One last chance

Who is taking care of such place?

"Wow! The Cafe is breathtaking!", Hiyori said with her hands in front of her chest and folded while her eyes went big and sparkly. Her smile got wider and she was bouncing on her littles toes. The reason she was so happy was because of the Cafe's size and also style. A lot of tables with benches left and right which left the center empty, a long bar at the end of the store with coffee and beer machines, few stools in front of the counter and a door behind the cash register,which was connected to the bar, that led into the kitchen.

The style was half Japanese half Western:they use Japanese tableware and they are making the tea traditionally,but they have also Western foods, a jukebox and machines that they use mostly in Tokyo. It combines the traditional with the modern style and that made the clientele increase everyday.

It was indeed a very good Cafe with reasonable prices and making food and beverages,something that Kirishima found out when he tasted the cake with green tea flavor and the espresso. Of course, his little girl was also happy with the green tea Bavarian cake and the strawberry milkshake, two of her favorite things in food and drink. Right now, they were in cloud 9.

"So,what do you think?", the older man asked with a spark on his eyes and a genuine smile. By the time they entered the Cafe, Rotoko went to the bar and served them, forgetting the fact that Kirishima was trying to decline politely the treat due to his guilt.

"The Bavarian green tea cake is amaaazing!! And the strawberry milkshake too!!"

"Also, the espresso is incredible. You have a nice kitchen Rotoko-san!"

"Please call me Shichiro! After all, you are going to stay here for a while, right?"

"For 4 months and then I have to go back to Tokyo"

"So, your position here is temporary, correct?"

"Yes. My permanent is in Marukawa Shoten in Tokyo. The president of Marukawa told me that they needed someone like me in Shonen manga department in Shirakawa, so I accepted his offer, despite the fact I was hesitant at first"

"Because of Hiyori-chan?"

"Yeah..."

"If you are concerned about the school, you don't have to. There is an elementary school near the tobacco shop we passed through, a few blocks away, which is well known for its system and of course for the club activities. Let me give you the number of the school principal"

"You've done a lot for me and Hiyori, there is no need of doing that"

"Nonsense Kirishima-san! You are important for Shirakawa-san as he told me yesterday when he came here for a coffee. And of course, you helped me with the shops. Arigato", he said and bowed his head for the umpteenth time and then giving the number to Kirishima

"Thank you for taking care of us", the editor also said and bowed his head completely, covering his eyes with his curly bangs. Rotoko smiled and began cleaning the counter with a cloth. While he was doing that, Kirishima was watching the whole shop one more time. It's difficult to take care this place alone. He must have someone to watch it while he is gone. Speaking of watching out -

"Shichiro-san?"

"Hmm? "

"May I ask you something?"

"Of course!", he said and put the cloth on his shoulder with a whip move and then put his cubits on the counter.

"I remember you saying back at the convenience store that you have someone looking after the shop"

"Oh yes I do have! When I have to leave Sawara in order to take my supplies, I'm calling Yokozawa-kun to take care of it. It's difficult to look after it alone, so I'm relieved to have someone like him!"

"Yokozawa?"

"Yes, the young man with the motorcycle. Didn't you see him?"

"Actually, no. I was absent minded. The truth is I was surprised to see an expensive motorcycle here. My father used to have one back at his college days and told me those vehicles cost more than 1 million yen"

"Aaah, yes indeed. Well, this motorcycle was gifted to Yokozawa-kun from his grandfather when he graduated high school with flying colors",he chuckled a bit as if remembering that moment. "Yokozawa-kun came in Sawara to see his grandparents and tell them about it, but they already knew it. That day, his grandfather Akio gave him that motorcycle as congratulations gift, a gift that I put my hand in it too", he said and winked at the smiling girl, who then giggled cutely. God, she is indeed so sweet!

"Is he a relavite of yours?"

"He is not by blood. Nevertheless, he is like my son, since my kids are living in Kyoto and Hokkaido with their families."

"Excuse me, how old is Rotoko-San?"

"I'm 63 years old"

"Wow. You look much younger Shichiro-san"

"I know that. I took my mother's genes!"

"Lucky you"

"Aw, come on. Don't be like that Kirishima-san. How old ARE you?"

"I'm 34"

"And you have a daughter who is 10 years old?!"

"Long story...", he said and took a sip from his espresso, a sign which showed that he didn't want to continue the subject. Rotoko understands it and for that, he begins to talk about the young man that looks after the shop when he is away.

"Well I didn't finish with my story"

"Oh right. Please continue"

"Thank you. You see, Yokozawa-kun is like a son to me. When he came 6 years ago in order to stay, I welcomed him here with open arms. I really love that kiddo. He is scary sometimes due to his appearance, but he has a good heart. He is working with police as an investigator and also as a guard, since there are some brats stealing or disturbing others"

"You have those?"

"Unfortunately, we do, but they are not dangerous, so you don't have to worry. And if someone ever tries to rob you, Yokozawa-kun is always near. He talks with the police every time and learns about what is happening at the moment. They have a camera system, so that's why they know. Thank God Yokozawa-kun brought it here"

"Brought it here?"

"When he came from Tokyo, he helped us update our town. He was the one that brought the camera system and some other things from his home town."

"Why Yokozawa came here to live since his home town is Tokyo?"

"I-I prefer not to tell you more about him... I'm sorry but I made a promise to him"

"I understand", he said and gave a smile, hiding his disappointment from Rotoko and Hiyori. For some odd reason, the editor wanted to learn more about the unknown Yokozawa.

"But, I let you know this: he is know as' the rampaging bear'", Rotoko said and then Kirishima laughed so hard that he almost fell from his seat. Seeing that, Hiyori rolled her eyes and then started to giggle when her father tickled her on her sides

"I saw that young lady"

"Aaaa!! I'm sorry papa!!", Kirishima and Rotoko chuckled and then stopped when the dashing editor saw the time on his watch. It was 15.00 and he had to unpack his stuff, including Hiyori's. The duo bowed to the older man, exchanging of course business cards after they raised their heads and left the shop, promising to Rotoko that they will come again another time. After some minutes, they arrived at the cottage and began unpacking their stuff. They had a loong way ahead them....