Birds of a Feather (Sakura x OC)

Chapter 3: Café Challenges and Unexpected Friendships

Yuna walked to Café Pothos with a mix of excitement and nervousness. In the morning, she had enrolled in her new school, set to start next week. It was Friday, and the weekend was approaching fast. How will I work on weekends? Yuna wondered as she got closer to the café. "I hope I can work the whole day; I really need the money. She thought, frowning slightly. She opened the door and greeted Kotoha.

"Hello, Kotoha-san.", Yuna chirped as she walked over to the counter. Kotoha greeted her back, glancing around the café, which was empty at the moment.

"It's still empty at this time, but wait a little; the boys will most certainly be here in a few minutes.", Kotoha explained as Yuna nodded. Yuna stood behind the counter, leaning against it tensely. Kotoha noticed her nervousness and spoke up.

"Nervous, huh? Don't be. The guys from Furin are a bit chaotic but honest and kind guys, well, mostly."

Yuna glanced at her and smiled lightly. "O-okay."

Kotoha's face changed slightly as she said seriously, "But if they do or say anything dumb, let me take care of them, alright?" She grinned proudly, placing her hands on her hips to emphasize her seriousness. Yuna laughed lightly, feeling relieved to know that Kotoha was by her side. As they waited, Kotoha casually asked Yuna about her new life here.

Kotoha chuckles as she wipes down the counter. "So, Yuna-chan, how's your first week been?"

Yuna hesitates, glancing around the empty café. "Um, it's been... interesting. Kind of overwhelming, but I'm trying to get used to it."

Kotoha looks up with a warm smile. "I can imagine. New school, new job — it's a lot to handle all at once."

"Yeah.", Yuna nods, fidgeting with the edge of her apron. "I enrolled in school this morning. It felt like a big step."

"It is a big step.", Kotoha agrees, leaning on the counter to face Yuna more directly. "Meeting new people, figuring out where everything is... It's normal to feel a bit lost at first."

Yuna's shoulders relax slightly. "Everyone I've met so far has been really nice. But... I still feel like I'm trying to find my place here."

"That's completely normal.", Kotoha reassures her, her tone gentle. "It takes time to settle in. Just remember, you're not alone in this. I'm here to help, and so are the others."

Yuna offers a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, Kotoha-san. That means a lot. I just hope I can handle everything. I really need this job."

Kotoha reaches out and gives Yuna's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "You're doing great so far. Don't be too hard on yourself. Just take it one step at a time, okay?"

Yuna nods, feeling a bit more at ease. "Okay. I'll try."

Kotoha grins. "That's the spirit. Now, let's get ready for the rush. The boys from Furin should be here any minute."

Yuna takes a deep breath and nods, determined to do her best.

As they were immersed in talking, the door opened, and some guys from Furin High walked in casually. Yuna glanced at the door but didn't recognize any of them. She had seen some of them fighting on the street, but that was it.

Kotoha greeted them cheerfully before nudging Yuna to take their order. Yuna tensed up again, her shyness visible as she carefully walked over to them. Her gaze was down at her notebook as she stopped at the side of the table.

"Can I take your orders?", she asked in a quivering voice, glancing up nervously. A light blush was visible on her cheeks.

One guy with a strange light-brown hairdo and another with slicked-back black hair looked at her confusedly, while the one with the headphones glanced at her with a blank face before looking away, uninterested.