The Yakuza's flower

Teacher

Ume's Pov

It's been 3 days since I last talked with Baki.

I was slowly beginning to think that he wasn't going to help me.

However

One early morning I got a text from an unknown number, and it read

- Hey Ume. It's Baki. I just wanted to let you know,
to meet me at Shin Shinkai Karate dojo in the evening. also, this isn't my phone so don't text this number :)

I couldn't help but laugh at the text message.

Baki is a silly guy.

Anyway

I had a quick little victory dance in my room after reading the text message.

I really wanted to get better at my self-defense because I'm not some damsel in distress.

I can handle things on my own.

And if I was being completely honest...

I didn't want Hanayama to think I was dead weight.

Baki really was the best.

I just hope he didn't mention anything to Kozue, or rather if he did. I hope that they didn't get into an argument or something.

I know my best friend too well.

Anyway

Today was Friday

I only had to work the morning shift at my grandmother's café, which meant I had the rest of the day free.

And I was definitely excited to start training.

The café was fairly busy this  morning, but one customer kept catching my attention.

He was a well-dressed gentleman sitting by himself with a newspaper.

Or...

Pretending to read one.

Every few minutes, I'd catch him glancing in my direction before quickly looking back down.

It made me feel a little uneasy.

I tried to brush the feeling aside as I walked over to his table with the coffee kettle in hand.

"Excuse me, sir. Would you like a refill?"

He lowered his newspaper and looked up at me.

For a brief moment, we made eye contact.

"I... I, uh..."

He cleared his throat.

"Yes, thank you."

His face turned slightly red after stumbling over his words.

I couldn't help but giggle.

"No worries."

I poured him another cup of coffee before noticing a small pin attached to the lapel of his suit jacket.

It looked...

Really familiar.

Almost like the one Hanayama sometimes wore.

I stared at it for a second before shaking the thought away.

It wasn't any of my business.

"There you go."

"I hope you have a wonderful morning."

I smiled before excusing myself and heading toward the kitchen.

For some reason...

That little pin kept nagging at me.