Stirring Feelings and Quiet Moments

The days at the café passed in a warm blur of laughter, teamwork, and shared glances. Isagi found himself growing more comfortable with every shift, but his heart raced more for the moments he shared with May than the work itself.

One afternoon, after the lunch rush finally calmed, Mr. Sakamoto clapped his hands together. "You two have been amazing! Why don't you take your break together? I'll hold down the fort."

Isagi and May exchanged smiles, removing their aprons and heading out to the back patio of the café. The space was quiet, shaded by trees, and the gentle breeze made the summer heat bearable.

"Ahh, it feels so good to sit down," May sighed, stretching her arms above her head. "But I kind of love working here. It's fun, right?"

"Yeah," Isagi agreed softly, his eyes drifting toward her. The sunlight played across her hair, and he felt his heart skip again.

May turned to him, her eyes bright. "You've been really amazing, Isagi. You handle the register like a pro, and you even remember all those complicated orders without missing a beat. How do you do it?"

He hesitated, thinking of the café-themed anime he'd drawn from. But that wasn't the whole truth. "I guess… I just want to do my best," he said finally. "Especially when I know you're watching."

Her cheeks flushed, and Isagi felt his own face heat up. There was a moment of silence, comfortable and charged at the same time.

"I'm glad we got paired together," she said quietly, looking down at her hands. "It's been… really nice."

Before Isagi could respond, Mr. Sakamoto's voice called from inside. "Break's over, lovebirds! Time to get back to work!"

They both jumped, their faces turning scarlet.

As they returned to the café, Isagi knew one thing for certain — he had to tell May how he felt. And soon.