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It was much, much easier to proclaim yourself a coffeehouse lover than a coffeehouse owner.
Cafe understood this from the start. She knew the risks, studied the demanding payload on a single person to maintain such a space, even in a small town like the one she lived in.
She tried to convince herself that her dream was silly. It wouldn’t pay, wouldn’t be stable.
But that tiny, two-story pad at the end of the street had tempted her ever since she saw the “For Sale” sign. It seemed like every time she passed it on the way to her day job, idea after tantalizing idea would flood into her mind as she stopped and peered through the windows.
Amber mahogany flooring would be pretty. Maybe a mint or rosemary plant as a centerpiece? But lavender could be nice too… oh! An espresso machine would look nice here, and cold-brew makers there, and some pods over there too…
The endless fantasies wouldn’t stop.
So Cafe gave in. She had enough money from her day job plus a little extra, and could move out of her small apartment. She could furnish the upper floor into her living space, and the lower floor into the coffeehouse she always dreamed of.
The following week marked the start of Cafe’s dream.
Eager eyes darted all over the space — still empty and barren, of course, but still very full of Cafe’s dreams and lofty goals.
She could picture it now: customers softly chatting while munching on muffins and cakes, the soft drips of another fresh coffee in the background as light rain fell outside.
That vision brought more than comfort — it fueled her impulsive thoughts. As Cafe grabbed a nearby broom and stepped into her soon-to-be coffeehouse and new home, she was confident she could make her dream a reality.
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It was never a good sign when Cafe’s morning coffee sat idle on the countertop.
Cafe watched the sun stream through the window walls, her eyes focusing on nothing in particular. She sighed, propping her hand on her chin as the hiss of a kettle boiled water behind her.
In just a month, she’d been able to beautifully transform her once-empty space. Dusty, concrete floors were replaced by sturdy mahogany wood that matched the tables and chairs that filled the space. Grey walls were painted over with soft eggshell white, and all kinds of herbal and decorative plants were set all around the space — some hanging, some sitting in larger pots as centerpieces. While she wasn’t fond of the window walls (she wasn’t allowed to replace those), the buildings that surrounded the coffeehouse gave enough shade during sunny days that she could manage. She was proud of the countertop she’d built herself, packing it with all the necessities (and then some) to serve all the customers…
If only there were customers.
Her coffeehouse’s opening days hadn’t gone well. The first week saw a grand total of eleven unique visitors — none of them inherently rude, per se, but Cafe more than understood the way they hesitated as they walked through the door, the way their eyes darted around as they assessed her little shop. She didn’t blame them for being on guard — admittedly, she’d done the same in any new coffeehouse she entered.
Unfortunately, none of the visitors thought her drinks good enough to return, or perhaps the space not as welcoming as they imagined.
That is, all but one — her very first customer, who Cafe sometimes wished would visit a little bit later than she normally did…
But the clock struck 7AM all the same. The door’s bell softly jingled, the customer in question confidently waltzing in. Cafe sighed even deeper.
There goes my “relaxing” morning.
“Cafeeee~”
There she was — Tachyon, that mad scientist. She had settled down after racing to work for a nearby botanical facility that researched all kinds of plants, herbs, and spices. For what purpose, Cafe didn’t know. She was scared to question it, given how many random experiments had, quite literally, exploded in her face during their academy days.
But those explosions had come to a close. Now, Tachyon was Cafe’s only regular, opting to come in at 7AM every day since the shop opened, without fail. Cafe didn’t argue with her — complaining about her friend and only regular didn’t sit well with her, so she left it be.
I… should be grateful.
“Good morning, Tachyon.” Cafe’s hand reluctantly moved for the boiling kettle and tea packet, which was already set aside in preparation for Tachyon’s arrival.
Tachyon raised her eyebrows in surprise. “So quick to act… it’s as if you’re predicting what I’ll order as we speak!”
“We both… know your order already. It’s the same every time.” Cafe looked away to strain the tea into a fresh mug.
