Chapter 11 Complicated  

Although his looks rivalled Renji's, his cousin Tetsuya didn't feel happy or special about it because people only saw and judged him by his status as a member of the Ishikawa clan, his handsome face, and his wealth rather than seeing him as who he really was.

Since he was a child, countless girls confessed their feelings to him.

However, he couldn't fall in love with them—not because of their looks, appearance, wealth, or even gender, but because he found it hard to fall in love. Sometimes, he was confused about what true love was.

Tetsuya admitted that he was pansexual, not gay or bisexual.

Pansexuality is the attraction to others without regard to their identity, gender, or sex.

What Tetsuya saw was the personality of the person, not their physical appearance, status, or gender.

And right now, Tetsuya was in love with Issei, a waiter at his cousin's café, who was a straight man, although his face could be considered beautiful for a man.

Tetsuya fell in love with Issei's kindness, friendliness, and gentleness, making him fall for him at first sight.

What's wrong with falling in love?

Isn't love a gift from God, and everyone in this world has fallen in love with someone? Some people even fall in love with inanimate objects and marry them.

Everyone is free to love whoever they want, even themselves.

So why does Renji and everyone around him forbid him from approaching Issei? They were both born male. If Issei had been a girl, would anyone have reacted this strongly?

The table by the corner of the café, with a large transparent window facing the street, was Tetsuya's favourite spot whenever he visited Asahi Café. From here, he could watch the outside world—the crowds of girls chatting at the bus stop, a man arguing with his girlfriend across the street, and people of all appearances, faces, and ages walking by.

It was truly enjoyable, and the peace it brought was comforting, especially when accompanied by a cup of drink. But the real reason Tetsuya came to Asahi Café every day wasn't just that. It was to see and be closer to the young man with blonde hair, one of the waiters there named Issei.

Spending his free time here, Tetsuya sought inspiration for his newest painting after successfully holding an art exhibition abroad three weeks ago. His mind needed a break, wanting to relax and enjoy life, where time kept moving, never stopping even for a second, leaving behind memories—whether sweet or bitter.

Classical music echoed through the café, and the sweet aroma of coffee and pastries could be smelled as soon as he entered. A waiter approached, wearing the widest smile possible, greeting every customer who entered.

However, Tetsuya scowled with annoyance. His sweet smile faded when he saw a pretty girl in a maid outfit with blonde hair tied up standing right beside him not long after he arrived and sat down.

"What would you like to order today, Young Master Tetsuya?" Saki asked as kindly as possible, flashing a stiff smile from being forced.

If it weren't for her duties and professionalism, Saki wouldn't have wanted to serve Tetsuya, let alone act this sweet, even if it was reluctantly.

"I want Issei-chan, the one serving, not a hag like you," he scoffed, his tone mocking.

His teeth clenched as he tried to suppress his frustration, his hand gripping the pen tightly, his face still forced into a wide smile as he struggled to hold his temper. "He's off today," Saki replied as sweetly as possible, trying to control the anger in her chest.

"Then call another waiter. I don't want you serving me," he commanded sarcastically.

"I'll gladly call another waiter. Please wait a moment, Young Master Tetsuya." Saki glanced around, looking for someone who wasn't busy.

"Ah~ Arashi," Saki waved her hand.

"Yes?" Arashi walked over. "What is it, spoiled girl?" he asked flatly.

"Please take over serving Young Master Tetsuya," she said, almost pleading.

Tetsuya glared sharply at Arashi. "Okay, no problem," Arashi replied nonchalantly.

Tetsuya's face turned pale. "I don't want him. Call another waiter, not him!" he shouted.

Saki put her hands on her hips, glaring at Tetsuya. "You can't. Didn't you ask me to call another waiter?" Saki reminded him of his earlier request.

"Yes, but not this scary guy!" Tetsuya pointed at Arashi.

"His name is Arashi, and from now on, you should remember it," Saki scolded Tetsuya for still not remembering Arashi's name.

Saki patted Arashi's shoulder gently, offering him a small smile. "Please serve Young Master Tetsuya. I'm going back to the kitchen."

"Okay. Don't worry," Arashi responded.

Saki walked away, feeling incredibly relieved to be free from the annoying task of serving her rival, Tetsuya.

Arashi pulled out a pen and paper, preparing to take Tetsuya's order. "So, what would you like to order, Young Master Tetsuya, the handsome one?" he asked, his voice tinged with playful teasing, though his face remained serious.

