The dull chime of the café entrance rang into the empty shop. The familiar face of my custodian turned from the sink to face me. What may have been a small measure of joy traced over the features before once again becoming the hardened visage of the man I called my guardian for this short time.
"Back, are ya?"
"Seems so." A dull question begetting a deservedly dull answer.
"And here I thought I'd be rid of you for good." There was a specific word that my old classmate had for this type of behaviour. I believe it was tsundere. From the little knowledge I had, it seemed the only thing missing was twin tails as they were emblematic of that personality trait. I may have to wash my eyes with bleach if Sojiro ever entertained such a makeover.
Mentally shaking that image from my mind. "That's a shame. No one will be able to put this special blend to use then." Procuring the capsule from my luggage. I had kept it handy for this very reason. It would feel awkward to rummage through my things just to retrieve this…
"Ooh, got something for me?" It seemed to have genuinely taken him off guard. I suppose I didn't seem like the type to adhere to these sentimental sorts of activities. In truth, it is a bit removed from my usual modus operandi… Though, everyone should welcome changes like this eventually.
"Just a small gesture of my gratitude for your hospitality."
"You actually had some manners all along, who knew?" Those manners were almost fully developed by my underclassman, so it seems. I was a bit embarrassed to admit I couldn't even buy a fitting souvenir without assistance. I seriously am lacking in some areas…
In particular; I might be becoming more complacent. It had been nearly a week, and I left it unattended… Not that I thought anyone would find it even if they turned the room upside down. Still…
The certain object I had in mind was sitting in my room, rather it should still be there. The urge to immediately go and check up on the specific place I had in mind came crawling into my brain more than a few times. Though, that would be entirely too suspicious and unnecessary. There was little to no chance anyone would find it even doing a strict turnover of the entire cafe. Perhaps it was the nature of the item that had me on edge… I had doubted the necessity of such a thing… I suppose it all depended on the next visit to the palace. A good secondary plan of offensive action, though plenty more had to be set up for the next step.
I recapped the main factors in my head once more…
The bird was still caged, cat was still nestled in his lap. The maid had yet to play her part. But finally the first piece was in place. Free hands on the outside… I just needed to see if he finally got the message… It's possible he could step in and ruin the entirety of my setup. But at that point… who cares? I don't have to save them, it was him that gave me the idea. At the point it's all ruined I can just claim ignorance and grasp the veil of innocence.
"Apparently a trip was all it took to teach me them."
"Ha! I might have to send you away more often. Hand 'em over then, kid." I offered the beans before attempting to saunter over to the staircase and remove myself from the shop proper. No doubt Sojiro wants to continue his business, even if it is awfully quiet right now.
"Ah, hang on… You want a cup?" His hand tapped my shoulder slightly, urging me to stay for a moment.
"…" How peculiar. Even if it was empty right now… This wasn't like Sojiro at all… Perchance there was something on his mind?
"Go on take a seat, there're no other customers anyway. Y'know, just feels like a waste not to try it out right away." Am I hearing things? Or wait… No, it couldn't be… Has Sojiro come to miss my company over the short time I've been away?
…
Nah, definitely not. Probably just a gesture to reciprocate my gift… Well, not like I have to move immediately.
"Oh yeah, Doctor-chan from across the street came over while you were away. Apparently, you did your check-in with her?" This is strange, did old age really do this to your sociability? He was never the type to bring up small talk… It felt like his idea to run a coffee shop was now more about talking to others than his love for coffee itself… An unsociable man such as this? I'm more extroverted in comparison…
What a drab thought.
"Yeah, the day before I left." I could still remember the solemn look on her face after seeing my back. As well as the sweet, subtle smile that regained on her features after realising I was there as an actual patient. Two things I had to feel guilty about. No doubt several more things would join that list in the coming weeks and months.
"…I take it she seen them." So that's what he was really worried about… Should've guessed.
"Doctor-patient confidentiality, she won't be able to blab about it without hurting herself." Not that she had much more of a reputation to lose. But it could certainly work in my favour if I needed to oust her from the medical world. Blabbering about these things was strictly against the code of ethics and could cement her grave in the industry. Not that she would take the chance, Takemi didn't strike me as the type.
