
She’s always loved the smell of coffee longer than she could even remember. Rather than it being an addiction to caffeine or a habit, her connection to coffee felt deeper than that. Every time she took a sip of coffee, it felt as though she was returning home.
But there are more important things than the memories that her mind had already forgotten.
If she wants to continue living like this, then she has to play her part well.
A chalkboard caught her eye. The handwriting on it was neat and... strangely nostalgic.
:Re.
Was there a coffee shop like this here?
“Sensei?”
She blinked out of her trace and walked closer to the coffee shop. “Here.”
Without much thought, she opened the door and a pleasant scent rushed towards her. It smelled like there was good coffee brewing.
“Wow, it smells so good!”
“There’s bound to be good coffee here!”
How comfortable. Dark wood furnishings, books, and odd knick knacks decorated the shop. There was one item that caught her eye in particular. A fluffy pink rabbit doll wearing a brown vest.
“What’s this?”
“A good luck charm for your exams!”
…Rabbit?
Why a-
“Welcome!”
“Um… Seats for 3 people?”
“Yes…” He slipped on a smile and gestured towards the open tables, “Please have a seat wherever you’d like. I’ll give you a moment to look over our menu.”
That man…Has she met him before? She’s not so good with remembering faces, but there was something about him and this cafe that seemed so familiar to her. It’s almost as though she was returning to a place that she used to go to.
“That was a little strange,” Mutsuki commented,
“Heh! It’s probably because Touka-san is so pretty! You’ve got no idea how many times people try to catch a glimpse of her, Mucchan? Like seriously-”
“Um… Sensei?”
“Hey! Don’t ignore me!”
“Hm?” Touka asked, finally breaking away from her thoughts, “What? Are you two ready to order?”
“I’ll have whatever you’re having Touka-san!”
“Then the same for me.”
“Got it-” Before she could even call out for the waiter, an older man sat right in front of her. What the hell? He was wearing the same outfit as the waiter from earlier. A staff member? But why was he staring so intently at her? She just stared right back and said, “Three coffees.”
The taller man didn’t move for a moment, then nodded before standing up.
Shirazu let out, “...Hell is up with that old dude?”
“Yomo-san! You can’t do that so suddenly!” the younger man scolded before soon coming out with their order, “I’m sorry about that. Here’s your order of coffees for the table.”
The mug was warm against her fingers. The smell alone was so fragrant and strong, better than she expected when they first came into the shop. Slowly, she savored her first sip. It tastes delicious. Much better than any coffee that she’s had in a long time. Without realizing, her vision became blurry with tears.
“Sensei?”
“Touka-san?”
“It’s nothing,” she muttered while trying to find her handkerchief in her pocket but to no avail. Tch! Why the hell is this happening now? Even though she told herself she wouldn’t cry anymore, why is the taste of this coffee bringing her to tears?
A handkerchief was placed in front of her by the younger staff, “Here.”
She took the handkerchief and covered her eyes, “I-I’m sorry. The coffee is delicious. I don’t know what came over me.”
“...Thank you very much.”
As she wiped the tears away, she could clearly see his face. The man’s smile was kind, but his eyes looked so sad. Why did he seem like he was in pain? Why did she want nothing more but to see him smile again?