[Elsword] - Formulated Hearts

Act 17 - Cafe

...

Rena happily lead the duo to the counter with a pep in her step, luckily there was no lineup. The barista softly smiled at her, both Chung and Add assumed they knew each other and were acquaintances, if not friends/lovers.

"The usual, Rena?" he asked, the tone in his voice was quite composed, opposite of the Elf.

"Yup! It's nice to see your pretty smile, so you should do it more often, Raven~" she grinned in a teasing manner. "Chung, Add, choose whatever you'd like. It's on the house, since I know him."

Raven sighed. "You better supply me with a job and a proper paycheck if this place shuts down because of how many free drinks you're donating..." he mumbled, half-joking.

"I'll just order a regular latte. Thank you, Mr. Raven!" Chung sheepishly smiled in his cute little way, hoping that the barista wasn't actually upset.

"Cappuccino for me." Add added.

With a small nod, Raven turned around and began working on their orders, making it flashy and visually appealing all the same with his fascinating tricks. It became clear why the managers of the store had hired him. Handsome looks, fancy technique, and efficiency piled into one.

In no time, he handed the group their respective orders. Just by the looks of it, all three drinks seemed extremely well-done, Rena was already drooling (not literally) because of how tasty the beverages appeared.

"Thanks, (Mr.) Raven!" the three of them cheered in unison, though the Esper was obviously the  dull and not-as-enthusiastic one.

"Oh, but, before we take our seats, let me introduce you guys. Raven, this is Chung and Add. Chung is the blonde, while Add is the silver. And boys, this is Raven; the Wind Dividing Blade Master!" Rena explained, in a good mood because of the drinks.

"Pfft! Another lame name..." Add muttered under his breath.

"Hmm! It seems like someone has a death wish! Do you really dare to insult my husband in such a way?" the Elf glared, her mood slowly slipping away, replaced by yet another irritated smile.

He raised his voice from a mutter to a normal speaking sound. "No, of course not."

"Alright, let's go! Raven will be with us shortly."

Once again, Rena had dragged the two boys to a table large enough to fit a party of four.

~

"Ciel, it's your turn to take the barista shift." Raven called out to his co-worker, who was taking a break at the very back, accompanied by a petite girl resting on his lap.

"Already? Time sure seemed to have passed by fast." he lightly shook the 'child' on his lap. "Lu, it's time to wake up. I have a shift to take."

"Nnh... A-Already?!" she whined, sitting up and rubbing her eyes groggily. "Ciel! I command you to give me a piggy back ride before you go off to work!"

The Royal Guard sighed. Chiliarch wasn't being very cooperative, but if she was his Master, he'd have to comply. Gently lifting her up into the air, Ciel placed Lu on his shoulders, her hands pressing onto his navy blue hair for support, while her legs dangled and swung. It wasn't exactly a piggyback ride, but it couldn't be helped. Both of his hands had to be used for his duty, after all.

Raven couldn't help but to feel a bit pitiful, but on the bright side, Ciel was used to it, and was able to work efficiently, even with Lu on his shoulders the entire time. Lu was also very light, which was another positive attribute.

"Mhm! You've done well, Ciel! This is fun~!" she exclaimed, filled with joy.

~

The area Rena chose wasn't far from where Elsword's gang was seated. Perhaps it was on purpose, and perhaps not, though Chung was still concerned. He would've greeted his precious friends, but what if they got the wrong idea, if he was here with Rena and Add? Prince Seiker was definitely one to worry about the tiniest of situations.

The trio began to consume their beverages, and undoubtedly, each and every single sip was worth it, a heavenly delight to their taste-buds.

However, they were soon interrupted when a redheaded male shouted across the tables of the cafe.

"Hey, Chung!"

They've noticed.

...