Tachyon sat in a barstool and leaned over the countertop, a slight smirk on her face. “But what if… what if, Cafe! The order were to change?”
Cafe closed her eyes, already pushing the tea towards Tachyon. “It won’t.”
“It could!”
“Not with you.”
“What if I suddenly wanted to try a coffee?”
Cafe opened her eyes. “Then one of your experiments must’ve… messed with something up in your head.”
Tachyon chuckled at that, pulling out a pack of sugar cubes and dropping the first three into her mug.
Cafe stared in mild disgust as Tachyon looked up and gave a toothy grin.
“Oh, don’t look at me like that, dear barista~”
“I added sugar for you already.”
Tachyon dropped three more cubes in, peering into the mug. “…you’re right! I can barely see it, though. That means I should add more.”
Another two cubes fell into the mug, making it look like sugar served with a dash of tea instead of the other way around.
Cafe tried to steady her breathing, opting to change the topic to try to take her mind off the heinous crime that was taking place right in front of her.
“How...” She took another deep breath. “How has the facility been treating you?”
Tachyon took another small sip of her tea, humming in delight. She set the glass down, the grin on her face widening even more. “Ahh, where do I start, Cafe? They’ve given me a whole space to conduct whatever research I wish — I believe they’ve realized they can’t hold me down any longer! They can see that any research I do benefits them as much as myself, so now I have free rein to take whatever plants I want and perform any experiment I desire…”
Tachyon continued to babble on, explaining grand plans that went along the lines of testing plant intelligence and resurrecting dead aloe. Cafe tried her best to keep up, but her mind was being swept away in the technical terms and lengthy explanations, none of which she was well-versed in.
Not to mention, Tachyon herself was rather distracting. There was something about those crimson eyes that Cafe always seemed to get lost in.
Her eyes used to be so empty and lifeless. Like her soul was dead.
Those academy days had been fulfilling and challenging — but every time Cafe had looked, she saw Tachyon working herself to the bone, pursuing every nook and cranny of science until she physically started to break down.
Cafe didn’t think she’d mesh well with a crazy girl like her. But somehow, she was still compelled to bring Tachyon a cup of tea for the first time, as much as she despised making it.
That was when she saw Tachyon’s glittering eyes for the first time, a true smile filled with something that looked a little closer to life.
And then pale, yellow eyes flickered with horror as a handful of sugar cubes were handily dumped into that first cup of tea.
Despite that, Cafe found herself frequently lost in that gaze, in Tachyon— and would find herself silently anticipating that glitter every time Tachyon visited the coffeehouse. If only the countertop weren’t there, then she could maybe lean a little closer and get a look at what made Tachyon so beautiful—
Beautiful?
Why did I think she was—
“…I do hope you’ll understand, Cafe.”
Cafe jerked back in her barstool, clearing her throat to mask her oblivion.
“S-sorry?”
Tachyon slumped in her seat a little bit. “Unfortunately, I’ve recently taken on quite the project. It’ll require some early mornings and late evenings… so that means I can’t make my daily visit anymore. I’m sorry.”
“O-oh. That’s okay.”
Tachyon’s hands suddenly latched onto Cafe’s own, and she shook her head violently in disagreement. “It’s not okay. How am I supposed to get my morning tea now?! I’ll be ruined, Cafe!”
Cafe tried to come up with a solution, but the feeling of Tachyon’s soft hands severely limited her thought processes, certainly not helped by her earlier train of thought. She could feel a whisper of pink creeping onto her cheeks, so she quickly let go of Tachyon’s hands and started wildly gesturing around.
“A-ahh, well. You could take some… tea packets? I’m sure you have your own kettle, and you could make it yourself before you leave… and what if I gave you an insulated mug as well? It would keep anything you make warm for a couple of hours.” Now back in her element, Cafe hastily gathered the materials she mentioned, laying them out before Tachyon.
Then, she heard sniffling. She looked up — and there were tears in Tachyon’s eyes.