"That's not what I was worried about kid…"
"Hmm? What then…?" There was no other reason to be bothered over something so trivial, right? I had to check-in with a doctor somewhere, if anything her unique circumstances actually worked in my favour.
"Well she just looked like she…" He gave me a look that could've been anywhere between worry and suspicion. "Never mind… forget I said anything." Before ultimately cutting it short altogether.
"…" Come to think of it she was worried, more than I would've thought… Has that worry transferred over to my cold unfeeling steward as well? How reassuring, I was slowly becoming to feel at home. The place was complete with a far greater approximation to human warmth and family than my Father had ever attempted to emulate. A coffee dad, doctor mum and psyche-dwelling son. Sounds like the premise of a programme you might catch on daylight tv.
Was he worried about my physical health? They were just marks, marks that hardly made an impact on my movements. The most I felt now was just a dull ache and some stinging depending on the weather. It wasn't really all that much to worry over.
"Are you worried about me?" The inquisitive feeling I had didn't leave me and instead manifested in a small measure of teasing for my now guardian.
"Worried? Don't be-! I just know how kids can be, I was one myself." How long ago was that?
"I'm not that old."
"…Could've sworn I didn't say that aloud."
"Even with that empty face, your real thoughts ring loud and clear."
"That's rather uncomfortable." Wow, now I can't empathise or lie well. This doesn't bode well, not at all.
"Not my fault you're obvious." He smirked whilst straining the beans. Delivering the hot black liquid into two mugs.
"…You weren't even looking at me."
"It was the same when we first visited that school. Way too easy to read."
"I was only looking."
"Yeah, for a guy that never moves any other part of your face, everyone pays attention to your eyes instead. Their gaze, direction, how long they remain..." For once he took his eyes off of his work to gaze at me through a smug grin.
"Is that so?"
The aroma spread lazily to my nose as I brought the cup towards my lip. A bitter, astringent taste enveloped my senses, covering my palate for a moment. I was somewhat amazed by Sojiro. He had been working here for who knows how long, day-in day-out performing the same actions. Yet even now he retains the same level of detail and affection for the craft. He could probably complete every task in this shop blindfolded at this point. Yet, he still focuses solely on the thing right in front of him. That was a certain level of dedication.
"Make sure you get doctor-chan something as well. She doesn't show it often, hell, never from as far as I've known her. But she was pretty worried about you."
"Already done. I'll probably give it her soon." I just hope she'd at least like it. Or at least not throw it away… That's a rather low bar, isn't it?
"You just might have more sense than I give you credit for…"
"Maybe… maybe not."
A brief silence lulled as we both took swigs from the burning mugs.
"…How was it anyway?" He asked in an almost impatient tone.
"What?"
He tutted in response. "What do you think I mean? Hawaii."
"Hmm. It was fun. You probably would've enjoyed the beach there." Considering he spent most of his spare time with the fairer sex that might've been apt. Though, I suppose the beach was littered with students at that time… I guess if he doesn't share a certain Olympic athlete's proclivities, he may find it uncomfortable rather than enjoyable.
"Hah, probably not. Especially if it was a bunch of noisy kids like you there the entire time." The idea of Sojiro chewing out a couple of kids for being a nuisance was easy enough to conjure up. I wonder if he often gets customers like that here?
Hey, hold on a minute…
"I'm noisy?" First time I've ever heard of it.
"Well, in a different way from normal kids. Just what did you even get up to there? it's hard to imagine you playing around in the sand or sea..."
"Am I not capable of such activities?"
"Speaking like that should be a dead giveaway. It wouldn't surprise me if you thought of those ideas as pointless."
"…" Bingo. Or at least I used to.
"I can't say it was my first choice. But some company makes even the things I thought to be unenjoyable or pointless to become filled with meaning." That was similar back in ANHS too, though I hadn't quite come out of my shell by that point. Well, I was hardly out of it now either, but I was getting better. Slowly.
"Some company, huh? Finally take my advice and start chasing someone your own age?" Is he still going on about that? It wasn't like I done anything other than spare a passing glance. I suppose for a romance-addicted man like Sojiro (wording as kindly as I can) these thoughts would always remain in his mind.
"Like I said, I was only looking." It's like I was on trial or something.
"Sure. Sure. Whatever you say." He smirked. Irritating. "So, a girl, huh?" Resting his elbows on the counter, he regarded me once again.
