"This place is quiet filled huh..." I said as we walk down a path at the mall.

"Well being the only mall in the area has its benefit." Sona said.

"But the shopping district can be pretty crowded too."

"The difference is, a shopping district can only provide a limited number of entertainment compared to this place."

"Example?"

"The movie theater for example, you can't find one at the shopping district."

"I think that's a given due to the shopping district is overwhelmed by hotels..."

Sona gives me a scornful look.

"You know about that yet you didn't know that there's no movie theater?"

"Wait! Don't take it the wrong way! I was lost and wandered the shopping district aimlessly!"

"Yeah right..."

"Believe me, It never was my intention to look for love hotels."

"I never said Love hotels though..."

Goddamn, I fell right into her trap...

"W-well, I doubt there's a family friendly hotel at that place though because that place is a shopping district..."

"Hmm..."

Dammit stop giving me that look...

"Stop looking at me like that, believe me when I said I have no interest in love hotels..."

"Where would you take your girlfriend when your place is not an option?"

"What? Why would you ask such a question?!"

"Curious."

"I have no obligation to answer you though, so I'll pass on that one..."

I live alone so there's no problem to begin with...

"True enough..."

"So let's change the subject..."

"Be my guest."

"Where are we going?"

"To the game center, I told you before right?"

"What exactly are we doing there? You mentioned something about burning the cake from before."

"I've been wanting to check out the new dancing game in that place, now's a good time as any right?"

"You're okay with me watching?"

"You prefer to join me?"

"Actually no, I'd prefer watching."

"Well to answer your question, I'm playing it with my clothes on so why would I be embarrassed?"

"Good point, but totally unnecessary."

That would be interesting though...

"You're thinking about something weird I bet."

"N-no I'm not!"

"Highly suspicious..."

"A-anyway, is that the place?" I smiled wryly as I point towards what seemed to be the place.

"It's more crowded than I thought." Sona said as she sulks.

"Is it because of this new game that you talked about?"

"Could be, I hope not though."

"Well if you really want to try it out, I don't mind waiting for you."

"Thanks Reno, but I'd rather spent the time with you rather than waiting in line."

"I appreciate the thought."

She looks at me.

"What?"

"No fun..."

"Huh?"

"You're not the type that's easily flustered, even after I said something like that."

"Well I'm sorry, I guess?"

I'm the type that is easily surprised, but no way in hell I'm going tell her one of my weakness.

"It would be more fun if you were to be easily flustered."

"I'm not the mc to some romance anime flick where I'll get embarassed over a little harmless joke."

"We'll see about that." She said.

"Do your best, though I doubt you'll get the result you want."

"There's time for everything."

"Not this one nope."

"Do you remember when we first met?"

"That wasn't fair!"

"I don't recall there being any rules..."

"But to show up half naked so suddenly is-"

"Excuse me."

There is a voice coming from behind us, a woman's voice.

When we turn around we are greeted again by a woman in her mid twenties I guess.

She handed us a business card, it is written there a name for a company I guess.

"I'm sorry to intrude, but are you two interested to be a model? We are looking for a model that would look perfect to showcase the items exclusively for couples."

Model? Is she a scout? Holy shit so this kind of stuff actually exist?

Well I'll be damned.

"I'm sorry but she's-"

"I'm sorry, but we're still high school students. I don't think it's appropriate for us to do

modelling just yet."

"There are lots of high school models you know, they gain popularity faster than the average models." The woman said.

"I-I'm sorry, but I agree with her."

"Thank you for the offer, But I hope you'll understand. Goodbye." Sona said.

We leave her behind immediately.

"Okay, I have two things to say." I said not long after we left the woman.

"What is it?"

"One, was that legit? could it be some kind of scam?"

"Could be, but I recognize the company so it's actually real."

"You recognize it?"

"Yeah, it happened to me before, well to me and my sister that is when we were hanging out around here. It was a hassle to shake them off though because we are both girls, now is easier because there's you besides me."

"Okay, second question."

And the most important one.

"What is it?"

"Why do you always act as if you're my girlfriend?"

"What? There's a problem somewhere?"

"Of course there is, we're not dating."

"But we ARE on a date though."

"Don't take it there, just answer my question..."

"Do you really want me to answer that?"

"Yes, there's a reason why I asked."

"You want me to be blunt about it?"

"I'll appreciate the honesty."

She sigh.

