Tsumi was a ravishing woman, and Kyle only used the word ravishing because he felt beautiful was too light to describe her.
If she had not gone into business, she could have easily become an actor or model and still dominated the industry; that was how good-looking she was.
Back at home, Kyle had helped her dispose of hundreds of love letters and marriage proposals from tons of influential people; it was so much that they had a bin specifically for them.
So when Kyle noticed how Haru would act like a compressed potato whenever he touched her, it became plainly obvious.
His eyes narrowed as he stared at Haru. 'What an ambitious man.'
Kyle had sensed a little animosity when they met, and now he had a vague idea why.
The previous him and Haru obviously had history. Kyle was not sure what had happened, but it was definitely not the good type...
After all, the previous Kyle had extorted Tsumi on several occasions, and yet she loved him unconditionally.
But this guy, who may have never betrayed her, did not get even an ounce of that love.
Kyle could see the picture clearly.
'You're jealous, aren't you? You little jellyfish...'
'Well, it's not like I care.' At the end of the day, Tsumi would choose whoever she liked. He was just being paranoid.
"So? What do you want to eat? Or are you just going to sit there gawking at us?"
Haru immediately tore his gaze away from them when he realized that he had been caught staring.
"I'll have two of these…"
'I'll get you back for this, I swear it!' Haru thought as he watched Kyle leave.
•••
Kyle returned a few minutes later, pushing a serving cart toward them, the scent of multiple assorted snacks filling the room.
Akiko was done with her work, so both she and Sakura came along with him, both of them standing at his two sides.
Kyle nodded to Akiko, and she stepped forward. "Good morning, Miss Kato. It's a pleasure to have you here."
Tsumi greeted her as well, then Akiko began the presentation. She took her time to present every single pastry, giving a summary of the baking process and a few details about them.
When she was done, Tsumi smiled and clapped. Haru clapped as well, although reluctantly.
"So, what is this, Kyle? You now offer a show along with your food?"
Kyle nodded and smirked. "It is something we are working on. We might be getting VIP customers soon, so we are offering a show if they are interested."
"Of course, with the show, we are able to charge two times the regular price, all because of a simple presentation," he added with a smile.
Then he paused to allow it to sink in.
"So, what do you think?"
Tsumi uncrossed her legs and dropped her phone on the table. "It is a really good idea. I never knew you had a knack for business."
"A knack for business? He is just a glorified scammer…" Haru muttered underneath his breath.
Tsumi turned a bit to look at him. "Sorry? I didn't hear what you said."
"Oh—hehe." He nervously shifted his chair closer for no apparent reason. "I said it was a good idea. The presentation is really worth every single penny!"
"Exactly, he is bound to make a lot of money from those rich customers!" Tsumi beamed, smiling proudly.
Unknown to Haru, Kyle had heard every single word he said. But he acted as though he had heard nothing.
"I'm glad you loved the presentation, Haru. I took the pleasure of adding it to your bill."
Haru froze. "Wait, what?"
"Anyways…" Kyle continued, ignoring him. "These pastries aren't going to eat themselves!"
Kyle began moving the food one by one to Tsumi's side of the table, the pleasant aroma of the food causing Haru's mouth to water as he watched them.
When Kyle was done, Tsumi's part of the table filled to the point of overflowing, while there was a single plate on Haru's side.
Tsumi stared at her table, her eyes shimmering as she looked from plate to plate, unsure of where to start. "Oh my goodness, isn't this too much?"
"Just eat what you can, I'll eat the rest."
She picked up the first one and took a bite, a light blush painting her cheeks as she let out a very pleased 'mmm.'
"You should really try this, Haru! It's delicious."
Haru swallowed, but his pride would not let him appreciate anything that Kyle was involved with.
He grabbed his own snack and tasted it, his expression softening as the food practically melted on his tongue.
Haru had to stop himself from drooling; he hardened his face, glaring at Kyle, who was smiling down at him.
'Bastard! You think you can woo me with this snack?! It's not even that good.'
Haru grabbed another dessert from his plate and practically glared at it. He took off his glasses and brought it close to his face, examining it.
"This macaron looks dry. Are you sure this was even made properly?"
"Sorry? What did you say?" came a polite voice from in front of him.
Haru lifted his head, his eyes sharp as razors, only to meet Akiko's steely eyes.
She was smiling… but Haru could feel the pure killing intent rolling out of her.
He quickly put his glasses back on and avoided her gaze.
"I-I guess the taste will be the final judge."
Haru brought the macaron to his lips and took a bite. He chewed it a little, then he suddenly froze, his mind reeling.
It was perfectly crisp on the outside but filled with a pleasant softness inside. And the taste? It was absolutely divine!
"Nghhh…" This time, Haru was unable to control the soft groan that left his mouth. He had even closed his eyes to savour the taste.
But when he opened them, he realized that the whole table had grown quiet and everyone was staring down at him.
Kyle frowned. "Please, Mr. Haru, don't make inappropriate sounds around my staff."
'ARGHHHHH DAMN ITTTTTT!!!'
'How is he making me out to be a pervert when he is the only pervert here?!'
Haru wiped the drool off his mouth, his eyes glistening with tears.
'He is making me look bad in front of Miss Kato!'
He turned his attention to Akiko. 'It's all that girl's fault. She is far too talented, so she's his secret weapon…'
Haru wanted to push away the demonic macarons, but his temptation got the better of him, and he ate everything before wiping his mouth.
'I'll show Tsumi that you are useless without them!'
He cleared his throat. "Tsumi, aren't you thirsty?"
Tsumi was eating a chocolate donut when he asked, so she just nodded in response.
"Then you are in luck, Tsumi. Do you want to see our coffee show?"
It was something Kyle had been planning for the past few days. Just like baristas made a show out of mixing drinks, they found a way to do it with coffee as well.
Tsumi finished her donut and nodded. "Of course, let me see what you guys have been planning."
Akiko went to the kitchen and brought with her another cart filled with all the things they needed.
She was about to begin when Haru raised a hand to stop her.
"Miss Kato rarely gets to see Kyle work. I'm sure since he runs this place, he is just as gifted as you, Miss. Why don't we give her the pleasure of watching his work?"
Tsumi clapped excitedly. "He's right. I've never seen you make coffee, Kyle!"
Kyle shrugged. "Of course, sis. If you really want to, I guess I'll show you…"
Then he stole a glance at Haru from the corner of his eye. 'What is that bastard doing?'
Haru, on the other hand, looked perfectly composed on the outside, but in his mind, he was celebrating.
'That's right… Kyle, give us a show. Show us just how useless you are.'