"I'm done talking about this." The memory of that video, the audio specifically was haunting me to an almost eerie degree. Remembering that event fully… I can't really call the overall sensation bad though…
"Well, make sure you deal with it properly. If even an apathetic kid like you can see the value in her, then there's going to be plenty of other guys that have their eyes on her too." There was already someone staking a claim on her, one that should be restrained by every ethical and moral restriction. Yet still made it his claim all the same.
"Is that how that works?"
"'Course. You've gotta act quick when this stuff's on the line. Good girls and guys get picked up at the drop of a hat. Not to say you should rush, there is a timing to these things… But leaving things too long and being kicked out of the running by disqualification would leave the most bitter taste in your mouth, wouldn't it?"
"I suppose so." He had more experience, so I guess I would defer to his advice in this case. That bodes well…
In love there was a certain measure of swiftness you had to act with. I gave the same reasoning to Kei when I had finally confessed to her as well. If I leave it too long someone else will make a move and my chance would be over. That's the general understanding. In the end it relied upon patience, I just needed to see when that thin strand of patience would break.
Sojiro continued. "Kids… With their almost infinite youth are always hesitant to act. There's nothing wrong with taking your time to think. There's even no problem with making mistakes to learn and become better in the future. Kids have that luxury. But you should also remember that even with all that time. There are some things that can only be done once in your life. No matter the age."
"We're just friends."
"And that's fine. But if the urge to become something more whispers in your ear, then you should be prepared to take the deep dive. Idling can block off paths that once remained open to you." I wonder if these are the types of conversations fathers and sons have? Talking about crushes over a cup of coffee, discussing grades and future aspirations over a family meal. Wisdom spanning a lifetime that's slowly passed off to the next generation, both trifling and enamouring… That's a nice thought.
"Wisdom from the past, is it?"
"Just remember it. Every person has regrets. No matter who they are. It's the elderly's job to try and limit those as much as they can." I thought you weren't that old?
"I'll remember it."
Now's as a good a time as any. Especially if we're talking about things we might regret.
"Oh. And you should get a letter from the school in a few days."
"…Why? What have you managed to do already?" His tone was inscrutable, and his eyes had shrunk into a soft glare immediately.
"There was some unavoidable trouble on the trip. I thought you'd appreciate the warning before it came. Better than trying to go around your back, right?"
"Haah… I did warn you any trouble would land you on the street, didn't I?" He sighed, rubbing the back of his head tiredly. He seemed genuinely disappointed by the news. It was definitely a good idea to wait for this conversation later.
"Of course. The principal agreed as well, didn't he? If he sees this as trouble, no doubt he'll ask for you to do the same in the letter."
"Hmm, true. Still, I don't like this… I don't want to get wrapped up in the specifics, whatever's going on with you... But you shouldn't be causing any issues for me. Our terms are contingent on that."
"Nothing will come of it. In fact, they asked me to join the student council along with club sessions to help the school out." Even if they labelled it as some sort of reforming punishment, it was clear what exactly their real motives were.
"…Something tells me you've done something more than just cause trouble." No, in fact the trouble was just beginning.
"It'll just be the records they have of my last school. I seem to have made a lasting impression on the principal." Records or not, the mere fact I had attended ANHS would probably be enough to sway his opinion somewhat.
"That meeting with him… yeah, certainly made it apparent."
I finished the last remnants of the coffee and slid it towards the serving end of the counter. "You have my word that no issues will come your way. Should they, then you are more than free to wash your hands of me, like you said in the first place."
"No kidding. You'll be out of the door faster than you can blink."
"Understood."
Dragging the suitcase towards the staircase, I prepared to unpack the rest of my belongings and adjust back into the somewhat regular routine here.
"Oh, and kid…"
I looked back once more to the spectacled guardian washing the mug I had just used.
"…Welcome back." It would sound comedic coming from my mouth, but… He really did struggle to show affection.
[Phantom opera: White Soliloquy]
"You really got nothing better to do on a weekend than come here?" Is that how you greet someone?
"Weren't you asking for help?" She had even messaged me earlier, I assumed now was as good a time as any.
"Yeah… I would've expected a kid your age to have some plans at least. What's up? Got no friends or something?" I couldn't tell if she was genuinely trying to hurt my feelings or not.