Tetsuya shuddered uncomfortably when Arashi called him handsome; it would've been different if a beautiful girl or Issei had said it.

"Latte," Tetsuya answered quickly, forcing a stiff smile.

"Hot or cold?" Arashi asked.

"Hot."

"Would you like it in a cup, glass, or maybe a bowl?" Arashi continued, still holding the pen in his hand.

"A cup! Who drinks a latte from a bowl, huh?!" Tetsuya snapped, growing irritated with Arashi's questions.

"There are people who do, and one of them is Issei," Arashi replied flatly, without any expression.

"Don't lie to me," Tetsuya shot him suspiciously.

"You can believe it or not, it's up to you. So, where would you like your latte served?" Arashi asked again.

"Ugh!!!" Tetsuya screamed in his head.

"A cup," Tetsuya replied, his tone now clearly annoyed.

"What color do you want the cup to be, plain or with a design? We have over 250 beautiful cups here at the café. Or do you want it in a bowl?"

Tetsuya was completely frustrated by Arashi and couldn't understand why Renji hired someone like him.

"A bowl! And don't ask me again!" Tetsuya shouted, his annoyance obvious.

"Is that all?" Arashi asked as if he didn't care about Tetsuya's frustration.

"Yes. If you've written it down, then hurry up and go," Tetsuya dismissed him coldly.

"But if you only have a latte, your stomach will hurt later and you'll feel hungry. How about a slice of cheesecake to go with it?" Arashi suggested.

"Fine," Tetsuya grumbled, turning his face away.

"There's no menu item called 'fine' here, Young Master Tetsuya."

Tetsuya was at his breaking point. Dealing with Arashi was emotionally and physically exhausting, as he was more talkative than any woman Tetsuya had ever met.

"A slice of cheesecake with fruit topping and a cup of latte. If you've written it down, then hurry up, my head is starting to hurt from listening to you," Tetsuya snapped.

"Okay. I've written it down, and I'll bring it in five minutes."

Tetsuya sighed heavily as Arashi walked away. Finally, peace returned, he thought. Had he known Issei was off today, he wouldn't have come to the café, let alone be served by that pierced man with the terrifying face. Tetsuya's order was ready five minutes later, and Arashi brought it.

"Hey, Arashi. Am I seeing this right?" Ryuji stared at the tray Arashi was carrying.

"What's wrong?" Arashi asked casually.

"Who in their right mind orders a latte in a bowl? Isn't that way too big and more like a soup than a drink?" Ryuji shook his head in disbelief.

"This is Young Master Tetsuya's order," Arashi replied, conveying pressure.

"What!?" Ryuji was shocked by Arashi's response.

Arashi walked casually to deliver the order to Tetsuya, ignoring the curious looks of the people around him. They probably thought it was strange, but he didn't care.

Meanwhile, Ryuji immediately started gossiping about what he had just seen with a few coworkers in the kitchen. Saki happened to be there, too.

"Hahahahahaha..." Saki laughed uncontrollably at Ryuji's story about Tetsuya ordering a latte in a bowl.

"Why are you laughing so much?" Ryuji scolded her.

"Sorry..." Saki giggled.

Honestly, Saki felt pleased and satisfied seeing Tetsuya getting pranked by Arashi.

And just as they were talking about him, Tetsuya came in, so Saki immediately walked over with a smile on her face. "Thank you," she said.

"For what?" Arashi was confused.

"For helping me," Saki replied.

"In what way?" Arashi was genuinely puzzled.

"That," Saki pointed to Tetsuya, enjoying his drink in the bowl.

"Oh. I was just doing my job as a waiter, nothing more," Arashi said nonchalantly.

"But still, thank you," Saki smiled.

Arashi said nothing but gently patted the top of Saki's head before leaving to deliver another order.

Outside, the sky was getting dark. Tetsuya had been sitting at the café for almost an hour, accompanied by a cup of latte and a slice of cheesecake, waiting for someone he had arranged to meet after exchanging messages earlier.

Time seemed to drag on, and the boredom he'd been feeling since earlier made him want to head home and lie in his bed, the most comfortable place in the world.

His dark eyes never stopped looking toward the entrance, hoping the person he was waiting for would arrive soon. After checking repeatedly, he finally saw the person he was waiting for.

The young man with raven-coloured hair had a casual appearance, not showing anything indicating he was important, let alone the café owner.

"I'm Sorry I'm late. I was helping Aira with her shopping," he said, apologizing.

