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Miri pushed the door of Diner Nest open and almost ran to the counter.
“Kazu Papa!”
“Oh, Miri!” The shop bell had already alerted Kazuki of the new customer. However, hearing the girl’s cheerful exclamation made his lips spread into a wide smile. “You’re back already.”
“Mm… Where’s Rei Papa?” Her bright eyes filled with curiosity and impatience, Miri scanned the diner. Rei was nowhere to be seen.
“Ah, he’s-” An odd feeling seized Kazuki as he eyed the small shoe box Miri was clutching to her chest. “-upstairs.”
Miri looked down, gaze glued to the box as her quiet wavering voice reached Kazuki. “Papa… there’s something- but Rei Papa must be here too…”
Kazuki thought he was going to faint. That was it! The moment Kazuki had been dreading: the moment when Miri decides to run away with a boy… that’s why she arrived six minutes and forty eight seconds later than usual… Cold sweat broke on Kazuki’s forehead, his vision blurred. But she’s only sixteen! That’s not-
“Papa? Papa, are you okay?” The hint of worry seeping through her words snapped Kazuki out of his disquiet.
“...Yeah. Miri!” Kazuki whined. “You’re making Papa worried! Is something wrong?”
“Okay, I’ll tell you,” Miri’s eyes darted around conspiringly before she leaned forwards to whisper. “But you must not tell Rei Papa.”
His heart lightened, Kazuki winked. “Of course, of course! Miri can always count on me,” with a swift movement of his hand, he zipped up his lips and threw the invisible key behind his back.
Pale trembling hands placed the small shoebox on the counter. Only then did Kazuki notice that it wasn’t entirely closed. Glancing one last time before the big reveal at Kazuki, Miri cautiously moved the lid aside.
…
“You go sit there, Miri. I’ll tell Rei that you’re back,” Kazuki patted Miri’s head and watched her make her way towards one of the tables illuminated by the afternoon sun rays. A certain sorrow was visible behind the warm smile lingering on his face.
It didn’t take long before Rei drowsily descended the stairs. Miri seemed too enthralled by the book that lay open on the table before her to notice the arrival of her other Papa. Rei quietly approached Kazuki who was preparing a dish.
“Miri’s favourite,” Rei noted.
“Mhm. Wanna help?”
There was no way Rei could decline the offer. He joined Kazuki and soon a big plate of French toast with honey, vanilla ice cream and strawberries, as well as a mug of hot chocolate, were ready for their favourite customer.
Taking the plate, Rei tilted his head in expectation. Kazuki, however, made no move.
“Can you take this too? I’ll join you in a bit,” Kazuki nodded at the mug before quickly turning around. They usually did it together, but the clean freak Kazuki was, it was no surprise he wanted to tidy the place or wash the dishes before joining Miri and Rei. So, the latter paid no mind to the request and grabbed the mug.
“Rei Papa!” With a cheerful look adoring her face, Miri finally tore her eyes away from the pages and closed the book. In its place appeared a delicious looking plate of French toast with her favourite toppings and a steaming mug of hot chocolate. A colourful doodle graced the white porcelain; three smiling faces: “Rei Papa”, “Miri”, “Kazuki Papa”. It was something Miri had created during her last year at Aozora Daycare and every day since then she drank her tea or hot chocolate from it.
“Hi, Miri,” Rei sat down on the chair across from her. “How was-”
Before Rei could finish his sentence, his instincts kicked in. Everything happened too fast. Way too fast for even Rei to react. With almost inhumane speed, the attacker made their move.
The only things Rei was aware of were his hair standing on end, the heart hammering in his chest and the… the tiny ball of fluff on his lap.
Rei stared at it. A black kitten, not older than two months, was staring back at Rei. White fur replaced the black on its paws, nose, chest and the end of its long tail. The image evoked a peculiar feeling in Rei’s chest and he let out a long sigh, his gaze softening. It had been so long ago, it almost felt like another lifetime…
The kitten reached out and tugged at Rei’s hoodie with a meow .
“Papa?”
“Did you find it?”
“Hm. It was lonely and cold and looking for a home… Papa, can we keep it?” Miri blurted out.
His hand mindlessly caressing the feline, Rei furrowed his brows. It wasn’t his decision to make - he glanced at Kazuki who was observing them from the counter.
“Kazuki Papa said it’s up to you!”
“Oh,” Oh! He said that? Rei’s eyes widened in surprise, met by Kazuki nodding with a proud grin.
“ Kazuki Papa also said that Miri should take care of it if Rei Papa agrees that we keep it,” Kazuki chimed in.
“Hm, we can.”
The kitten rubbed its head against Rei’s hand and purred in contentment.
“Yes! Thank you, Papa!” Miri jumped from her place and enveloped Rei in a tight hug. “You’re the best!”
A loud clearing of a throat sounded from across the room.
“Heh, you too, Kazu Papa! You both are!” Miri chuckled, face beaming with joy. “Won’t you join us already?”
“Ah, yeah,” Kazuki muttered. “Let me make some tea first. Rei, coffee?”
“No, I’ll also drink tea… Thank you...”
Kazuki watched as Rei’s attention returned to petting the cat. The warm afternoon light coming in from the window coloured the deathly pale cheeks a lovely rose shade. Miri giggled at the kitten’s attempt to play with the string of the oversized hoodie Rei was wearing. Kazuki narrowed his eyes. Perhaps Rei had truly been sleepy earlier .
Watching the sweet scene of his two dearest people unfold - Miri stuffing her mouth with the yummy French toast he and Rei had prepared, and Rei playing with the adorable kitten, made fondness flood Kazuki’s chest. Because while he played the part rather well, there had always been something on the back of his mind, lingering like a small dark cloud over his head.
Now, it was a vision instead. Miri and Rei's merry laughter lit up the cafeteria, while they themselves were surrounded by countless cats of all colours and patterns. It was definitely not unfeasible… as long as Rei and Miri wanted it too.
Kazuki pulled his phone out and grinned with a peace sign. In the background, there were three more happy faces.