“C-C-Cafeeee… I don’t know what I’d do without youuu…”
Cafe panicked, going against her better judgement and taking Tachyon’s hands in her own again. “J-just… take it. You need it.”
There was a moment of silence as Cafe held Tachyon’s hands in an attempt to calm her down. The grateful sniffling quieted down, and Cafe was ready to help pack her things and get Tachyon on her way, lest she be late. She did work a half-hour drive away, after all.
Then both girls realized they’d been holding hands for a little longer than normal.
Tachyon moved first, breaking the handhold. “O-oh, would you look at the time!” She pretended to check the time on her wristwatch — then realized she didn’t wear one. “T-thank you for the morning chat and tea, Cafe.”
“Of… of course.” Cafe couldn’t make eye contact, the blush quietly returning to her face. Instead, she got a paper bag and began to organize all items laid out on the table into it, then pushed the bag across the tabletop towards Tachyon.
“How much will it be?” Tachyon shuffled to get her wallet.
“It’s… on the house today.” Cafe smiled a little bit, gesturing towards the bag. “My treat.”
Tachyon frowned. “Well, that won’t do. You offer legitimate, quality services here. It would be a crime for me not to pay.”
“I insist.” Cafe tried to shove the bag towards Tachyon, but she stood unnervingly still, her eyes flicking between the bag and Cafe.
In an instant, she lunged forward, slapping a wad of cash onto the countertop while grabbing the bag at the same time.
“Mwahaha… thank you for your service!” Tachyon scurried away from Cafe, practically dancing out the door…
And just like that, the bell hanging from the door quietly announced her departure.
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“Do you think anyone… really believes in my dream?”
Cafe leaned over the table, coughing as the dust got in her throat. She tossed the rag she was using back on the countertop, trying unsuccessfully to clear her throat as she sat down in one of the chairs.
She looked to her left, towards her Friend.
No response.
“I don’t… want to give it up. But it’s... so difficult sometimes.”
Several days had passed, and without Tachyon’s daily presence, the coffeehouse felt colder than normal. A couple of visitors had come through — but they were all new faces from out of town. Cafe didn’t expect them to return.
But… I still don’t get it.
“When they take their first sip… there’s a spark, I’m sure of it. But it only lasts a moment, and then it’s like their souls are dead again, just like…”
She looked down at the table, eyes focusing on nothing in particular, mind focusing on one specific Tachyon. Out of all the drinks Cafe hoped would bring a sense of peace and comfort, she didn’t think that her amateurish tea brews would be the most popular.
The drink she liked the least, brewed for the one she liked the most.
“Do you think she believes in my dream?” Cafe looked at her Friend again.
The shadow shrugged.
Cafe looked out the window again, laughing dryly to herself. “…at this point, I should become her tea sommelier.”
A cold chill suddenly swept through the space, despite the doors and windows being closed. Cafe closed her eyes, already knowing what that meant — and when she looked over for the third time, her Friend’s absence confirmed her thoughts.
Cafe sighed, whispering a quiet pleasantry for absent ears.
“…come again soon.”
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And Cafe got her wish, but not in the way she wanted.
Tachyon stumbled through the doors of the coffeehouse the next morning at 7:03AM, her gait sluggish and posture even more slumped than it usually was. It looked like she could barely hold herself up as she hoisted herself onto the barstool, mumbling a groggy “mooornnninggg…” to a very concerned Cafe, who rushed to get the kettle boiling and tea packet prepared.
She passed by one of the pantry doors that hung slightly ajar. She stared at it a moment, then shook her head and opened the door, revealing several small bags of sugar cubes. Cafe grabbed one, placing it next to the kettle as she turned and looked at the disheveled mess in front of her.
“You… don’t look so good.”
Tachyon passively waved her hand in dismissal, even as her head flopped onto the counter in exhaustion. “N…nonsense. I’m perfectly… perfect.”
Cafe raised her eyebrow.
“Perfectly… perfect,” she echoed. “Heh. I assume your… project has been going well?”
