“Soft Crusts and Softer Moments”

We stepped inside the café. A cool, refreshing breeze welcomed us, like the first gentle wind of spring brushing past my face. I had never been to a café before, so I didn't know what to expect—but being here now, it felt strangely comforting. Almost magical. Like a place pulled from a movie scene.

The design was simple yet beautiful. A warm wooden counter greeted us at the entrance, behind which stood an old lady who welcomed us with a kind smile. To the left, two cozy lanes of seating extended—one along the wide windows, the other tracing the wall. Each table was surrounded by small, carefully arranged flowers that subtly offered privacy and a faint, calming fragrance.

Ayane walked up to the old lady and exchanged a few quiet words with her before returning.

Reika raised an eyebrow. "What were you two talking about?"

"I used to come here often," Ayane said softly. "She was asking what we needed. I told her we'd be working here for a bit. I know a perfect spot."

She led us to the last table by the window. "It's quieter here. The voices don't reach as much, and the flowers smell nice too. I hope you like it."

Reika crossed her arms and pouted. "You never told us about this place."

Ayane grinned. "It was my secret spot. But… I think now it can be our secret spot." Her eyes turned briefly toward me as she said it.

I smiled shyly. "Yeah… I'd like that."

"Alright then," I said, "I'll get the coffee. You all take a seat."

But when I returned, I paused mid-step.

Only one seat was empty—next to Ayane.

My heart began to race. I stood frozen, unable to move. Why is this so nerve-wracking? Sitting next to her shouldn't feel like this… and yet...

Ayane noticed. "Why are you standing there?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Then she smirked and touched her cheek with her hand. "Are you nervous… sitting beside a beautiful girl?"

Her teasing smile made my chest tighten. She looked so adorable, I instinctively covered my mouth with my sleeve and turned away, my cheeks burning.

"Y-Yes… You look so beautiful that I can't help but feel nervous around you," I mumbled.

When I glanced back, her eyes were wide, and she looked down shyly. Her voice dropped slightly. "You don't have to be nervous… You can sit here."

But then I noticed her ears—bright red.

Did I make her uncomfortable? Did I say too much?

Reika and Yuzuki exchanged awkward glances, trying to hold back smiles.

Yuzuki chuckled. "Wow… Ayane's teasing backfired. That's a first."

I finally sat beside Ayane, and we began discussing the project. Slowly, the awkwardness faded, replaced by focus. Ayane leaned into the discussion like nothing had happened, and I did my best to keep up.

We divided the tasks quickly—Yuzuki would research Yamato Takeru, Reika would find visual references, Ayane would handle editing, and I'd write the story and documentation.

Everyone got to work. Hours passed without us noticing.

Yuzuki and Ayane finished first, followed by Reika and me.

Reika slumped in her chair. "I'm exhausted. I'm going straight home to sleep."

Trying to join in more, I teased, "It's the first time I've seen Reika work this hard."

Ayane giggled. "Yeah, Reika usually drops out halfway. I'm surprised too."

Yuzuki smirked. "That's true—unless it's something unimportant, then she gives it her all."

Reika pouted. "Now Haruki's bullying me too? I thought you were the only one who wouldn't…"

I froze. Did I go too far?

"I'm sorry," I said, standing. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I just wanted to join the conversation. I never know what to say, and I always feel like I'm left behind. Please forgive me… My words weren't meant to upset you."

The table went quiet.

Reika blinked, then sighed. "You dummy… I didn't mean it like that. I tease you all the time—I was just surprised you were teasing me back. It's okay."

Yuzuki smirked. "Looks like even Reika lost today. Haruki, you're on a roll."

Ayane grinned. "Say something to Yuzuki too. If you make her blush, I'll do a cat pose."

"Oh? So Ayane's putting herself on the line?" Reika laughed.

Haruki swallowed. This is dangerous. He couldn't let one friend down for another.

Yuzuki folded her arms confidently. "Go ahead. I can't be swayed."

"Come on, Haruki," Reika said. "It's just a game."

I nervously raised my sleeve again, cheeks hot. "You looked so beautiful in that black dress today… I couldn't take my eyes off you. When you walked past me, your perfume captivated me. You were like an angel among us."

Silence.

Reika and Ayane turned to look at Yuzuki.

Still frozen.

"…She's not blinking," Ayane whispered.

Reika leaned forward and poked her. "She's stunned. She can't even move."

Yuzuki finally slumped onto the table and covered her face with her arms.

"O-Okay! You win!" she shouted.

We all burst into laughter.

But I noticed something… Ayane's smile had dimmed just a little.

Did I say too much to her best friend? Did I hurt her?