"Yes, I'm just terribly lonely without you Takemi-sensei."
"Less of the sass, mister. I am still your boss at this moment."
"Understood."
"So? I wasn't expecting you to offer help this quickly. Did you not want to rest after your trip?"
"Is a vacation not already enough rest?"
"Now that you say it... I guess that's true. So, is that the reason you've come on a Sunday? No friends or other plans?"
"All my other friends could be resting just like you implied."
"In which case you would just say they are; y'know, instead of making a hypothetical."
"…"
"…What's with the fourth degree? I can't tell if you're just bullying me or genuinely curious."
"Hey… Look, I just know how it can be; new place, new people. Don't really know anyone, new life and all that. It can be a bit overwhelming, that's all."
"…" Well, I wasn't expecting that.
"…"
"…It must've been difficult for you as well. Making your own practice, working on this place alone. I suppose we've both thrown ourselves in the deep end."
"That we have. It's not all bad, sometimes an escape is just what you need for a better start."
"Can't refute that."
"…"
"Does that mean you're willing to get to know me, Takemi-sensei?"
"Careful now, kid. Keep it professional."
"That's a shame, I thought we could become fast friends. That's why I came here so soon, I wanted to pay you back for the checkup as soon as possible."
"I dunno about friends. The medical field doesn't really give that leeway. But if you can follow instructions well and don't cause any problems… I'm sure we can get along on a professional basis."
"Wow, shut down. To think you mocked my friendlessness, then got my hopes up only to knock them down after. Cold."
"Haha, it's nothing like that."
"You realise I can tell when you're lying about how busy you are? I mean I'm working with you right now."
"Oh, sweet summer child. You clearly have no idea."
"Paperwork and research, I guess. But actual patients… lacking a bit."
"I'll have you know that I'm working on something special at the moment. That project is taking the bulk of my time. The lack of patients can be excused for that."
"Hm? Will any of my time be dedicated to that?"
"Hmm… No... No, it's still in the test phases. Barely even clinical trials, but it'll get there…"
"Is that so? Can I ask what it is?"
"It's probably better that I don't… Sorry." Well she is a licensed physician, she's bound to have some research or other that's keeping her busy. With her reputation it would also be an issue if many other people got word of it as well. They could attempt to disrupt research or even use her own findings for their gain. How troubling.
"…"
"Well, whatever it is I hope it goes well."
"Thanks. So do I…"
Before an awkward silence could tangibly form in the room, I had reached into the school bag I had brought.
"Um, I wasn't sure when to give this. But now seems as good a time as any."
"…" She looked over the package for a few moments before sighing and giving me a somewhat placating look. She was reticent to reach out for the item, though I noticed her hand move slowly back to her side. It seems thought beat out instinct this time.
"Uh, kid… Don't take this the wrong way, but-"
Before any strange ideas could form in my employers mind, I clarified my intentions.
"It's a souvenir. Souvenir. Another way of saying thanks for taking care of me." I could understand why she had an issue, it wasn't like I was being particularly careful with my language around her. She even added to the flirtatious double-speak we enjoyed at times. I just wanted it to be understood that I wouldn't actively bypass that line we had drawn in the sand. At least that isn't my intention anyway, it would cause no end of troubles for both of us. Especially if anything more came from it.
"I mean you say that… but this doesn't exactly scream platonic souvenir…"
"Really, what's wrong with it?"
"I mean for starters it's a damn choker! This is something you'd get a girlfriend. Not something you hand to your boss."
"But you wear them. Even now." I lowered my gaze to the spiked collar she donned at the moment.
"Yes, I know-"
"They look good on you, isn't it the same as buying any other type of jewellery?"
"Well yes, but-"
"Then what's the issue?"
"If you'd let me finish. I'd say it's the fact there's a damn heart on it! Seriously, I'm surprised you even found something like this in a gift shop. The only way this could be more inappropriate was if this box had handcuffs in them…"
"What would handcuffs be used for in this context?"
"Just… forget it. Did you really pick this out yourself?"