With what seemed to be great effort, Tachyon lifted her head to look up at Cafe with a faint smile. “Hardly. The project has turned into more paperwork than actual progress. It’s maddening! This is a time-sensitive project, so there’s no time to idle around and wait for a… a flimsy piece of paper.” She started to wake up a little more, able to limply gesture about at nothing in particular.
Cafe returned the faint smile in kind, easing a little knowing that Tachyon wasn’t fully lost — just busier, in her own way. “It does sound like you’re having a certain kind of fun.”
Tachyon scoffed. “‘Certain’ is quite the word for it. And how about you, Cafe…?” Tachyon fully sat up in her seat, opting to prop her chin up with her hands.
Cafe was silent as Tachyon continued. “Tell me… have you experienced the success you dreamed of?” Cafe could feel Tachyon’s eyes resting on her — not a gaze of kindness or pity, nor of malice or spite. She was simply… present.
Cafe’s felt her chest tighten, the negative thoughts immediately flooding in.
It’s been horrible—
Nobody really visits but you—
I shouldn’t have been so impulsive—
I have to make my dream come true—
I have to, I HAVE to…
Or else…
…
Cafe’s thoughts were broken as she heard the kettle aggressively steaming behind her. She turned around, realizing that she had already botched the water before it could even get into the mug. She quietly sighed to herself, dumping what remained and went to get the kettle started again—
But Tachyon’s hand reached out over the countertop, gently taking Cafe’s wrist. She said nothing, peering into Cafe’s eyes with the same air of presentness that she reserved for their quietest moments. Cafe set the kettle down.
“…it’s been… okay. Customers here and there.” A safe half-truth.
Tachyon released her grip. “Spare no details, Cafe.”
Her frankness disintegrated Cafe’s defenses.
“…much rougher than I expected. Not many customers, lots to manage.” She looked up at Tachyon. “I will make it work, though. I’ll reach my dream.”
Tachyon leaned back, fully awake now as she nodded and clapped her hands. “There’s that drive and persistence! I like what I see, dearest Cafe.”
Cafe couldn’t help but flush a little at the compliment. “T-thank you. But please… don’t overwork yourself either.”
“Aw, could it be that Cafe’s concerned for me~? That’s new~!”
“Be quiet.” Her blush deepened as Tachyon leaned forward, grinning once more as she tried to poke teasing fingers at Cafe.
Cafe moved away from the pokes, walking over to the pantry to collect a couple more tea packets — as well as an extra bag of sugar cubes. Those needed to go, after all. Not that anyone else but Tachyon really used them. Might as well.
She returned to the counter, Tachyon already standing and adjusting her work bag over her shoulder. The two moved in silence, neither finding it fitting to speak, instead letting the quiet sounds of the small city take over for a moment — passing cars, nearby bikers, fleeting birds, there then gone.
“To your point… overworking myself is irrelevant, especially after observing the lengths you go to reach for your dream.”
Cafe’s eyes flicked over to the one who broke the silence first. “My… dream…”
Tachyon shrugged. “I don’t believe I overwork myself, per se, given that the scope of my project is for the benefit of another. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to claim that this project could provide our subject… another route. A new path to what could be considered… true joy. Joy they could share with others.”
…another route? True joy?
“This project… doesn’t sound like any botany I know.”
Tachyon averted her gaze, eyes drifting outside. “And you’d be correct, in a way. Unfortunately, I can’t share more details until everything’s settled and the paperwork is complete. But you’ll be the first to know once that happens! That, I can promise you. And that time may be sooner than you think... I’ll make sure of it. I will make sure of it.”
As if hypnotized, Tachyon stumbled towards the door. She instinctively left behind a wad of cash despite never drinking a cup of tea or grabbing the bag Cafe had prepared with all her favorite tea packets. All Cafe could do was watch Tachyon shuffle out the door, muttering some far-fetched promise of making something happen soon.
As to what that something was, Cafe didn’t know. But now she was curious. Perhaps she should follow Tachyon, see if she’d make it back to the facility in that strange state. Then she could keep an eye on her, make sure she was doing alright—
But the jingle of the bell interrupted her. A new group of customers, a new set of faces.