"It's fine. Sit down," Tetsuya replied.

Renji's eyes widened in surprise and confusion as he glanced at Tetsuya or the bowl beside him.

"Am I seeing this wrong?" Renji asked ambiguously as he sat down.

"What?" Tetsuya asked, still busy eating his cake.

"Is that a drink or a soup? Why does it smell like a latte?" Renji asked, pointing curiously.

"It's a latte," Tetsuya confirmed.

"You're crazy, Tetsuya!" Renji exclaimed.

"Let's not talk about my drink, there's something important I want to discuss with you," Tetsuya changed the subject.

Renji gave a lazy glance. "Don't tell me it's about that blonde guy again," he grumbled.

"No, don't worry," Tetsuya said with a small smile.

"Then?"

Tetsuya's face turned serious, causing Renji to feel a bit uneasy. "The old man knows about Aira."

Renji's fist clenched tightly, his eyes cold and sorrowful.

"Don't make that face, cousin," Tetsuya patted Renji's shoulder. "Sooner or later, Oyaji will find out about Aira." Renji lowered his head, looking sad and troubled. "Do I have to stain my hands with blood, like Aniki did, to protect those I care about?"

"There's another way. You don't need to stain your hands with blood. Leave everything to me." Tetsuya finished his meal.

"Are you planning to fight the old man?"

"If necessary, why not."

"Don't put yourself in danger, Tetsuya. Do you not value your life?" Renji warned.

"Sooner or later, I'm going to die. Don't forget about my condition, cousin." Tetsuya pointed to his left chest, smiling.

"Could it be..."

"Sssssst! Calm down, don't panic like that."

"So, what's your plan to face the old man?"

"Just leave it to me. You stay at home, take care of your wife and your future child."

"I can't just stay still, Tetsuya."

"Think carefully, Renji. If you die, Aira will be sad, and your child will be born without a father. But if I die, no one will be sad. So don't do anything. Wait calmly for everything to unfold."

Renji lowered his head deeply, unsure what to say because everything Tetsuya said was true.

"Stop making that sad face. Drink this, maybe it'll calm you down a little." Tetsuya handed Renji the bowl with the latte.

Renji immediately pulled his hand back, refusing to drink it. He didn't want his stomach to swell. "No, thank you," he rejected.

.

.

.

Saki never imagined she would have to compete with a man.

Yes.

A real man who openly declared his feelings for Issei and continuously tried to flirt with him.

Of course, as his girlfriend, Saki had to fight with all her might to protect and keep Issei from being taken away.

Why did someone as handsome as Tetsuya Ishikawa, wealthy and famous as a renowned painter, fall for Issei and not someone else? Ryuji, maybe because of his face and physique, with his red hair and baby face, seemed more suited to Tetsuya.

"Your face is so scary, spoiled girl." Arashi teased, standing next to Saki, enjoying his break.

"I'm mad and angry," Saki snapped, frowning.

"What's making you so angry?" Arashi asked, pretending not to know what was going on outside.

"Look, Issei-kun is still serving that flirtatious guy." Saki huffed, stamping her foot in frustration.

"It's his job to serve every guest. You have to understand that." Arashi tried to explain.

"But I still can't stand seeing Issei-kun smiling so widely at him."

"Be patient." Arashi tried to calm her down.

Arashi reached into his pocket. "Here, eat this, maybe it'll calm you down." He handed Saki two chocolate candies.

"I don't want it!"

Opening the candy wrapper, Arashi suddenly grabbed Saki's chin and put the candy in her mouth, which had been murmuring nonsensically.

"Sweet," Saki said, staring at Arashi.

"Feeling better now?"

"Hmmm." Saki nodded, smiling. Arashi quietly smiled back.

From a distance, Ryuji and Kana observed their interaction, especially Ryuji, who paid close attention to Arashi's unusual behaviour. It was rare for Arashi to smile like that.

Could it be that Arashi had special feelings for Saki?

But if that were true, when did it start?

Ryuji became curious. But if Issei noticed this, he feared their relationship might become strained since he and Issei knew how Arashi was when he liked someone—no matter the method, he would want to possess them.

"Why does this have to be so complicated?" Ryuji mumbled, causing Kana to furrow her brow in confusion.

"Complicated? Why, Ryuji-senpai?" Kana asked, curious.

"Ah~ nothing. We should get back to work before Fujin gets mad at us." Ryuji changed the subject, resuming his work.

"Alright," Kana replied.

…