Birds of a Feather (Sakura x OC)

Chapter 4: From Awkward Meetings to Growing Bonds

A week had passed, and Yuna had quickly adjusted to working at Café Pothos. She began to chat with some customers occasionally, but whenever she worked, Sakura was never there.

She couldn't help but wonder if it was a coincidence or if he was avoiding her. Whenever she thought about him, her chest began to hurt. I kinda want to see him... . She thought sadly as she wiped some glasses clean. Her shift for the day was nearing its end, and only a few customers remained in the café.

Kotoha was in the backroom, so Yuna was alone. She helped the last customers pay before they left and then walked back behind the counter to put away the money when the door suddenly swung open. Three people entered casually: Sakura, Suo, and the blonde guy from last time.

Yuna tensed up, cheering inwardly at seeing Sakura but tried to remain calm. She greets them politely as they walked over to a table. Suo was talking to the blonde guy while Sakura glanced at her for a moment before looking down again. Their clothes looked disheveled, and Yuna couldn't help but think, Looks like they got into a fight. She slowly walked over to them to take their order.

Suo noticed her and spoke up, surprised, "Aren't you Yuna? The girl from the store last time?"

The other two looked at Suo, surprised. The blonde brightened up as he talked to Suo, "Do you know her, Suo-san?"

Sakura tensed, observing their conversation. Suo nodded, "Yeah, we met at the Family Mart. I helped her and brought her home. Can't let a girl go home alone when it's late, right?" He glanced at Yuna with a kind smile.

Yuna lightly blushed and smiled, "Um, yeah. Thanks again, Suo-san." She glanced down and noticed a small cut on Sakura's hand. He is hurt... . She thought before her attention returned to the boys.

"Woah~ Suo is such a gentleman.", the blonde muttered, astonished, while Suo chuckled lightly, "Isn't that normal?"

Meanwhile, Sakura thought back to his own encounter with Yuna at the Family Mart. It was getting dark too. Why wasn't I thinking about taking her home? A bad feeling settled in his stomach, and he frowned, thinking, Why didn't I think about that? Guilt slowly set in, and his demeanour changed slightly as he was lost in thought. The others noticed after they asked him twice about his order. Suo carefully tapped his shoulder, signalling for attention.

Sakura turned back to him, irritated, "What?"

Suo looked at him, confused, before smiling again, "What's your order?"

Sakura frowned and glanced around, only to meet Yuna's eyes. He blushed lightly and turned away again, "Just the usual.", he muttered lowly before burying his head in his arms on the table.

Suo, used to his behaviour, ordered for Sakura. Yuna wrote everything down and retreated to the counter to prepare everything, her thoughts lingering on Sakura. Why is he so moody today? Oh, and he's hurt... I should give him a plaster or so.

After Yuna prepared the food and drinks, she walked back to the table to serve them, a shy smile on her face. She placed the dishes on the table and waited a moment, watching them. Sakura sat up and began to munch on his food while Suo glanced at Yuna, "Is something wrong?" he asked casually.

Yuna glanced down and fidgeted with her hands, a light blush colouring her cheeks, "Um, h-here." She held a plaster up to Sakura, her gaze down shyly.

Sakura's eyes widened as he blushed, "Huh?" he exclaimed, taken off guard.

Yuna, still holding out the plaster, mumbled, "F-for your hand... you're hurt, Sakura."

Sakura glanced at his hand and noticed a small cut. He scoffed and turned away, flustered, "Don't need it," he mumbled nervously.