"Look here Reno, You want me to be blunt so I will." She pauses. "There's no girl in this world that doesn't want to be your girlfriend."

Her words stunned me for a second.

Whoa, I did told her to be honest but..., Damn.

"I uhh..., That's..."

"I mean Imagine it from a girl's point of view, who doesn't want to have a good looking foreigner boyfriend?"

"I..., wouldn't know now do I? We are both foreigner in this land..."

"I said imagine..., and no, that's besides the point."

"I can't that's..., embarassing."

She looks at me and not long after that she laugh.

"Aha! you're embarassed!"

"W-well, you said that to my face how the hell can I keep a straight face after that?!"

"See, told you I can do it." She smiles as if this is a big win for her.

"Not fair though."

"Like I said, I don't remember there being any rules." She sticks out her tongue.

Dammit girl, you can be a pain sometimes.

"Can we just..., I don't know, go where we were headed?"

"Oh? what is this? Admitting defeat?" She grins.

"Call it what you will, I refuse to humour you any longer on this subject."

And then she sighs, I can tell she's dissappointed in me giving up too easily.

"Look Reno, it's over here."

After five minutes of walking silently, we arrived at the game center.

Silently, yes...

Look, I'm not giving her the silent treatment here. She gave me the silent treatment just because I refuse to go along with her game.

You can't blame me...

"So how does this works?" I asked.

She's preparing to play as I wonder about how this all works.

"Just like any arcade games..., don't tell me-"

"No, don't even think about finishing that sentence..., and yes I've been to a game center before."

"Then why'd you asked?"

I'm just trying to break the awkwardness.

Thank you Reno..

You're welcome Sona.

"Well since you said this is a new game I was wondering if it's any different from the previous ones."

"Well duh..."

For fuck's sake.

"Just please..., enlighten me."

"Well, nothing's different really..., just more songs and difficulty. Bug fixes from what I heard."

See? That ain't so fucking hard now was it?

"I see, I take it you're a pro in this game?"

"Why don't you just see for yourself..."

I just notice that she took of her cardigan, only T-shirts remains.

A tight one too..

She's a highschool girl? Really?

I mean, look at her, she's-

"Stop staring..." Sona said.

"Sorry..., I'm not the one with the tight outfit here. Everyone can see your curvy body you know..."

"C'mon Reno..., you've seen more than this." She said without looking at me.

Well true that..., but still, amazing is amazing.

Can't take my fucking eyes off her.

Not in a good way to be honest.

You know at times like these, spectators are suppose to look at the screen due that being the whole point of watching someone else playing a game.

But there are times when that becomes irrelevant..., like right now.

"So you got yourself a girl huh?" Said someone as they put their arm around me.

When I looked at them, that "Someone" is Mike...

"No..., she's not my fucking girlfriend."

"No need to keep it low profile on my account..."

"I'm not keeping anything, she's not my girl!"

"Hahaha..., yeah right."

"What?"

"No way in hell she's with you..., as in your girlfriend."

"Now THAT is an insult. You think I'm incapable of making her mine?"

"The way you are now? Hell would freeze over first before that happen."

"Fucking rude..."

"But true right? Does that mean you've gotten over her already?"

"Not now Mike, not now."

"Why not? This could be your chance of moving on..., or have you?"

"I don't know, who's to say really?"

"You are."

"That's rethorical."

"But my question was not and I demand an asnwer!"

"Look, what the fuck are you even doing here?!"

"Oh, changing the subject now are we? I won't fall for that!"

"What gave you the right to just walk to me and ask such sensitive question?!"

"Because I saw you walking with a girl! Man can't help but being curious."

"Your "curiosity" can be a pain sometimes..."

"And it won't be a pain if you'd just answer it."

"Look..., I don't even know how I should feel."

"You're not sure? Then why are you on a date right now?"

"It wasn't meant to be a date, she just asked me to accompany her so here I am."

"She's asking you out you stupid bitch..."

"Hey! That's a long shot coming from her."

"Why's that? Got friendzoned on day one?"

"Not that..."

"So what is it? The suspense is killing me."

"I..., I don't think I see her that way."

He went silent.

But he gave me this look that if words were to describe it would be...

Are you serious? Are you gay?

"Look I know what you're thinking and it's not like that." I said.

"Reeeaaally now?" He asked in utter disbelief.

"Yes..."

"Bullshit..."

"Is it wrong for me to have preference? Or do you prefer it if I'd just fall for any girl as long as they are hot?"

