He stands in front of his cafe with a sharp look on his face.
A large title of the "Shimito Cafe" banner is placed in front of the cafe. In the front door. A fluffy and large bear is standing in front of the cafe's door for decoration.
A normal and lovely vibe is coming from the cafe. It gives a distinct atmosphere.
There is the peace I want. People are talking or gossiping with cheerful looks on their faces.
Some were sad and alone, some were talking to his girlfriends, and some were a group of students doing their assignment.
"What peace do they have? Really, I am jealous of that." Minato whispered to himself, looking at them through the glasses.
"The beauty of the calm atmosphere made it pure peace." Minato mumbled again.
Literally he waste five minutes—in the stupid things.
He was lost in his thoughts again.
A sharp and cold wing passed Minato. Again he was on his thoughts. People were watching him with strange eyes.
He opened the door. A bright light touch the Minato's face.
I saw a man is waitering. Talking with customers with a grim look on his face.
He suddenly glanced at me.
He rushed toward me when he saw me.
He touched my head—gently. I don't know why he touched my head?
"There is no sign of fever, then why are you absent for 2 weeks continuously?"
He crossed his arms and glared at me with red eyes.
"I waited for you; I wasn't able to sleep at night because I was worried. Please, tell me if you have a fever or are you busy, etc. Just once called me."
"That you are not coming from that day to that day." He scolded me.
My eyes and mouth were wide open. What did he think of me as a child or what?
"Hey, I am not a child, so why are you worried?" I glared at him.
"First you are a child; You are careless about yourself; you ignore your needs. That's why I am worried about you. Remember my speech next time when you are fever wise or busy. Just once called me." He giggled at me.
This man is none other than the one who has helped me countless times since childhood.
In childhood, he was my neighbours. When he tried to talk to me, I ignored him again and again. I knew no one wanted to talk to me.
But—in forth grade, when I was bullied — he helped me and defended me. From that day, he became my closest friend.
Sometimes his face is red, but he says don't need to worry about that because of the hot weather.
I smiled while looking at him.
He is the one and only person who cared for me, who helped me, who cherished me, my closest friend, Shimizu.
He was a shy type of boy. He isn't able to talk to anyone except me. His tendency was to be introverted.
From childhood, he became a bit open and talked to other people too. He was doing good in front of me now as well.
He was possessive of me. When I tell him about my relationship with Lion. He was angry and sad.
"Why don't you tell me about that?" His voice was bitter and barely audible. He glared at me.
"If you tell me, first I need to see his background. He has another boyfriend or not," he whispered.
But I stopped him, and that's the worst choice I ever made. If I agree with him, I am not in the rule where I am now.
I take a deep breath to cut my stress.
The customer called him again, so he is leaving before he leaves;
"Change your clothes, rest. When I have free time, let's talk calmly." He stroked my head and left.
I go to the workers' room. Sit on the sofa; I lay on the sofa. I release my body and relax myself.
I think he notices; I am tired. Hmm, what a gentleman he is? I fell asleep on the sofa.
When I opened my eyes, a blurry figure appeared in front of me. In panic I gain my consciousness.
I opened my eyes wide. His face is familiar, he was Shimizu. Our eyes meet and make contact with Shimizu. We paused for a moment, my heart was beating fast. I don't know if Shimizu's heart is beating too.
Ten seconds later. Shimizu came nearer further; I realized the condition.
I pushed him. My face was red because of embarrassment, my heart was beating fast too. Like it could explode at any time.
I calmed myself, take a deep breath;
I shouted, "What are you doing—I… ?" I crossed my arms, my gaze sank to the floor because I was shy to face him and I realized I said something wrong.
I never shouted at him in that way, I did earlier. "I—I am… nearly afraid of death." My voice cracked.
I tried to look at his expression. But—
His face became fluffy, he began to cry because of my rough words.
He was a crybaby type boy. When we were eight-years-old, he got a little cut on his knees in the park when we were playing together.
He—first watched my face and saw his cut—again he stared at my face. This time his eyes are full of tears. He screamed, his voice raw like torn fabrics.
That time I ran to take the bandage and apply it on his knees.
That time I was smiled at him;
"Oh—That stone that I killed, princess, don't need to cry more. I am here and that magical thing I apply on you, it protects it from every injury."
He glanced at me with fluffy eyes. "Hmm… it really erases my—my pain. Why are you calling me princess? I am not a princess, you are." under his breath.
"Yes, okay; That pain is nothing to you right and you said that you are not a princess so stop crying."
He smiled, rubbed his neck, "So, I am prince, so you had to marry me."
I smiled too,"Okay."
From that day on, he stopped crying about little things.
But—in front of me, his big version is crying.
"I don't me—mean to d–do, You are moaning i–in sleep."
He covered his face; sat down on knees. I tried to confront him.
"Hey, don't cry, You are not a baby anymore, I was just startled. Stop crying… ." I whispered.
"I—I just want to ch-che—check if you are fine or not. Why did you scold me? I am afraid of that".
I promised him, "From today, I won't scold you anymore, okay".
He nodded and smiled and I did too.
Then he leaves; I am also gaining so much energy. I started to help him also.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Author's Note:
Ahh… you reached here? Really?
I'm honestly happy you're still reading my messy little story. I know I write in my own way — sometimes emotional, sometimes a little crazy, sometimes soft like warm chai, haha.
I hope this chapter made you feel something… even a tiny bit.
And hey, don't think too much — I'm still learning. So if something feels off, just pretend you didn't see it, okay? Hehe.
Also… should I tease you a little?
Something big is coming. I won't say what, but let's see if you can guess.
Go on, think… I'm watching you (just kidding… maybe )
Thank you for reading. Really.
It feels like you're sitting right in front of me while I write this, and that makes me smile a lot.
— Little_Tanjiro