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This was probably the calmest day MJ had ever experienced at the cafe. Barely any customers, the Étoiles Noires not coming this time, no coffee machine dysfunctions.
The customer who caused the most trouble was most likely Stella Spotlight, who was for some reason a regular. She hadn't gotten drunk for once, but dropped her sunglasses at least three times. MJ just hoped nobody would recognize her, or else that would attract attention.
Stella stayed for a long time that day. She was still there when no one else was. MJ couldn't really be mad about that, they had spoken with her quite a lot since she became a regular and, even though she was far from the perfect image she was trying to give, they had ended up growing somewhat attached to her.
She seemed to feel some affection towards them too. Lately, she'd been coming more often, bringing little gifts.
"I'm closing soon. Maybe you should go home ? There must be someone waiting for you."
"Eh, not really. Maybe my maid, I don't know. Oh, I should pay !"
She seemed a bit more energetic than usual that day. Something good must have had happened.
Stella paid yet again with a ridiculously high amount of change. While MJ rummaged through the drawer under the counter, they asked :
"What's up with you ? Why do you feel so well today ?"
Stella's smile widened, and she grabbed MJ's hand as they put a bunch of coins down on the counter.
"I'm just happy to see you, I think. I like... The coffee."
"Stella, you've never drank any coffee here. You barely even ordered anything today."
Stella laughed nervously. There was definitely something up with her.
"I forgot. It looks good."
"It's really not. I don't even know how business still works here. Seriously, Stella, what's wrong with you today ? Are you high or something ?"
"It's nice that you worry about me. I just wanted to visit you."
Stella released her grip on their hand and stepped away from the counter a bit.
"Maybe we could eat together someday. I'll try to come back soon."
She started going up the stairs without waiting for an answer. MJ, still confused, simply said "Bye."
When Stella's footsteps started sounding more distant and they could guess she was almost gone, they directed their attention back to the counter. They realized Stella had forgot her change.
"Stella ! Come back !"
The faint sound of her steps stopped before she turned around and almost ran down the stairs. In heels. That couldn't not cause any pain, MJ thought as they winced. Ouch.
When she was back at the bottom of the stairs, Stella stared at MJ, seemingly waiting to know what prompted them to call for her.
"You're forgetting something."
"Oh, am I ? Uh... Ohh."
Stella blushed for some reason MJ was not aware of. She walked to them and, wait, why wasn't she picking up or even looking at her change ?
"Okay, I can do that," Stella whispered softly.
Well MJ sure hoped she could, picking up stuff like change was basic motor skills they knew she had.
She unexpectedly leaned over the counter and hugged them awkwardly. Although they were extremely confused and hugging someone with the counter in between was uncomfortable, they hesitantly hugged back, not really knowing how to react.
She didn't smell too much like alcohol for once, at least.
"So, what was that for ?" MJ inquired after she had let them go.
"To say bye ? Isn't that what I forgot ?" Stella answered, still looking a bit flustered.
"Stella, you forgot your change. I don't care if you hug me or not, just pick up your damn coins."
MJ felt a bit bad for sounding unintentionally mad. They were at most mildly annoyed. They tried to smile at Stella to more or less fix that.
"Oh, right, my change. I guess I've just not been paying much attention to anything today. You know what, keep the change."
"Keep it ?! That's almost a hundred-"
"You need it more than I do, come on," interrupted Stella. "I've got to go, bye !"
She almost ran up the stairs. MJ could guess she was most likely trying not to embarrass herself any more. Well at least they came out of that situation with a very generous tip.