Shin Kuroi [Comfort Writing]

Café Kärlek

Just off to the northeast from Shin's house was a prime location for the café. Right below the north-south dividing river and aside a bridge leading to the primary shopping district; it offered a viable location - close to the heart of Minasato - while also being comfortably distant and tranquil.

The announcement was done - together - at the Raimon restaurant. Everybody had gathered there to attend; at Shin's request the day before, Mr. Amaki had given out informational flyers of date and time that vaguely spoke of "an important event."

Once everybody ate, you instinctually looked at Shin. He gave a telling nod, and you arose together from your seats facing the guests. Your hands were intertwined, fur-on-fur. It was an affirmation of the bond. Shin was clasping your hand extra firm. A silent signal - but a potent one. Shin was timid to do this... but his faith... it was placed in you. He trusts you; will take this endevour, by your side. You gripped tighter in a silent answer to him - this unyielding trust was mutual.

"Good afternoon..." The feline spoke, stalling a moment.

Nine sets of eyes and ears were at attention.

"We have some things we'd like to say..." You took initiative.

"...two, uh, two things. Alright. First off... I'm... I'm moving again. I got it checked out with my family, and... I'm moving back to Osaka-"

-cut off. Rounds of applause instantly sounded after the first half of the first 'thing' announced. You took it well - it was comforting to see the enthusiasm everybody held. Everybody was still the close friends they've been for so long. Shin let out a quick sigh and cleared his throught, and the signal was recieved.

"...additionally, Terra... is going to live with... me."

A momentary silence after the feline's nervous words. Multiple pairs of eyes grew wide. You looked at Shin. He looked at you. Tense.

Another round of applause bursted out, with various cheers. Immense waves of relief washed over the both of you, letting out sighs of relief. Shin's yellow eyes gleamed with indescribable emotion.

"AND!" You bursted out happily, ready to deliver the second true news. The guests hushed back down.

"Just south of the river by the west bridge, we've just purchased a lot. We're going to make a café!" God, it felt good to say. The intensified cheers only furthered the satisfaction.

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The next two weeks was the construction. Bit by bit, the café came to be. Everybody lended a hand.

Tatsuki brought loads of wood, nails, and various tools alongside his carpenting skills.
Kounosuke tinkered in his shop and rebuilt the old scrap of the school's previous generator into a new, working one.
Juuichi and Torahiko lended their strength; doing many trips hauling materials.
Kouya aided with the layout of the café and did notable physical work in construction
Kyouji and Soutarou painted gorgeously and set up many of the cosmetic and miscellaneous things
Shun... well, he was amazing moral support.
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The café was homely. Upon opening the door, one was greeted with the dingling of a little bell. The walls were a fine light cream colour with a thick, red wavy line across the middle horizon wrapping around. There were 3 glass tables with 4 black chairs each, strung around the large front window. The floor, wooden, a soothing oak. A single bathroom indicated by a door to the leftmost corner.

The counter displayed various home-baked sweets and pastries up for sale at remarkably cheap prices considering the quality. A door behind the counterspace led to a small, refined kitchen which had it's own window - facing the river.

The job was on-and-off, no real scheduals in place. It'd only be open when both you and the feline wanted it to be, and were to work and bake together. Every time it opened, multiple customers would shuffle in and out through the day - many of them being the same friends who helped build the café. Occasionally, the café served as a meeting place.

All this within only a month and a half of the Café Kärlek being realized... it was a real treat. But the sweetest thing of all? A precious dark-purple cat named Shin Kuroi.