Risorgimento

12: you're my brother

They all sat down on the chairs that shared one table at the garden. The big umbrella keeping them away from the bright San Jose sun. They have been talking for about fifteen minutes now and the store has already opened. Lots of chitchat could be heard going around the cafe, the people minding their own business. Some were having their breakfast before going to work, some were eating their breakfast before going home from last nights events. There were also students getting ready for their tests making them occupy a table by the window, it was the long table that was meant for them. Ichiro had that placed there since he knew, from his experience, that cafe's really help when he's studying for his exams.

"So how will this work out?" Callahan asks.

"What do you mean work out?" Aleli quoted his words as she raised her fingers imitating  quotation marks.

"Agatha would be going on a date with Ichiro then?" Callahan asks as he looks at the girl sitting in front of him who was seated beside Aleli. Agatha's arm that was in a cast was placed under the table. She said she's embarrassed to what happened making her hide it at all times possible just so people wouldn't ask why she has it. It doesn't work anyway, the cast covers her forearm, it's absolutely obvious.

"I think I shouldn't go," Agatha said shyly as she bowed her head down. "I have a cast, it might irritate Ichiro," she said and bit the insides of her cheek before looking up at them. Callahan giving her a small smile.

"I know what to do," Ichiro said, now speaking. "Since Aleli and I are going and have the privilege to bring plus ones, I'll just bring Callahan with me and Aleli would bring you."

"That's a good idea," Callahan nodded. "It won't pressure Agatha in being in a date."

"Well it's not technically a date, it's just her accompanying me, supposedly."

"See, it's not a date. You don't have to be nervous about it," Aleli whispered after nudging Agatha.

"Luke," Ichiro called making him come towards them, "Bring us tea and cheesecakes."

"One each?"

"Yes," Ichiro answered firmly and Luke nodded before getting their orders ready.

"I'm not sure as to what you all want," he looked at them and they said it's fine. Agatha opening her purse to get her wallet but Aleli lowered Agatha's purse and shook her head.

"It's on him," Aleli said.

"It's on me, don't worry about paying," Ichiro said making Aleli wink at Agatha with a smile on her face.

Not a few moments later, Luke came back with their food. He gave it to them properly and leaving to give them privacy.

"You live across this guy?" Ichiro asks and points at Callahan as he looked at Agatha. She wiped her mouth first before speaking.

"Yeah, he's lived there ever since I moved. He helped me in moving in that's why I got to know him first before the others," she smiled.

"You remember that?" Callahan asks.

"I do," she smiles making him purse his lips and hide his smile.

"Oh lovebirds," Aleli said

"We're not," Callahan defended.

"She meant the birds, Callahan," Agatha pointed at the birds in the cage that Olimpia was carrying.

"Where do I put this, boss?" she asks Ichiro who said that she should just place it by the mini stage.

Callahan groaned and continued eating making them laugh lightly.

"Your friend's too defensive," Aleli said to Agatha.