Cafe shelved her curiosity, forcing a smile onto her face.
Because, as much as Tachyon cared about paying for her service, one consistent customer wouldn’t cover the costs.
Cafe knew her dream was nearing death’s door, so she might as well enjoy it while it lasts.
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The automatic doors swung open as Cafe walked into what she assumed was Tachyon’s botanical greenhouse.
She didn’t realize there was more than one until she had arrived and realized the absolute scale of Tachyon’s workplace. She ended up getting lost in the maze of greenhouses, office buildings, and botanical gardens, until she asked one of the passing workers for directions to Tachyon’s space — and by that time, the afternoon had already started its descent into dusk.
Cafe wasn’t sure what compelled her to visit. Maybe it was to check up on Tachyon, maybe to see what this project really was. Maybe both.
Whatever the case… I’m sure she’s fulfilling her dreams here.
She stepped into the greenhouse, the light scent of earth and foliage flooding her nose. She wasn’t fond of the direct sun that easily flooded in, given that the greenhouse had no opaque walls — but she had to admit that Tachyon (or maybe her assistant) had done an excellent job of making the space look pretty. There were plants growing in neat rows, and stone walkways allowed easy access to the greenery. Cafe took one of the plants in her hand — a plant tinged with a strange hue of purple. She smiled, letting the plant slip from her hands and venturing further into the space.
How big is this greenhouse?
Cafe tried peering around every corner, only to find another bundle of plants or a random lab cart that housed various testing tools, none of which Cafe could identify. She paced back and forth along the stone paths, nearing the back of the greenhouse.
“…Tachyon?”
Her call was answered with a soft exhale.
As Cafe pushed through a particularly dense patch of greenery, she stumbled upon a small opening. She stepped inside, laying eyes on a small rolling chair, a desk with a single computer on it, numerous pieces of paper that were scattered about, and an insulated mug, softly steaming.
The insulated mug caught Cafe’s eye first.
A sleeping Tachyon caught her eye second.
Cafe stood in silence, taking it all in. Tachyon looked exhausted, eyebrows furrowed and low groans escaping her lips; it almost looked as if she was having a nightmare of some kind, her breath coming in short and forced as she shifted a little in her chair. Her eye bags had worsened somehow from when she had visited in the morning, her yellow corduroy sweatshirt and black collar slightly wrinkled.
As Cafe stared, the sun dipped behind the tree line, allowing brilliant rays of golden light to shine through the windows, illuminating Tachyon from behind. Her bangs brushed against closed eyes, breathing still slightly labored from the assumed nightmare. But the sun refracted off her yellow sweatshirt, its beams making the yellow even more brilliant—
Almost as if she was glowing, in a way Cafe never saw while she was awake.
“…beautiful.” Cafe’s voice whispered her hushed confession, but the confession was not for the space.
Cafe’s feet began to move on their own, the world around her so small and intimate inside the fabricated greenhouse cove. Her hand reached to the armrest, gently pinning Tachyon’s arm in place, and her other hand began to brush away the bangs, revealing Tachyon’s face even more clearly. Cafe felt lightheaded, as if every movement was something from a dream, floating in a space of golden, magical light.
As if every step drew her nearer to a girl who was made of glass, so delicate yet so radiant.
Her hand remained rested against Tachyon’s forehead, the warmth from her forehead heating up the back of Cafe’s hand.
Warmth…?
She pressed her hand against Tachyon’s forehead a little firmer.
Her dreamlike trance faded.
Hot. Too hot.
Cafe’s eyes flicked around instinctively, looking for something to cool Tachyon down.
She saw the peek of a cold pack underneath the mess of documents. Instantly releasing her hold on Tachyon, Cafe reached over to retrieve it, sifting through the mess of documents as she did so.
As quickly as she started sifting, however, she stopped.
”Coffeehouse Implementation Project”…?
