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It was a warm spring day, when holidays had already begun in Japan, when many spent time with loved ones, or vice versa - they preferred to be alone and prepare for exams. What, in fact, Akito Shinonome planned to do - and so failed in the very first tests. But the young man's plan fell through as soon as his sister decided that she needed new selfies on her account. That's how Akito Shinonome ended up in the cafe WEEKEND GARAGE, which was owned by the living legend of the entire Vivid Street. There was only one waitress in the cafe, who immediately led the relatives to the table and gave them the menu. Akito, exhaling slightly in annoyance, ordered a portion of pancakes at the expense of his sister - after all, she was indebted.
The atmosphere of the cafe was as unusual as possible, reminiscent of the house of a huge family, where everyone knew each other and were happy. In the Shinonome house itself, one can only dream of such an atmosphere. Although, if we are already talking about the house, then Akito was practically not there. He spent all his time not far away, on the same street, rehearsing to achieve his most secret dream. While he thought that he was one such madman, thinking that he could outdo RADder themselves, although a partner in this case would not interfere with him.
We didn't have to wait for the order for a long time, as well as the next appearance of the waitress with a painfully similar way. A feeling of deja vu immediately played inside Akito, perhaps he had seen her in a past life or in a dream, or perhaps she looked like someone he admired. But it didn’t work out much to think about this feeling, because the little sister immediately began to click food and herself against the background of it.Somehow, the waitress herself got into one frame, as if specially posing against the background for this photo.
The pancakes were really delicious.
From that day on, Shinonome Akito began to visit this place more often. At first, he still came there with his sister. But as soon as school started again, he ran in alone, in the evening. This waitress usually worked here in the evening, it seems like getting into high school was worth the money she could earn here. What to say about Akito, who only managed to spend money on food, which he dined in this cafe. Although, he did not even come here because of the delicious sweets or the warm homely atmosphere. All this was for the sake of the owner of the cafe, with whom he still wants to talk so much about his dream. As he bided his time, he began to notice that he was talking more to the waitress. Her name was written on the badge, but he never thought to read it, so he simply called her to himself "the waitress in that very cafe."
And she really remembered him.
Arriving once again after a not particularly successful day with his sister, he gloomily sat down in his special place. The waitress immediately came over to take the order, but noticing that it was still the same person, she shouted:
–Oh, it's you! Today again as usual? - she said with a wide smile and even hid the notebook where she usually wrote orders.
Slightly surprised, Shinonome Jr. smiled like a good boy and nodded in agreement. It seems that he was already known here better than in his family, although this cafe was more like his family than the "family" itself (if it can be called such in principle).The order was already ready after 5 minutes of waiting, it's amazing how quickly this waitress copes with everything, also alone.
–Here, this time, I made a special mint tea, with mint wich has recently grown with us. Mint works as a good sedative. If you need anything else, call. Enjoy your meal! - the girl said in the same loud voice and disappeared as soon as she finished.
Mint is a good sedative... She really noticed that something was wrong with him.
Today, Akito stayed at the cafe longer than usual, which is why he was literally the last customer. The waitress had already changed her uniform to her usual clothes and sat down next to the red-haired guy, stubbornly looking at her reflection in a cup of iced tea.
–Hi again, regular visitor! Does the mister want to discuss why there is not a single joy on his face that was before? Or do you prefer to talk to my father? You know, he's such a good adviser! - starting an awkward conversation, the not-so-stranger was already trembling.
Akito wasn't used to talking about his problems, and he wasn't going to. But I was a little surprised by the interest of the waitress in his facial expression. It seemed that there was nothing of the kind there, and earlier, too, he did not express any emotions. Or he just didn't notice how with a warm smile he looked at the people in this cafe and thought about what kind of choreography he should do. WEEKEND GARAGE became his home. A home where he can be himself, simply because no one here will judge anyone.
— What do you mean by "the joy that was before"? It's not that I don't like this place, but I could hardly be so happy that I could be inspired to overcome my dream further. - Putting his hand under his head and looking thoughtfully into the same cup of mint tea, Shinonome answered.
Yes, indeed, this place seemed to instill in him the idea that he could overcome RAD WEEKEND and become a new living legend. It was as if the spirit of this cafe was telling him how strong he was and how much chance he had. Although, if you are talking to a cafe, it is better to consult a psychologist.
—Нa ha, great joke, Mr. Regular! This place was created to fill with joy and inspire people. The more I work here, the more people I find with similar dreams to mine.Maybe you're one of them too, huh? – slightly extending the last letter, the girl asked, stirring the tea with a spoon, completely spoiling Akito's reflection.