"I mean..., that would be normal."

"So I'm not normal for not liking her?"

"Perhaps..., it all comes down to perspective really..."

"And preference..."

"Well, good luck to you. If you're already moved on from your ex that's great, let me know if you ever need anything."

"Thanks..., but my question remains."

"What is it?"

"What are you doing here?"

"Me? I was just doing some delivery."

"Work?"

"Something like that."

"You're finished?"

"Yeah, then I saw you and decided to talk to you."

"I see..."

"Anyway, remember Eric?"

"Eric? You mean the cafe manager?"

"Yeah, he told me to told you to stop by sometime."

"Maybe someday when I've decided whether to work there or not..., part time of course." I said.

"Well yeah, you being a chick magnet was apparently good for business." Mike said.as he turns around to leave..., probably.

"I'm sorry..., come again?"

"Nothing..., I need to go now, good luck on your date."

"Wait! We're not done yet!"

"Yes we are, later!"

Mike said as he ran off...

Bastard..., leaving on the edge like this.

He left the same way as he comes...

In an instant.

"I heard everything you know."

Great...

Another trouble to be dealt with.

"Heard what exactly?"

"Well being the dense man you are I'm sure you're not aware that I was listening to your conversation with your friend the whole time."

"Well, he caught my undivided attention."

"So I failed to do that? Despite the crowd gatheting around you that were here to watch me."

Someone is over confident.

"No, he got me by the balls is all."

"I failed to be on top of your priority list then huh, even though we're on a date right now."

"I'm sorry, it was just-"

"Is it true?"

"About what?"

"You still being unable to forget you ex?"

So it comes down to this huh...

"Why are you so curious?"

"Well it's because you never told me about it."

"I have no reason to..."

"Me being a friend is not a good enough reason?"

"No..., and to be blunt we're not even that close in term of relationship..."

She's surprised to hear me say that, I can tell from her reaction.

"That's..., cruel Reno, even after all that happened..."

"Sorry, I really am. But that's honestly how I feel."

"Say..., how do you feel about our friendship?"

"What could I say? I don't hate you, don't get me wrong..."

"Lies..."

"Lies?"

"I know you think I'm annoying."

"You-"

"And a pain in the ass sometime right? Unlike my sister, she's so feminine and ladylike, polite and kind..., what am I compared to her right?"

"Don't say that..."

"But it's true, it has always been like that."

"You can't compare yourself with your sister."

"Why not?"

"It's not fair."

"How is it not fair?"

"I'm going to be honest with you, in a sense it's true that your sister Sonia is more likeable than you..., but that doesn't mean you're inferior to her. You both have something unique that differentiates each other even though you two are a twin."

"And that something unique, I lack that right?"

"Who knows..., I don't, to be honest. Like I said we're not that close just yet."

"You need to learn how to sugarcoat your words sometime..."

"That would only make everything worst. Being blunt may hurt, but only for a while."

"How do you feel about my sister? Is it the same as me? or different?"

"I..., can't tell."

"Why not?"

"I just can't, because if I do tell you it'll make everything-"

"I see..."

This has gone long enough...

She asked me to go with her so she can have fun not to talk about depressing shit like this.

"Anyway, let's just for-"

"I can't Reno..., I can't forget about what we just talked about."

Eh?

"I'm sorry, but I think I'm done for today..." Sona said.

"What do you mean you're done?"

"Us, "hanging out" as you prefer it to be called, I think we should end it right here."

That hurts...

"I'm sorry, but-"

"Reno just..., please. I want to be alone for a while, you can grant me that much can't you?"

I fucked up...

Fucked up big time...

"I'm sorry Sona... Know that I don't mean anything bad by saying all that..."

"I know..., I understand because..."

"Because?"

"You're a kind person Reno, I believe it would be impossible for you to even hurt anyone's feelings."

She thinks too highly of me...

"You're overestimating me..."

She shakes her head slowly.

"You're the one underestimating yourself..."

We look like a couple that are having an argument, and doing so in english only makes us stood out even more in this place.

I can feel the curious look of some people already.

"Should we-"

"Let's go on another date again sometime."

"Another?"

"When..." She said.

"When?"

Instead of answering my question, she backs away slowly.

"Nevermind, wouldn't want to spoil the fun." She gave me a forced smile.

"Sona..."

"See you later Reno, I'll text you again later."

