Tiny Memory

The Overheard

In the heart of Mokachino, each day unfolded like the one before, with its familiar rhythms and routines. The bustling coffee shop embraced the ebb and flow of customers, the harmonious hum of conversation, and the pleasant aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Behind the scenes, the diligent baristas and kitchen staff orchestrated a symphony of culinary delights.

Recently, Sakamoto completed his barista training and ventured into the realm of the kitchen to master the art of preparing savoury dishes and delectable desserts.

Though this meant his presence in the dining hall would be rarer, he still managed to steal a few moments to engage in spirited conversations with his senior colleagues at their respective workstations.

"Eh... but Hasegawa isn't that bad. He's quite fun to be with," Sakamoto remarked, a touch of amusement in his voice as he carefully arranged an assortment of pastries on the gleaming display case. "You shouldn't judge people solely by their appearance, Morikita-san."

"Tsk, look who's talking! You once thought I was scary, remember?"

Sakamoto giggled, "I know— I know, my mistake!"

Amidst the vibrant ambience of the bustling beverage station, laughter, and cheer filled the air, courtesy of Daichi's infectious amusement. Sakamoto's light-hearted chuckles harmonized with his colleague's, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and warmth.

However, in the middle of the merriment, Kenji's sombre presence stood in stark contrast.

After tending to the customers, Kenji remained preoccupied, engrossed in his tasks, until a particular comment from Daichi piqued his interest.

"Anyway, I heard you'll be less coming to work. You'll quit?" Daichi asked.

A soft smile danced on Sakamoto's lips as he replied, "That one... well, I'm considering providing more support to my family's business. My father is growing older, and though he's never forced me, he hopes I'll take over his business."

"Even though you're not biologically related to him?"

Sakamoto's eyes glimmered with emotion as he spoke earnestly, "To me, Mom and Dad are my family because they welcomed me when I had no one else."

Daichi couldn't help but have his lips stretched into a pensive expression, hinting at the inner musings he grappled with. After a brief moment of contemplation, he finally voiced his thoughts.

"No matter how I try to comprehend it, I can't," he admitted.

Sakamoto offered a reassuring response, understanding the complexity of their respective backgrounds. "It is fine, Morikita-san. Our background is different, so we can't expect people to understand our stories."

"Hmm, right... Oh, do you still keep in touch with anyone from the orphanage?"

"Uh-huh, but mainly with Yuuji."

As the conversation between them carried on, the chime of the entrance door sounded, indicating the arrival of a customer. Daichi's mood shifted, and he groaned upon recognizing the incoming guest.

It was Hasegawa.

"Stay here with me," Daichi insisted, holding Sakamoto by the arm as if to prevent him from leaving.

"Eh, but I still have work to do at the back."

"You can't leave me with that asshole!" Daichi groaned.

"Nuh-uh!"

In their teasing banter, Sakamoto turned around and found his gaze unexpectedly locking with Kenji's. Time seemed to come to a standstill for both of them, and they were momentarily captivated by each other's presence.

Neither of them could move or utter a word. The world around them blurred, leaving only the connection they shared through their eyes. In that suspended moment, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions swirled within Sakamoto's mind, leaving him paralysed like a mannequin.

Yet, amidst this inexplicable pause, Hasegawa's voice calling for Daichi broke the spell. Time resumed its steady march, and the sounds of the coffee shop's bustling ambience filled their ears once again.

Sakamoto finally blinked, breaking free from the trance-like state. Gathering himself, he offered a warm smile to Kenji, as if acknowledging an unspoken understanding between them.