She did meet a lot of people and a lot of them were nice. But still, no one could become her close partner, whom the daughter of that living legend was so diligently looking for. They all seemed to lack something, they were not bad, but they were not what she herself would have wanted. It's all complicated.
–Dreams ... Does everyone in this cafe want to surpass RAD WEEKEND? I don't think there is another person as stupid as me with this dream. Although, I would not be against the opponent. – moving the cup closer to him and looking at the girl with a slightly forced smile, said Shinonome.
Sipping his already cold tea from a small china cup, Akito thinks about his dream again. This dream is like a star that shines brightly and seems close, but the hand cannot reach. You need to try harder. Yes, and alone it is unlikely to be able to reach out, so the thought of a partner now befell him.
I won't say every one, but many. Including me. Silly or not, the main thing is that you want it. And if you really want to, you can fly into space! the waitress said, lightly twitching her legs under the table, touching Akito's legs. Her eyes burned with confidence. This is what a person looks like when he really wants something, and will definitely achieve it at any cost.
“To get into space and reach for a star called RAD WEEKEND...” the guy muttered, already thinking aloud, throwing brief glances at the shining stranger in front of him.- Exactly! So let's reach this star, I'll be first, but see if you can overtake Shiraishi herself! – laughing like a child, the brunette said and got up from the table, holding out her hand to Akito, clenched into a fist.
The guy's eyebrows instantly rose to his forehead, one might say, flew there. The daughter of a man he admired had just stood before him, and he didn't even think about it. Although, her name tag always had "Shiraishi An" on it.
We'll see who comes first. - Moving away from the shock of the information that had just hit his head, Shinonome Akito answered and extended his hand clenched into a fist, lightly hitting the girl's hand.
Now he has more desire.
As soon as Shinonome left the cafe, the girl took the dishes to the kitchen. Washing dishes with a slight smile on her face, she now thinks how good it is to find someone like her. Akito seemed to be a piece of the puzzle that was missing to connect the dream into a larger picture.
Shiraishi is really happy to have a new and positive opponent. A rival by name... A name she never recognized. Communicating with a person without his name, of course, is strange, but they had a good talk, even without knowing anything about each other.
The next day, the waitress looks even happier, she is waiting for him to come in and sit down again in the place between the window and the bar. But no matter how many hours have passed and no matter how dark it gets, he does not come. Maybe it didn't work out today. An will never despair and will wait for him tomorrow. Will be waiting for him the day after tomorrow. He will wait for as long as it takes.
And it took a lot - Akito appeared after a couple of months. And unfortunately, he didn't show up alone. Next to him was a tall guy with a blue split on his head. Shinonome, as usual, sat down in his favorite seat and, having a heated discussion with his new friend, waited for the same waitress to jump up to him to order pancakes with mint tea again.
Of course, Shiraishi does her job well, and once she's done with one client, she approaches a couple.
— Good evening, mister regular visitor. Everything is as usual? What about your friend? - the girl says with the same friendly, wide smile, taking out a notebook for a new order.
— One black coffee, please. - answers the guy sitting opposite the same regular visitor. - I thought you were joking when you said you were well known in this place, Akito.
–Like I was going to lie to my partner! It's a good place, that's why I've been here often, not counting that its owner himself is a member of RAD WEEKEND, which we will win. - with a rather serious expression, the redhead answers, while the waitress has already run away to give the order to the kitchen.
She recognized his name and that's what she wanted, isn't it? Then why is something heavy stuck in your throat? Words she wished she could tell him herself instead of getting his name from his new partner? Or is it just a pathetic fear that her words did not help him then, so he found himself a new inspiration.
Your order is ready, bon appetit. If you need anything, you can always call me! - putting two cups and a plate on the table, the waitress said the standard phrase and retired back to the kitchen.
Today she decided that now it was her turn to find a partner and show what she was worth to her rival.
It's been a long time since that conversation. And a lot has changed. Now Shiraishi has the most incredible partner you could ever dream of. Now they are rivals working together. And now they are much closer to this star. That lump in her throat disappeared a long time ago, but unspoken feelings will remain with her until she is done with her main dream. As well as his unspoken words of gratitude for that support. He had repaid her for this long ago, but the words that he would say when the time came were also stuck in his throat.
– Let's leave all our feelings for later.Right now I just want to get through RAD WEEKEND and I want to do it with you, Kohane and Toya! - the rays of the setting sun fell on the joyful face of the girl, illuminating her already bright smile.
An boldly took Akito by the arm - he did not even have time to utter a word. A happy, slightly embarrassed smile played on his face. They went to meet the sunset, to meet their dream. Together.