And then she left...

I can still see her, walking away.

But if I stop her and talk to her now it would make things even more awkward than it already have.

We didn't end things on a bad note obviously..., but it's not exactly a good one either.

"How did it end up like this..."

Technically speaking, I should blame Mike for talking about something like that.

But I can't blame him.

The only one to blame here is me...

The way I responded to her question..., it was just wrong now that I think about it.

"Dammit..."

Why did I have to be such a dick?

I hate myself when I'm like this...

Now she's hurt because of me.

I need to apologize to her again.

So I took out my phone and immediately texted her my apologies.

But even after waiting a solid fifteen minutes, she doesn't reply...

I can understand why.

If she's mad at me then so be it.

I can't undone the mistakes I've done, but the least I can do is to fix it.

I sat there, on a bench near the fountain where I drove off the guys that were harassing Sona.

The sun shining down on me ever brightly, its warm light giving me the warmth that's just perfect.

The place is loud and lively due to a lot of people coming here, families, friends, couples, you name it...

But it only makes me realize even more the mistakes I've done and how alone am I right now...

"Here I thought today was going to be a beautiful day..."

Life have a great fucking sense of humour...

"Now what?"

Clueless as to what to do and alone on top of that...

Not to mention my mind's a mess too.

"I need a diversion..."

I'll do anything to get my mind off of what just happened to be honest..., anything.

"Then maybe I'll go to the cafe."

Working might not be the brightest of idea, but hell, better than being depressed all day.

Who knows? mayble something interesting will happen.

"No..., last time I said that, shit happened..."

Oh well, destination has been decided lets just go already.

No use in staying here any longer.

I immediately backtrack to the train station.

Nothing interesting happened on my way back.

Not interestng enough for me to stop at least.

Sure there are a couple of people that calls me while I walk, but one glance was enough for me to know that they are probably from one of many companies that wanted me to be their promoting boy...

Did I just say promoting boy? That's not very nice...

I guess "model" would be the nice word.

Nevertheless, advertising their stuff is what they wanted me to do.

I've no interest in being a model itself, but what would interest me is if I can have a chance to date a model.

Imagine the jealousy of those around me...

Hey..., don't talk shit about my statement just now.

Having a lover of high status is something worth bragging about.

After fifteen minutes of train ride and maybe around ten minutes walking, I arrived at the cafe where I used to work, the Silver Spoon cafe.

"It's not so crowded..."

I thought this cafe would be busier considering today is saturday.

I immediately step inside...

Because my job is that of a waiter not a promoting boy...

"Hey Reno, back for more work?" asked Kanji while he's cleaning one of the empty table.

There are only a few customer so he's pretty laid back.

"Yeah, I don't have anything better to do currently." I said.

"Well head on back then, the Manager would be delighted to see you."

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

"Sure, later."

"Later."

Then he return back to his cleaning.

As for me, to the Manager it is...

"Hey Reno, nice to see you!" Said Eric the Manager as I enter the staffs room.

"Good to see you Manager, guess I'll work here again today."

"Sure sure, I'd appreciate the help. You know what to do right?"

"Yes I do."

"Then don't let me hold you, thanks for the help." He said while going out of the staffs room, through the door I just closed.

Well..., that's that I guess, not much of formality going on since we've done that on day one already.

Not that I have any qualms about it.

I put on the uniform and head out post haste.

Not that many customer here, Kanji already done all the cleaning, no customer to serve...

"Guess I'll wait then..."

"Psst, Reno over here..."

I turn around to where the voice came..., it was Taka from behind the counter, Taka as in the one that handles the beverage.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Can you help me with something?"

"Sure..., there's no rules saying a waiter can't do anything besides waiting for customer right?"

"Well, you guys clean the tables sometimes..."

"Good point."

"Anyway, I need you to help with some resupply."

"Resupply?"

"Yes, I almost ran out of coffee beans here, and I need your help to pour these beans to those small container." He said as he points his finger towards a line of small containers containing many beans.

"Simple enough."

"I'm busy with cleaning the grinder, some of the beans are stuck inside..."

"I don't mean anything bad by saying that..." I said.

"What? Oh..., it's okay, I'm just saying in case you're wondering."

I'm not actually...

"Okay then, I'll fill the containers for you."

"Thank you, just fill the container with the correct type of beans."

"The correct type?"

"Oh..., I forgot that you're new here, look there on the bag there's a label."

