a second life with you | giyushino

petrichor

Shinobu was running late to her morning class. That stupid alarm hadn't rang this morning, though she knew it was her fault for not setting it.

The petite female was in a hurry until a downpour came. That's when she decided to try the new café that opened down the street of her campus. A hit of caffeine was always nice, and it sheltered her from the rain. She hoped their tea was cheaper than Starbucks, who by gods needs to give a discount for college students. As much as she enjoyed rush of caffeine in the morning, the stab in her wallet made her think twice. Plus, different is good; an opportunity to meet new people.

So Shinobu pushes the the door open to the café, the smell of rain on her clothes.

Like all cafés, the rich aroma of coffee overwhelms her nose. The door shuts behind her, making a little jingle sound to notify the barista that a customer had arrived. She's first in line, there weren't any other people here. While scanning the menu, the barista appears in front of the cash register, ready to take her order.

Shinobu casts a glance to the cashier as she says, " Could I have— "

And then she does a double take, completely breathless.

Handsome. Hot? Absolutely her type.

She couldn't resist the impulse to stare, unabashed, at the barista; a guy who looks a bit older than her, his long, spiky raven-hair tied back, messy bangs, and a black ear piercing really gave him an emo look. And his eyes — oh my god, she thinks, who allowed this? The colour of the ocean, she could stare into it for days, like an endless sea.

" —you, " Shinobu finishes, mind blank.

The barista raised an eyebrow, although the corners of his lips twitched. " I'm sorry? Did you ask if you could have me? "

Whipping back to reality, Shinobu grew red-faced. " U-um, I meant, could I have tea? "

" What kind of tea? " He replied with a hint of amusement in his tone.

Shinobu blanks again — she had forgotten what she wanted to order.

" Er— "

" If you have trouble deciding, I could make you the special blend. "

Shinobu wanted nothing more than to get away from this conversation, she was ready to die—the embarrassment was too much. " Yes, that's fine. " She tosses a five dollar bill onto the counter, " Keep the change, " she makes to turn away—

But then he asks, " Your name, miss? "

" I'm sorry? "

The barista holds up a cup, with a sharpie in his other hand. " Could I have your name? "

Shinobu couldn't have possibly imagined a worse first impression — of course the barista only wanted her name for the order, not because he wanted to get to know her or anything. Hopeful for nothing.

" Shinobu. "

The barista stares at her, a smile tugs at the corner of his lips. Shinobu is quick to turn away, face burning as she shoves her hands into her jacket.

After a few minutes, Shinobu hears her name get called; when she steps to the end of the counter to pick up her order, she finds her name written in a messy but cute handwriting, with an exclamation mark at the end of it.

Then she glances up in time to see the barista, giving her a smirk.

Shinobu hurriedly leaves the café, her face hotter than the cup of of tea in her hand. But when she manages to pause and a second to gather herself a block away, she takes a cautious sip of the special blend — and finds it to be the most wonderful drink she's ever had. A hint of citrus as an aftertaste, the tea itself had a variety of flavours, that brings a tingle to her tongue. She continued on her way to class, feeling rejuvenated and more awake with each sip.

So Shinobu finds it hard to focus on her classes that day, her thoughts always wandering to the emo barista that had a charming smile when he thought no one was looking.