The paper was in her hands in an instant, eyes scanning the document in disbelief.
“The construction of an in-house coffeehouse will be completed by… it will serve all visitors and employees… can increase the appeal to botanical spaces… projected visitor increase of 200%…” she flipped the page over. “Owner/lead barista and interior designer of highest recommendation…
Manhattan Cafe.”
Her throat went dry as a dry cough escaped behind her.
“C-Cafe…?” Crimson eyes struggled to open, hazily darting around the half-lit space as Tachyon struggled to sit up. “W-why are you… here…”
Yellow eyes didn’t turn back. “Tachyon.” She held up the piece of paper, her voice dropping to a whisper. “What… is this…? Why is my name…?”
More coughing. “You weren’t… supposed to see that yet. But… isn’t it wonderful, Cafe? Your new route! A brilliant, shining path for your dreams! And look!” Tachyon shakily moved to her feet, gathering some of the documents Cafe hadn’t grabbed. “The process is nearly complete! Everyone appears to be on board, so all it will take is a couple signatures from yourself, and—“
“I think… I think you have the wrong person.” Cafe’s thought voiced itself before she could stop it.
Tachyon froze. “Don’t talk such nonsense! You’re Manhattan Cafe, no doubt about it! Now if you’ll just—“
Cafe’s words continued to spill. “Look for someone else, Tachyon.”
Time stood still as Cafe stared at Tachyon with tired eyes, the other too shocked to respond. The papers Tachyon held fluttered to the ground.
“You don’t want a… failure like me. I don’t deserve your pity project.”
“But you haven’t—“
“Don’t… don’t force yourself just for me. You’ll get another fever.” Cafe walked over to the table, picking up the cold pack and gently placing it in Tachyon’s still hands. “Just… forget about this.
You probably… have other, more important experiments or dreams to chase. You don’t need to save mine.”
It took one week for Cafe to give in and reach for her dream, and it took one day for her dream to come crumbling down.
When she returned from the facility, she saw a notice taped to the door.
Her coffeehouse had to be shut down.
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The rain poured outside as Cafe sat on the corner of her bed in her little second-floor living space, the 5-day notice crumpled up in her hand.
There was nothing she could do to save her shop, try as she might. Her personal funds had expired, and she refused the idea of loans, as that caused more problems than she wanted to deal with. She tried to sell a majority of what she had upstairs to try and make ends meet, but in the end, she sat alone in a relatively empty room, save a couple of boxes that hadn’t been packed yet.
Cafe looked out her little window. Normally, she enjoyed the rain — it made the sky a little darker, and she could draw little animals on the fogged-up windows — but now, she couldn’t bring herself to draw anything on the glass.
Instead, she tossed the notice onto her pillow, looking around the room at what she had left — a handful of outfits, various machines, and accessories that she had used downstairs,
And a single kettle.
She gently placed it into an empty box as her Friend watched from the corner.
“…Stop looking at me like that.”
As always, her Friend didn’t respond. Instead, Cafe watched as her Friend floated over to the kettle, taking it out with a care that mirrored Cafe’s. Her Friend drifted over to Cafe, extending the kettle towards her.
Cafe drew a deep breath of slight annoyance as she took the kettle back, placing it back in the box. “No. What’s done is done. Besides… it’s not like she’ll come back.” It still hurt, looking at that frozen expression after Cafe had essentially hurled all her insecurities into Tachyon’s face.
But it was the truth. She knew Tachyon had tried to help out of the kindness of her… sometimes crazy heart. Deep down, Cafe knew she’d never feel good about accepting the offer. If she couldn’t succeed on her own, bring people the joy she so desperately wanted others to experience… she wouldn’t be able to do it for Tachyon and her workplace, either. It’d be the same story, the same sunken eyes, the same spark that never lasted more than a second. Maybe her drinks and space were just… that forgettable.
As Cafe continued to stare blankly at the box, her mind drifted back to Tachyon. How many of her visits were out of pity? How many were out of a true need for a “morning tea”?