I rotate the bag around to find this so called label...

"You mean this one?"

"Yes, match the name of the beans with the writings on the container."

"Oh..., Okay I understand."

"Right, thanks again."

"No problem."

Alright, pouring beans...

How hard can it get?

First Bag A, let's see here...

It says...

I can't read this.

This writing..., this is a bag of beans from Malaysia.

Holy shit, they use beans from that far away?

"Hey Taka..."

"What is it?"

"You guys use beans from South East Asia?"

"Yeah, most of the beans here are from South East Asia..."

"Can I ask why?"

"The Boss's personal preference."

"What about that famous coffee from Indonesia..., uhh what was it called?"

"Oh, the one from raccoon shit?"

Did he really just said that?

"You know, it's both rude and disgusting when you put it that way."

"I'm just messing with you..., only once in a while do we get that beans from Indonesia."

"How often is once in a while?"

"Usually every three month, it's a special menu that doesn't even last for three week."

"Is that the coffee that makes this place popular?"

"Initially, yeah."

"Initially?"

"The boss captivated most of the customer by using that coffee when this place was just built."

"And then?" I asked as I pour down the beans to each of its container.

"After that he got the ball rolling by promoting the other beans too."

"Ain't these stuffs expensive?"

"The boss is never short on money then, he always manage to get a steady supply of beans each month."

"Amazing..."

"Indeed, he's a good guy too, that's why it's so enjoyable working here."

"Just so we're on the same page, by Boss you mean the Manager right?"

"Huh? Oh yeah right, the Manager."

"Okay then, thanks for the info."

"No sweat."

Without me noticing, I already finished pouring all the coffee beans to their containers.

"I'm done..."

Apparently.

"Sure, glad to help."

"Nice timing too, there are customers that just arrived."

"Right, time for me to shine."

I tidy my apron and fix my overall appearance to greet the customers that just came.

I pull out my note and head to the customer immediately.

"Welcome to Silver Spoon cafe, how may I help you?" I said our customary greeting.

"Huh?"

Huh?

She then turn her face to see me.

"Reno?"

"Komiya?"

"R-Reno? Why are you here?"

"I uhh..., I'm working..."

"I-I can see that..., What I meant is why are you here? Weren't you in the student council? Shouldn't you be at school?"

Talk about unexpected turn of event...

"W-well..., something happened and I can't go to school."

"What do you mean can't go to school?"

"Umm..., I don't mean to be rude here by cutting it short, but I'm working right now so can we talk about it later?"

She's a bit surprised by statement, reminding her of our position right now.

"R-right, I'm sorry..."

"It's okay."

"I'll just have the house blend please."

"One house blend. Anything else?"

"What goes well with the house blend Reno?"

Ooohh, nice question...

I don't know the answer by the way.

I mean, Come on! I've only work here twice!

"I'm sorry, I can't say I know. I just started today."

"I-I see..., sorry for asking such difficult question."

"You don't need to apologize, if anyone should it would have been me."

"It's okay, I think I'll just have two slices of sandwiches."

"Alright, is that all?"

"For now, yes..."

For now?

"I-I'll be right back with you order, thank you."

For now, let's just give these orders to Taka and get it over with.

"Taka, order coming right up."

"Right, wait just a minute."

"Really? last time you said that you manage to brew three cups of coffee in less than a minute."

"I can go faster if you want."

"Let's prioritze the customer's satisfaction first shall we?"

"Right, good point."

"That said, don't mind me waiting here for the orders."

"Of course, I won't mind you at all."

"But not that far, come on..."

"Ssssttt, shut it, let me concentrate."

Oh he needs to concentrate now?

Funny he said that after his "Blink of an eye brewing" last time.

Whatever, he's the one handling the drinks after all, I have no power over him.

And thus I waited.

According to my wristwatch, it took five minutes for both the coffee and the sandwiches to be served.

I pick up a tray and put the orders on it, and head to Komiya immediately.

She's alone, as per usual.

I don't why but it always saddens me to see her all alone like that.

"Excuse me Komiya, One house blend and two sandwiches."

"O-oh, thanks Reno."

"You're welcome, please do enjoy your stay."

I walk back to put down the tray.

I look back to Komiya, she's silently eating the sandwiches and sipping down the coffee once.

She seems satisfied with both.

Man, the urge to just ditch the job and go accompany her is strong...

Maybe it's just me, maybe it's not...

