He stands in front of his cafe with a sharp look on his face.
A large title of the "Shimito Cafe" banner is placed in front of the Cafe. In the front door, a fluffy and large bear is sitting in the front.
A normal and calm vibe is coming from the cafe. It gives a distinct atmosphere.
There is the peace I want. People are talking or gossiping with cheerful looks on their faces.
Some were sad and alone, some were talking to their girlfriends, and some were a group of students.
"What a peaceful moment they have? Really, I envy them." Minato whispered to himself, looking at them through the glasses.
"The calm vibe makes it more peaceful." Minato mumbled again.
Literally I waste 5 minutes on stupid thoughts.
A sharp and cold wind strikes my face. My hair was flying while I was lost in thoughts. People were watching me with strange eyes.
He opened the gate.
*TING DING…*
I saw a man who is waitering. Talking with customers with a grin look on his face.
Suddenly he saw me and stormed toward me.
He touched my head—gently. I flinch;
"There is no sign of fever, then why are you not here for a total of 2 weeks?" He crossed his arms and glared at me with red eyes.
"I wasn't even able to sleep at night because I was worried. Please, tell me if you have a fever or are you busy, etc. Just once called me." He grabbed my shoulder.
"That you are not coming from that day-to-that-day." He scolded me.
My jaw fell in terror. What did he think of me as a child or what?
"Hey, I am not a child anymore, stop worrying too much. I am an adult now and married too?" I glared at him.
"First—your behaviour is like a child. Second—You are careless about yourself; Third—you ignore your needs." He frowns.
That's why I am worried about you. Remember my speech next time when you are fever wise or busy. Just once called me." He glared and smiled.
That man is none other than the one who has helped me countless times since childhood.
In childhood, he was my neighbour. He always tries to approach me but I don't like talking or I know no one wants to talk to me.
But—in 4th grade, when I was bullied — he helped me and defended me. From that day on, he became my friend—my first friend.
Sometimes his face becomes red, but he always says don't need to worry about that because of the hot weather and he started smiling—awkwardly.
I smiled;
He is the one and only person who cared for me, who helped me, who cherished me, my closest friend, Shimizu.
He is a shy kind of guy. He didn't want to talk to anyone except me. His tendency was to be introverted.
From childhood, he became a little open to others. He is doing well as well.
He is possessive to me. When I tell him about my relationship with Lion. He was angry and sad at the same time.
"Why don't you tell me about that?" His voice was bitter.
"You had to tell me first so I could see his background. If he has another boyfriend or not. If he had what about you" he pouted.
But I stopped him' because I trust Lion the most int hat time,that choice was also worst If I agree with him, I am not in the situation where I am now.
I take a deep breath to clear my stress.
The customer called him again, so he left before he leaves;
"Change your clothes, rest; When I have free time, let's talk calmly." He stroked my head and left.
I go to the staff room. Sit on the sofa; after staring at the wall for 2 minutes; I lay on the low. I release my body and relax myself.
I think he notices; I am tired. Hmm, what a gentleman he is? I fell asleep on the sofa.
When I opened my eyes, a blurry figure appeared in front of me. I flinch.
My eyes are wide. His face is familiar, he was shimizu. Our eyes meet. It felt like time stopped for a moment, my heart was beating fast.
Ten seconds later. Shimizu came nearer further; I realized he was going to kiss… no.
I pushed him. My face is close to his, my heart is beating fast too. Like it could explode at any time.
I calmed myself, take a deep breath;
I shouted,"WHAT ARE YOU DOING—I… ?" I crossed my arms, my gaze sank to the floor with a blushy look. I realized I said something wrong.
I never shouted at him in that way, I did earlier. "I—I am… nearly afraid of death." My voice cracked.
I tried to look at his expression. But—
His face became fluffy, he began to cry.
<<13 years ago>>
He is a crybaby too. How can I forget? When we were eight-years-old, he got a little cut on his knees in the park when we were playing.
First—watched my face and saw his cut—again he glanced at my face. This time his eyes are full of tears. He screamed like he was in so much pain, his voice raw like torn fabrics.
Without wasting time, I bolt to take the bandage and apply it on his knees.
I smiled at him; I took the stone where he tripped and fell. And throw it away as far as I can.
"Ohh—Stone is killed now, my princess, don't need to cry more. Your prince is here to save you and that magical thing I apply on you, it always protects you from every injury."
He looked at me with fluffy eyes. "Hmm… it really erases my—my pain. Why are you calling me princess? I am not a princess, you are." he mumbled under his breath.
"Yes, okay, okay. That pain is nothing to you right and you said that you are not a princess so stop crying."
He smiled, wiping his tears, "So, I am prince, so you had to marry me."
I smiled, "Okay."
<
From that day on, he stopped crying about little things.
But—in front of me, his big version is crying.
"I don't me—mean to d–do, You are moaning i–in sleep."
He covered his face; sat down on knees. I tried to confront him.
"Hey, don't cry, You are not a baby anymore, I was just startled. Stop crying… ." I whispered.
"I—I just want to ch-che—check if you are fine or not. Why did you scold me? I am afraid of that".
I promised him, "From today, I won't scold you anymore, okay".
He nodded and smiled and I did too.
Then he leaves; I am also gaining so much energy. I started to help him also.
Author's Note:
Ahh… you reached here? Really?
I'm honestly happy you're still reading my messy little story. I know I write in my own way — sometimes emotional, sometimes a little crazy, sometimes soft like warm chai, haha.
I hope this chapter made you feel something… even a tiny bit.
And hey, don't think too much — I'm still learning. So if something feels off, just pretend you didn't see it, okay? Hehe.
Also… should I tease you a little?
Something big is coming. I won't say what, but let's see if you can guess.
Go on, think… I'm watching you (just kidding… maybe )
Thank you for reading. Really.
It feels like you're sitting right in front of me while I write this, and that makes me smile a lot.
— Little_Tanjiro