How many days of sparkling eyes were lies?
Maybe… I got too excited about a single customer.
Thunder started to roll outside, and Cafe heard the door bang from the force of the wind. She ignored it, taking one of the aprons from her closet and folding it carefully on her bed. Just as she moved to get something else from her closet to pack away, the door banged again — this time, she could make out three rhythmic knocks, each one louder than the last. Cafe turned to her Friend.
“Did I… not hang the ‘Permanently Closed’ sign?”
Her Friend wasn’t there.
So Cafe got up with a sigh, plodding down the stairs. Downstairs, the coffeehouse was stripped to its bones — many of the plants had been stored away, chairs and tables neatly stacked up in the corner. There was nothing left on the countertop, nor was there anything much of worth in the pantry; its doors sat slightly ajar.
Cafe approached the door, unable to see out the window walls due to the heavy rain. She could make out a hazy figure standing underneath an umbrella, and was hesitant to move any closer— but the figure raised its hand and banged another three times, each knock sounding like it could break the door down. Cafe relented, unlocking the door — and nearly got smacked as it aggressively swung open.
“I’m sorry… could you please stop? This space isn’t—“
The figure in question forced her way past Cafe, shedding her raincoat and tossing her umbrella to the side. She sat down confidently in one of the only barstools that were still upright, spinning in her seat to face Cafe.
“Barista! I require your finest black tea, please.”
Cafe nearly facepalmed. “Tachyon… you saw the sign.”
Tachyon tilted her head, giving her best innocent smile. “Ahh, there was a sign! I could barely read it in this rain, so I assumed it said ‘open’. Thus, I felt the urge to enter and order a cup of black tea.”
“There’s nothing… to serve. You’re wasting your time.” Cafe walked over to the staircase, fully ready to go back upstairs and ignore her visitor.
As if that would cause Tachyon to leave. “Then, dearest barista, I’ll wait right here till I can be served. Look! The kettle and apron are already there.”
Cafe whipped around. The kettle, previously packed away upstairs, was now conveniently on the preparation counter alongside the unfolded apron. She spun around, looking for the culprit — and her eyes landed on a shadow streaking into her room at the top of the stairs.
She swore she could see the shadow laugh.
You…
Cafe slowly made her way back to the counter, Tachyon’s eyes glued onto her as she stared at the kettle and apron.
One more drink wouldn’t hurt before her shop closed for good, would it? Especially if Tachyon could be her first and last customer…
She knew the recipe by heart, and there was just enough material left in the pantry.
One teaspoon of fine tea leaves, one cup of boiled water, a couple pinches of sugar. Steep for four minutes — just enough to let the leaves’ flavor shine, not enough to make the brew too bitter.
As she worked, Cafe felt herself getting a little self-conscious at the way Tachyon was still staring at her, eyes focused on every movement Cafe made as she moved around the kitchen space.
“You don’t… have to stare so intently.”
Tachyon didn’t respond.
Cafe could feel the blush working its way back onto her cheeks, so she tried to avoid eye contact with Tachyon. That didn’t help either, knowing that she was still there, eyes fixated on Cafe and her final drink.
The minutes passed quickly, and Cafe finally slid a bag of sugar cubes and the finished mug towards Tachyon. Cafe was still embarrassed, as she was forced to use the only mug she had left — one with a little cat icon on the front. Tachyon smirked, spinning the glass slowly in her hands.
“Quite cute.”
“Can you please… urgh.” Cafe tried to glare at Tachyon, but it ended up as a weak quiver as Tachyon’s teasing and stares continued to fluster her.
She stared back, waiting for Tachyon to open the sugar cubes and add them like she always did. One beat passed, and then two.
Then Tachyon took the mug and sipped on the tea — and the sugar cubes remained untouched.
Cafe stared in bewilderment, watching Tachyon close her eyes, face unreadable. She wondered what possibly could’ve possessed Tachyon to drink her black tea straight — then the sips stopped. Tachyon set the mug down, opened her eyes.