God knows what's wrong with me.

I mean, don't she have any friends to hang out with?

"Hey..., Reno Hey!"

Whoa, who's calling?

"W-what?"

"You okay?"

It's Kanji.

"Yeah..., yeah, I'm good. What's up?"

"The Manager wanted to see you."

"Like right now?"

I'm being overwhelmed by a weird feeling just looking at Komiya sitting there all alone, that I, according to Kanji, spaced out.

"Right now, go on, I'll take care of the rest."

"Thanks."

Well, hate to break this cozy but weird sensation, but I need to go to the Manager's office now.

After a while.

"You wish to see me sir?" I said after I open the door.

"Yes, come in Reno."

I just nod and walk straight to him.

"So Reno, how do you enjoy work so far?"

So far all I've done was resupplying beans for Taka and serve only one customer...

Not quite satisfactory if I do say so myself.

"Well, it's quite enjoyable." I said.

"Good, do you know why I called you here?"

"No sir..."

"I have to dismiss you for today."

What?!

"W-why?"

"Oh no, don't take it the wrong way." He said trying to reassure me that everything is fine.

He must've seen the look on my face when he said dismiss.

"T-then, may I know why?"

"Well, when you said you wanted to work here I said yes without thinking, but the truth is two part-timers are scheduled to work today."

"Oh..., I see."

"While I'm happy that there are a lot of helping hands, I also believe that too many staffs could cause confusion while working, you know, mixed up order and stuff like that."

I can see that.

"I see..."

"If you want you can work part time here. Like I said before there's an open schedule."

"Well..."

"We can discuss about when you work right now. If you live far away then it's okay for you to work on weekend only."

"Oh no sir, I live nearby, at the apartement near the Summer's hope high school."

"Oh, that's quite nearby then, fifteen minute walk if I'm not wrong right?"

"Pretty much, yeah."

"Okay then, so do you want to work here?"

I guess this is it, the moment of truth.

"I think I'd like to work here sir."

He stand up while clasping his hands and making a loud clap sound.

"Splendid!"

He's happy, that's a good start.

"Y-yeah..."

"So, about the schedule. At what day do you prefer to work?"

"Umm..., preferably weekend, because I'm in the student council and I might be very busy that I can't come at the afternoon."

"This place's open till ten p.m."

Good to know...

But that doesn't change anything now does it?

But then he laugh...

"I'm just kidding Reno, you know, for some reason most of the part timers are reluctant to work at weekend..."

I can understand why.

I mean, everyone could...

"So does that mean I can work here on weekend?"

"Of course, that means friday, saturday, and sunday."

"Yes sir."

"Do you want the morning shift or the night shift?"

"Well, I'm guessing since friday and saturday I have to go to school, I think I'll work the night shift at friday and saturday, then morning shift on sunday."

"Quite diligent are you? I like that."

"Thank you."

"Okay then, it's official then."

"Once again, thank you sir. I'll be in your care from now on." I said as I bow a little.

"Sure, work hard for both you and me."

"Absolutely sir."

"Well, I suppose it's okay for you to go now."

"Then, till we meet again."

I turn back after saying that...

"Oh wait, almost forgot." The Manager said before I open the door. "You'll start next week because tomorrow the shop is closed due to some routine maintanence."

"I understand."

Whoa, so I have a job now...

That was easy...

So what now?

Oh, I know!

I quickly change back to my attire from before, and head out...

Head out to where Komiya is...

"Hey Komiya, still here I see."

She panicked just from my greeting, aparently she's startled.

"I-I'm sorry, didn't mean to startle you."

"R-Reno?! I-it's okay, I'm fine." She said still trying to regain her composure.

"So, can I join you?"

"E-eh? Aren't you working?"

"And it could be a great time to explain everything to you."

"Then, go ahead, I appreciate the company."

"Thanks."

"M-my pleasure Reno."

I sat there at the opposite of her.

The moment I sit I immediately explain why I'm not at school.

She just sat there in silence as she listens to me...

"I see..., so that's why you're not at school yesterday..." She said.

"Yeah, kinda sucks to be suspended on your first week."

"W-well, it happened because you're took care of the bullies right? So I think what happened can't be considered bad."

"Thanks."

"And besides, didn't you say that this suspension won't affect your record or anything?"

"True..., well at least that's what my senior in student council said."

"So cheer up Reno, you did everyone in that school a favor, aside from the bullies of course." She said as she smile.

