LAYERS

Green Tea

Ashley stood in front of a shop he had passed at least five times in the last forty minutes, left eye tight as he stared at the obnoxious letters detailing the name of the store. He readjusted his glasses, and turned on his heel. Circling through the same stores was growing tiring, and the café didn't sound so bad anymore. Perhaps he could get something to eat.

His entrance to the café was announced by the bell on the door, and a lady in a maid uniform greeted him with a kind smile.

"Ah, table for one please," Ashley requested softly, avoiding eye contact. The whole place was different than what he was used to.

The lady brought him to a table by a window overlooking the plaza outside. Ashley settled into the chair, and sent a look at the chair directly across from him.

"Your waitress will be right with you," the lady informed Ashley as she placed a menu down, then returned to the front to await new customers.

Ashley sat back in his seat as he observed the cafe. There was a muted, peaceful atmosphere. Quiet music orbited just above everyone's heads, barely audible over the indiscernible conversations from other customers and waitresses, melting together into something comforting.

Ashley's peace was interrupted when the chair across him was pulled back, causing him to flinch away, startled.

Mint dropped into the seat, wearing a cute maid uniform. It was black and white and frilly, topped off by a bow in her hair. Ashley had to avert his eyes when he noticed there was a cut out in the fabric on Mint's chest. It was a direct contrast from the other outfits Ashley had seen Mint wear.

Ashley had blushed so often in the last twenty-four hours that he was surprised at the revelation it could still burn red when Mint's lips parted in a smile. "My shift ends soon, do you want something to eat before that?" she asked, lazily resting her cheek in her hand.

"Just some green tea." Then, before Mint could respond, he added, "Please."

Mint hummed in confirmation while stubbornly engaging eye contact, then pushed back her chair as she stood.

Ashley let out a breath of relief as Mint retreated to the back room. His eyes were glued to Mint's back, carefully watching her until she was out of sight. As he was turning around to stare out the window, his eyes caught Renee's, who was leaning against the wall outside the kitchen.

It was a fast connect between the two, but Renee and Ashley both knew why his eyes were over there in the first place.

Ashley heard Renee let out a laugh when he glued his eyes to his phone, hoping to avoid any further embarrassment.

After a couple minutes had passed and Mint still hadn't come back, curiosity got the best of Ashley and he looked back to the back door. The door flew open the moment Ashley's eyes landed on it, and Mint walked out.

She had changed back into the clothes she was wearing before the maid outfit, backpack in one hand, and a to-go cup of what Ashley assumed was his green tea in her other hand.

Ashley got up and met her in the middle.

"I paid for your drink," Mint said, handing Ashley the to-go cup as they walked to exit the café.

Ashley's hands tightened around the cup. "You really didn't need to do that."

"There's no bother," Mint said. "Renee said I could have off early, so I decided to change while I was already in the back."

The subject change in hopes to not negotiate Mint paying for Ashley's drink was noted, and Ashley made an exasperated sound in the back of his throat as the café door swung shut behind them.

"Thank you for your service!" a voice called out behind them, muffled by the glass door.

Ashley and Mint turned back to see Renee grinning. Mint waved in return and continued on her way. Before Ashley could turn away, he saw Renee wink at him. Immediately, he looked away, disregarding how rude it would be. It was unpleasant to remember Renee's expression earlier, when she caught him staring at Mint.

"Hey, why's your face so red?" Mint said mirthfully, slowing her pace to peer at Ashley, who lagged behind.

"It's— it's nothing. Just a bit warm today," Ashley lied, speeding up to catch up with Mint.

Mint gave him a questioning hum, but didn't press any further.

"Hey," she finally said, breaking the silence before it could form. "I'll race you back home!"

"Wait, what—"

Ashley couldn't finish his sentence before Mint took off, calling, "Last one there is a rotten egg!"

She laughed breathlessly as Ashley struggling to keep up with her. "Not fair!" Ashley exclaimed with a laugh as he chased after this blue haired girl.