Over Coffee

Sugar

Sensou was wiping the front counter of his newly bought cafe hours before it opened. He saw a man jogging past the front windows. He had an oversize graphic tee and looked out of breath.

Sensou soon found out that this was going to become a daily occurrence - though, most of the time the man was walking. Yet, he always looked tired. He had time to notice the man had tan skin, dark brown hair, and a bigger body than Sensou. Sensou himself resembled someone who can pass for either gender. He had a skinny frame due to fast metabolism and lack of eating; with preparing the cafe each day, he never had time to eat a proper meal. He kept his light blonde hair long and tied back. He had pale skin that completed his look.

One gloomy yet warm morning, the familiar man stopped in front of the door and attempted to open it, finding it locked. Sensou waved to him from inside before he had a chance to walk away with embarrassment. Sensou quickly rushed to the door and opened it, inviting the man inside.

"Ah, I was going to buy a water..." The man quickly spilled. He caught his breath once he entered the air conditioned building. Being so close to him, Sensou noticed his tired, deep brown eyes. He looked to be near Sensou's age, maybe a couple years older.

"I can give you some for free," Sensou smiled, rushing to the kitchen before the man had time to disagree with the kind gesture. Sensou came back with a glass of water, handing it to the shorter man. Sensou declined the crumpled dollars the man tried to offer him.

"Thank you very much," The brunette gleamed, handing Sensou the now empty glass.

"Have you had breakfast yet? I can offer you a pastry as well," Sensou offered. The other man shook his head and told him he already ate breakfast, an obvious lie. Sensou didn't push and quickly dropped it. "I see you walking past every day. May I ask what you're doing so early in the morning?"

"Ah, it must be a little weird. I try to go for a morning jog, or er- a morning walk. I enjoy waking with the sun, so I've turned my extra time into getting some fresh air," the man nervously laughed.

"I'm pleased to know that someone else likes waking up alongside the sun!"

"The feelings are returned," He chuckled. "I must get back home to make brea- I mean, I should get going. See you around, Um..." He said as he held out his hand.

"Sensou," Sensou laughed as he went to meet his hand. "Feel free to come in for water, or any beverage, at any time."

"And I'm Miyoshi. It was a pleasure meeting you. I will try to visit you again during business hours," he promised. He left and what lingered turned into Sensou's anticipation.

Miyoshi came back in during lunch, the cafe's most popular time. Even among the nearly full house, Sensou still noticed Miyoshi and gave him a big wave. This was the first time he had seen the man in anything other than his walking clothes. He wore jeans and a black v-neck shirt. Miyoshi's unsteady gaze met Sensou's and he returned the wave, only smaller on his part. Sensou gave his tray to another employee and went to meet Miyoshi at the door.

"It's very full," Miyoshi commented. Sensou chuckled in response.

"People always come for lunch. The most popular item at this time is probably our chicken sandwich," Sensou said as he led Miyoshi to an empty booth. He sat across from the man. "What would you like to order?"

"Probably one of those chicken sandwiches everyone's crazy about. And do you have green tea?"

"We do. I'll go get your order," Sensou said as he started to get up. "And make sure to keep this seat for me," he winked. Miyoshi found himself blushing at the blonde's wink.