How I miss that sweet warming smile of hers.

"Y-yeah, thanks I guess..."

"You're welcome is a more appropriate respond for that Reno."

"Sorry..."

"W-why are you apologizing?" She asked.

"N-no..., nothing."

Damn, I'm at loss for words...

Calm down Reno..., keep it cool.

"A-anyway, mind if I ask something Komiya?"

"Not at all."

"Why are you here?"

"Well, I got bored in my room and decided to go out a bit, I heard of this place while I was in the cafeteria yesterday..."

"You didn't go to school?"

"N-no, I have yet to join a club so there's actually no reason for me to go there."

"I see, what club do you plan on joining?"

"Umm..., I'm still confused..."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"W-well, actually it's because I prefer to just read by myself really."

Huh..., why am I not surprised.

My first impression of her wasn't wrong after all...

"Are you having a hard time getting along with the other?" I asked.

"N-not really..."

"Or are you the type that prefers to be alone after all?"

"I-I think so..."

"But you're so close with Suzuki."

"T-that's because when we were kids she won't leave me alone."

"So that makes you kind of glued to her huh..." I said as I laugh a little.

"I-it can't be help..." She said while being embarassed.

"Then am I interrupting you by being here?"

"N-no! i-it's okay!"

Alright alright...

Geez, no need to raise your voice like that...

"Please don't raise your voice like that Komiya..."

"I-I'm sorry..."

"It's okay, just be careful next time..."

"I-I will."

But it makes me happy to know that she's okay with me hanging around her.

Hanging out...

What time is it?

My watch says 3 P.M...

Time sure does flies.

"Umm..., Reno..."

"Yes, what is it?"

"I-I'm done here, should we go back together?"

That sounds nice actually...

"I-I'm sorry, I just assumed that you don't have anything else to do..."

"No no, it's okay. Sure, let's go back together."

"How do you pay the bills here Reno?"

"You call the waiter and ask for the bill, then either give your money to the waiter or go to that man there..." I said as I point my finger towards Kanji.

"I see, but there's no one here other than that person." She said as she looks around.

True, no one here but Kanji as the waiter.

Guess the other part timer have yet to arrive...

"Then let's just go to him and pay there."

"O-okay."

After making sure that none of my belonging are at the table, I head to Kanji immediately.

I slip away from Komiya and head to Kanji alone.

"Hey, can you show me her bill?" I said to Kanji when he's counting money behind the register.

"Huh? She's your friend or something?"

"Dude, I just sat there with her and had a friendly conversation. What are we if not friends?"

"I thought you were hitting on her."

"Do I look like the type to do that?"

"No, but you look the part."

"Don't judge a book by its cover dude..., never."

"Alright then, here you go."

He handed me Komiya's bill, after a quick look I hand it back along with some money.

"Ahhh..., I see what you're trying to do."

"Thanks..."

"No problem." He said then give me a thumbs up.

"Tell her I'll wait outside."

"Sure Romeo..."

"Goddammit, don't call me that."

"You look the part..."

"Whatever man, heard enough of that already..."

I went outside after saying that, leaving Komiya inside.

Not long after, Komiya opens the door though.

"R-Reno!"

"Don't shout..."

"I-I'm sorry..." She went quite... "Wait, no! I-I mean..., h-here's your money." She hands me some money.

"No need to do that, I did that as a sign of gratitude."

"F-for what?"

"Let's just say your company makes me feel a bit better."

"What happened Reno?"

"Oh nothing, just a bit of trouble with my friend."

"Y-you were fighting?"

"Nah..., we were arguing."

"I don't know who's at the wrong here, but have you apologized Reno?"

"Many times..., but Sh-..., they, never replied."

"I'm sorry..."

"Now why are you apologizing?"

"Fighting with your friend doesn't feel nice at all..."

"Tell me about it..."

"But hang in there Reno..., I..." She stay quiet for a while.

"Komiya?"

"I'll be here if you ever need someone to talk to." She said with her usual beautiful smile...

Ugh..., Goddamn...

Her smile would be the death of me someday...

"T-thank you..., that means a lot." I said.

"You're welcome." She said while still smiling.

She just made my day...

Today's been hell of a day...

Cluster fuck in the morning and then God sent an angel to calm me down.

I can't even tell whether today is a good day or a bad one...

Probably somewhere in between...

I'm right about what I said before...

Life have a great sense of humour indeed...