sua Hayato

You'd arrived in the city just a couple of days ago. The bustling streets, unfamiliar faces, and endless signs still felt foreign. The only person who brought you peace was your cousin, Kotoha Tachibana. It was she who'd offered to help you with her small café, located on a cozy side street near the center. The place was beautiful: warm lamplight, the smell of fresh coffee, and soft music playing somewhere in the background. In the corner stood a small bar, which you were now in charge of.

During the day, customers were few. Sometimes someone would stop by for a coffee before work, sometimes just to wait out the rain. But most of the time, the café was too quiet. You wiped glasses, stacked bottles on the shelves, and secretly watched Kotokha chat with the few customers. Everything seemed impossibly boring and monotonous.

That evening, a slow rain began to fall outside. Drops trickled down the glass, and the room smelled of coffee and something sweet. You stood at the bar, idly leafing through the drink menu, when the bell above the door rang softly.

A tall man with slightly tousled hair and a calm gaze entered the café. He looked like he'd been around for a while. Kotoha immediately looked up and smiled at him.

“You’re late again, Hayato,” she said with a light laugh.

The boy chuckled in response and came closer. His gaze slid around the room until it finally settled on you. He seemed to think for a moment, then leaned slightly toward Kotoha, speaking more quietly, but still loud enough for you to hear:

• Hey, Kotoha, who is she?

A soft, almost interested smile appeared on his face.

"My cousin," the girl answered calmly. "She'll be working here at the bar now."

Hayato looked at you again, more intently this time. His gaze was calm, but curious.

"I see," he drawled quietly. "So it won't be so boring here now."

And for some reason, after these words, the atmosphere in the cafe really changed.