Chapter Text
It’s always a calm time in the cafe, other than the occasional rowdy customers, it was pretty quiet. But today was the most boring day you have ever had at this cafe before. Not a single customer. You had done all the cleaning to try and entertain yourself, you re-filled the coffe beans, you wiped down all the benches, you fixed up all the decorations, yet you still were bored out of your mind. It didnt help that your manager didnt allow you to use your phone during work hours.
But there was always one customer who never failed to show up, every day for the past few weeks he would come in. He would always use different names each time he got a coffee, Wanderer, Kabukimono, Kunikuzushi, Balladeer, more you couldnt remember. He would always wear this oversized sunhat that hid him from the sun, despite being indoors too. One day you had forgotten the name he asked you to write for the coffee, so you scribbled down ‘Hat guy’.
You were wondering if he would even show up today, but thats when you heard the ring of the bell above the door. Speak of the devil, there he was with his oversized sun hat. By now you had memorized his order, considering he came here every day. “The usual?” You asked, glad there was at least one customer today. He nods, waiting to the side for you to make the coffee. As you started making it, you noticed he seemed more depressed than usual. Yea, he was allways emo looking, but today he seemed more emo. “Name for the order?” You asked, putting together his coffe, and making sure to not accidentally add any sweeteners. “Scaramouche.” He said in the same monotone voice. “S-c-a-r-a-m-o-u-c-h-e.” He added after. You probably thought he had to spell it out from last time with the hat guy name…
As you finish making the coffee, you see he goes to pay, but you stop him just before he can. “Hey, its on me this time.” You said with a slight smile, hoping to make his day at least a little better. Afterall, he did seem a bit more sad today that normal. “Oh. Thanks.” He said, putting his wallet away and taking the coffee, walking over to one of the tables meant for two. You sigh, sitting on the stool again. Another slow day like always.
The shift flew by after that, and as you were starting to pack up you noticed he was still sitting at the table. He seems to have falled asleep from exhaustion, you wonder how your going to have to wake him up. For now you let him rest as you packed up the coffee station before walking over to him and lightly tapping his shoulder. You were a little worried, its not normal for someone to fall asleep in a coffee shop like this.
At first he didnt wake up so you lightly shook his shoulder, seeing his eyes open slightly. “Hey… It’s closing time, are you alright?” You asked him, the concern in your voice was probably pretty clear. He sat up after a moment, rubbing his eyes. He seemed a little confused before he spoke. “I'm fine.” He said quietly. You stepped back, giving him personal space. “If you say so… Well uhm, I’ll be packing up the rest of the shop now. Feel free to stay for a bit longer if you need time.” You said, walking to a different part of the caffe to start packing up the tables. You made sure to keep an eye on him from the corner of your eyes as you started packing the place up.
He sat there for a few minutes. He looked absolutely miserable. You felt worried for him, despite him being a complete stranger, he was still a loyal customer. You had to admit he was one of your favourite customers, and he never complained, only corrected you when necessary.
Eventually he stood up as you packed up the table he was sitting at. After a moment you looked at him, slight concern in your eyes. “I don’t want to be intrusive… but you seem rather sad today. Is everything alright?” You said, quickly realizing how stupid you probably sounded. “i-I'm sorry you dont have to answer that. I'm just concerned.” You looked back up at him, as he had a slight surprised expression.
“I'm uhm… i'm alright. Thanks for your concern.” He said, yet you could easily tell he was lying. “Alright then… well I have to close the shop up now, are you alright to leave or do you need some more time?” Concern was still clear in your tone. “Uh actually… could I talk to you? You’re the first person who has actually been… kind to me for a while.” He said hesitantly. You could see he was going through something just by the tone in his voice, yet the words he spoke broke something in you. You didnt understand how someone couldnt be kind to him of all people, he seemed like a great person other than his reclusive nature.
You nod, thinking for a moment. “Do you want to sit down…? I think theres some couches in the staff room.” You said. You felt like this was what he needed, someone to actually talk to even if its someone he barely knows. You feel like you want to comfort him now, whatever he is going though, and you dont know why you feel like this. Its strange.
“O-oh uhm sure.” He said. You led him into the staffroom, sitting down on one of the couches. “Are you sure i'm allowed here…?” He asked after moment. “Yea, don’t worry. Theres no other staff here, but even if there was they wouldnt question it.” Your said, your tone trying to be comforting yet the concern was still there. “Ah… ok.” He sat down next to you, getting comfortable.
“I-i'm sorry… this is stupid, I shouldn’t have asked you… your just a stranger…” He mumbled, you could tell he wasnt completely sure about this. But for some reason he felt he could trust you. All the other loyal customers to this cafe said you were their favourite server, you were kind and calm, even when the karen customers are here, your always able to get the situation under control faster than the other workers.
“Hey… i'm sure whatever it is thats troubling you wont be anything I can't deal with. I don’t know why but I want to help you.” You said, smiling slightly. You looked away after a moment, down at the floor as you thought. “If i'm being honest, your one of my favourite customers. You never complain, your somewhat kind despite you allways being quiet, and your order isnt too complicated.” You said the last bit with a slight chuckle. You were silent for a moment before looking over at him, and you noticed a slight bit of hope in his eyes. “Your not joking, right?” He said.