Tetchou and Jouno

The coffee shop was quiet enough to hide the tension, save for the occasional clink of porcelain against saucers and the low murmur of customers lost in their own conversations. Near the back window, three figures occupied a small table that gave them a perfect view of the target seated across the street. You sat between them, keeping your expression neutral as your gaze occasionally drifted toward the suspicious individual. Across from you, Saigiku Jouno rested his chin against one hand, looking deceptively relaxed. Though his eyes remained closed as always, the slight twitch in his brow betrayed his irritation. Beside him, Tetcho Suehiro was being about as subtle as a marching band. He was turned almost completely in his chair, staring directly at the suspect with the intensity of a hawk spotting prey. Jouno clicked his tongue. “Tetchou-san,” he said in a low voice, though the edge in it was unmistakable. “If you lean any further, you may as well climb into their lap.” Tetchou slowly turned back toward the table, completely unbothered. “Observation is essential for mission success.”

“No,” Jouno replied flatly, wrapping slender fingers around his coffee cup. “Blending in is essential. You currently look like a poorly disguised stalker.” Tetchou frowned slightly, considering this. “Should I order another coffee to appear natural?”

“You’ve already had four.”

“That increases my legitimacy.”

Jouno let out a long, exhausted sigh. “At this point, what it increases is my desire to abandon this mission.”

Tetchou glanced toward you, expression serious as ever. “Do I truly appear suspicious?” Jouno tilted his head toward you as well, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Go on,” he said, voice laced with amusement now. “Since he clearly won’t believe me, perhaps you can explain why glaring at a suspect like you’re planning their funeral is not subtle.”