"Funny enough, I actually had a kouhai help me pick it out. That's why I thought it was a safe choice." There isn't much that could make a doctor's life easier in a gift shop, so we decided on random apparel. I haven't seen many other people wear choker's before, but supposedly they were somewhat popular amongst girls. Yoshizawa also didn't seem to think it was strange, although maybe she was overestimating how close we are? Or maybe Yoshizawa just doesn't sweat small stuff like that… probably the latter.
"And you told them I was your boss?" I just nodded.
"What is the world coming to? Are kids just senseless or am I getting old?" Takemi, held her head for a moment muttering all the while, seemingly coming to grips with the world that has become her reality.
"I take it that means you don't like it… I can't exactly return it, but if you give me a few days I could find something else you might like." I didn't want to show it, but I was slightly dejected. I didn't expect to feel this way from a gift being rejected, but I had given it some proper thought beforehand. I guess this is just how it goes sometimes.
"Hold on. There really weren't any alternative thoughts behind buying this?"
"Other than that I thought it'd look good on you? No. To be honest, I was struggling, we don't know each other that well after all."
"I'd say. Which makes it stranger that you went to the trouble…" She snorted slightly, shaking the absurdity of the idea out of her head.
"Regardless of the time we've spent together, you shown me compassion. I wanted to repay it. You could've easily thrown me out of the door the first time, yet you didn't." Behind that tough exterior, it was clear to see that Takemi Tae was a person that truly held compassion for her patients. Which made her current position a bit more questionable.
"Come here." Am I about to receive a knife strike like how Horikita used to abuse me? I suppose for malpractice in the workplace it was probably deserved. Though, it certainly wasn't intentional.
She sat on the office chair before me, shifting her short hair aside allowing me to see the pearly white of her nape. "Well? Are you going to put it on?"
"Ah, right…" I fiddled with the clasp and set it around her neck lightly, making sure it wasn't too tight. They might've been called chokers but I'm fairly sure that wasn't their purpose. No doubt, there would be ceaseless insurance claims if this was their designated function.
"…To think I'd get something like this from a kid. Worse, it's actually something that's my style as well… I need to get out more." She was whispering to herself, I couldn't make out most of it. I did notice the gift was something she actually liked, which filled me with a small sense of levity.
"Huh?"
"Nothing… Don't get any ideas from this. Understood?" Twirling the chair around she regarded me once again through narrowed eyes.
"Loud and clear." I saluted.
Standing up slowly, the short-haired doctor stood before me with the newly gifted accessory covering her neck, the heart token jingling lightly as she swayed. "So how does it look?" A small flashback of the first time I had bought a gift for a girl appeared in the back of my mind. The only similarity they had was the small heart charm attached to the jewellery, but it seemed that image wouldn't be wiped from my mind. Now that I think about it, Kei said it wasn't the best idea back then either… I guess I never learn. Always making the same mistakes, huh?
"I was right, it looks good on you." Takemi had a unique look about herself, I couldn't deny that. But I preferred this choker to the old one, perhaps it was because it was something I had bought. Or maybe it was the lingering fear that she might one day use the spiky carapace of that medieval weaponry to hurt me. Who's to say?
"Still, getting a choker for your boss… You're either extremely dense or brave."
"I assure you. I'm just careless."
"Haha. I'd say from that back of yours it's a mix of both. I wouldn't have it any other way, though. Thanks, little lab rat." For some reason, even though being treated like a rodent should be annoying or at least unpleasant, it didn't bother me. Like it was always supposed to be this way. Was that because it was a term of affection for someone with as cold a disposition as Takemi, or was it because I was some sort of masochist? I don't know. I was just left with the unfathomable understanding that I was fine, almost naturally tolerant, with being referred to in such a way.
"…Anytime."
We continued to chat in the small clinic as Takemi shown me most of the administrative roles I could help with. Unlicensed and lacking practical skills, it was obvious most of my work would come in the form of grunt work, secretarial and assistant like roles. Not that I mind. In a way this suits me just fine.
---
Word count: 4568
More of a chilled chapter. Wanted to show some of the quieter moments with characters that are more like Ayanokouji's supportive family since he moved here. Sojiro and Takemi are alike in the way that they show a harsh exterior, whilst they are fairly compassionate and caring underneath, they just want to limit relationships because they've been burned in the past.
You know what this means, right?
That's right…
They're both tsundere's!
With Civil War as well, it seems that's becoming my specialty. Pray for me.
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