Cafe didn’t see eyes that were crazy or scheming. Tachyon’s eyes now were soft, warm, gentle.
“…Cafe.” Tachyon stared wistfully at the drink in front of her. Looked up at Cafe. “Do you remember the first time you made me tea?”
She nodded slowly, unsure of where Tachyon was taking this.
“I recall that I was just about ready to drop out of the Academy. They may call me crazy, but hundreds of failed experiments do take a toll on you, both mentally and physically. But you, Cafe… you…” she reached her hands out over the countertop, taking Cafe’s hands in her own. “You… cared. You saved me.”
“That’s...” Cafe struggled to form the words, her head shaking in denial. “That’s silly.”
“No, no, no! It wasn’t merely your drink that saved me, Cafe. It was you.” Tachyon’s eyes were sparkling now, shining stars reflecting in Cafe’s own eyes. “I can recall the exact taste — but not because of the measurements or ingredients. It was because I felt… that you had put genuine love and care into making it.”
Cafe tried to refute her once more, feeling her face go red again. “That’s just… your experience. Nobody else experienced anything special. This place was just… a temporary escape.”
Tachyon squeezed Cafe’s hands tighter. “Then what do you think I feel after failing hundreds— no, thousands! Thousands of experiments and projects in my lifetime. It’s… never a positive feeling.” She released her grip slightly, eyes still locked with Cafe.
“But the emotions that come when I finally succeed? It more than diminishes all the previous failures.” She let go of Cafe’s hands, moving around the countertop to stand right in front of her. “You make all these drinks, do you not? Yet you feel as if you’ll never compare to the ‘real thing’.
But I have no uncertainties. You are the real thing, Cafe. Your eagerness, compassion, and… affection… are a testament to that.”
Tachyon’s voice dropped to a whisper as her cheeks nearly matched the color of her crimson eyes.
“And there’s no doubt that you’re the sole reason… I’ve smiled on more occasions than I’d like to admit.”
As Tachyon struggled to make eye contact, Cafe looked up — and there, through the clouds shone a single beam of sunlight, illuminating Tachyon with a golden glow.
It seemed she didn’t need to be asleep to be
So beautiful.
“A-ah, but perhaps, that’s just my personal bias speaking, and— urgh—“
Cafe cut Tachyon off with a hug, squeezing her so tight that Tachyon choked a little from the sudden lack of air. She tensed, then allowed her arms to wrap around Cafe in return.
And as they held each other in the golden glow, a shadow sitting on the staircase smiled.
━━━━━━ ◦ ☾ ☽ ◦ ━━━━━━
Cafe walked to Tachyon’s greenhouse carrying a cup of tea — not black tea this time, but a cup of milk tea, a surprising new choice that deviated from Tachyon’s usual. The doors slid open, and Cafe walked inside— and Tachyon froze on the other side, nearly bumping into Cafe.
“Oh! If it isn’t my dear barista~!”
A grimace. “Please don’t call me that…”
Tachyon only beamed in return, looking down at the beverage in the hands of her friend. “I see you’ve brought today’s order right to my workspace! And here I was, ready to get up and make my way over there myself!”
“Hm? Then I suppose I should take this back… you can get your two minutes of exercise in.” Cafe turned around— but she didn’t make it even two steps before she felt a pair of arms wrap themselves around her waist.
“You’re so cruel, Cafeee~” Tachyon tried to drag her backwards, but Cafe decided to tease a little bit more, rooting herself to the ground. Tachyon started to whine a little, earning a chuckle from Cafe as she turned around and handed the scientist her drink.
Tachyon took it with a smile, staring into the cup as if there was some deep wisdom hidden within it. Then she took a sip, humming softly as she took one sip after another, no sugar cubes materializing from a back pocket.
She lowered the cup, sighing softly. “Another incredible refreshment, Cafe. I daresay I’ll drink anything you give to me, at this point.”
Cafe raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching upwards. “Even coffee…?”
Tachyon froze. Looked away.
“…perhaps I should modify my hypothesis.”