Reika said, "Now it's Ayane's turn!"

"What?! That was supposed to be a joke!" Ayane protested. "I didn't think Yuzuki would actually lose!"

Yuzuki stood. "A promise is a promise."

"Ugh… Curse you all."

Ayane slowly raised her hands, forming makeshift cat ears. She scrunched her face like a kitten and let out a soft "Nyaa…"

Snap!

Reika had taken a photo.

"So cute!" she squealed.

Ayane blushed furiously. She turned to me, still in the cat pose, and before I could stop myself, I gently placed a hand on her head.

Snap!

Reika took another photo.

As I realized what I'd done, I pulled my hand back, flustered.

"You two are so cute," Reika laughed.

I was sweating now. I'd messed up again.

Ayane looked at me seriously. "Why did you do that?"

The table fell silent.

"I-I'm sorry," I stammered. "I didn't mean anything weird. I just… really love cats. When I saw you like that, you looked so adorable I just… reacted. I'll never do that again if it upset you."

Ayane's face softened. "I didn't mean it like that… Just—next time, ask first. I was just surprised, that's all."

Relieved, I smiled. "Okay."

She turned toward Reika and flicked her forehead. "And who gave you permission to take pictures?"

Reika held her head. "Yuzuki, help! She's bullying me!"

"It's your fault," Yuzuki shrugged.

Ayane checked the time. "It's already 4 p.m. Let's go. We're done for the day—Haruki, it's up to you now."

We stood up and bowed politely to the old lady at the counter. "Thank you for letting us work here."

As we stepped outside, the door chimed softly behind us.

And then… we noticed it.

The sky had dimmed to a soft gray, and droplets fell rhythmically, tapping against the pavement and rooftops. The scent of wet earth filled the air. Rain splashed gently onto the sidewalk, forming tiny ripples in puddles. We had been so focused, we hadn't noticed the weather turning.

None of us had brought an umbrella.

Ayane ran back inside and soon returned with two.

"You two take one," she said, handing an umbrella to Yuzuki and Reika. "Since you live next to each other."

Haruki looked surprised. "You two live near each other?"

"Yeah," Yuzuki nodded. "We both live in Hinode, near the main shopping street. Our families run shops and have known each other since forever."

"I live in Sakuragi," Ayane added, "near the hillside park."

"I live in Shirasawa," I said. "Near Sakura no Neko bakery."

Ayane's eyes lit up. "What? Our houses are close!"

I nodded, a little shyly.

Reika smirked. "Okay then, you two share an umbrella. Be all lovey-dovey."

Before Ayane could flick her again, Reika grabbed Yuzuki's hand and bolted toward the station, laughing under the umbrella.

That left just me and Ayane.

She sighed, then smiled warmly. "Let's go, Haruki."

She opened the umbrella, and we stepped under it together. The soft patter of rain above us, the scent of wet flowers, the cool breeze brushing past—it was almost too much for my heart to handle.

I asked her if I could hold the umbrella — I was taller, after all, and it would be easier for me to cover both of us.

She didn't say anything. Just handed it to me without a word.

We began walking together under the umbrella. The streets were nearly empty — silent, lifeless, the usual buzz of the city drowned beneath the endless drumming of the rain. The sky was painted in shades of charcoal, and reflections of streetlights shimmered in puddles as we stepped around them.

Even though there wasn't a single soul around, it didn't feel lonely. It felt… intimate.

With each step, the scent of her perfume reached me — faint but impossible to ignore. Something warm and floral, something that made me want to keep breathing in just a little deeper.

I tried to keep my eyes ahead, but every few seconds, my gaze betrayed me, drifting sideways toward her.

Our shoulders brushed once. I pulled away quickly.

My heart was pounding. I didn't know why — it wasn't the cold or the walk or even the closeness. It was her. Just being near her made everything else fade away. My surroundings blurred. My thoughts scattered.

Then she looked up at me with a soft smile.

"Your shoulder's getting wet," she said. "You can get closer. It's fine… if it's you."

My breath caught.

Those words — so casually spoken — lingered in the air longer than they should've. I wanted to say something back. Anything. But I couldn't form a single sentence.

Before I could finally speak, she stopped walking.

"We're here," she said.

Her house. Of course. I hadn't even realized how far we'd walked.

A strange kind of sadness settled in me. I should've felt relieved — I'd brought her home safely — but all I could feel was the heaviness of knowing I wouldn't see her tomorrow. It was silly, but it hurt more than I expected.

"Well… I guess I should head back," I said, bowing a little. "Thanks for today."

Just as I turned, she caught my hand.

"It's raining hard," she said softly. "You should stay here for a while… until it stops."