Volume 2 - CH 1.4

After school the next day.

“Thank you for taking care of Minato, we are in your debt.” At an inconspicuous corner of Cafe Proof, Fujimiya bowed to my cousin, Yukito, politely.

The receiving end, Yukito, dressed in his usual attire of denim, t-shirt, with an apron over, replied breezily, “No, don’t be. We are grateful to have a cute regular at our cafe. You’re welcome anytime.”

Like always, he kept his outward appearance immaculate.

By Fujimiya’s request, I introduced Yukito to her. Another person to thank for the Minato case, she said.

The two went on about other things. The university students working part-time glared at them while quickly changing positions, filling in for their slacking manager. As one of the part-timers, we were already accustomed to this.

Tearing my gaze from them, I returned my attention to the beauty in front of me.

“So, what’s this about?”

I was here for three purposes today. Fujimiya, part-time slot this evening, and…

“There’s this… read it.”

And Minato’s mysterious request for audience. She LINEd to me this morning, saying we need to meet, face to face.

“A letter…?” Minato held out a simple, elegantly designed letterhead. The seal was not yet torn. “For me?”

“Yup, I was asked to pass this,” she explained, “But not to Io…”

“But to the Angel” I finished for her.

She nodded uncomfortably. “Sorry… I know you’re hiding your identity. I had planned on refusing…”

“No worries, I’ve been expecting this, more or less.”

Minato and Fijimiya were in contact with the Angel. I couldn’t do the broadcast without exposing a contact to me. If anyone wanted to contact the Angel, now they could have just gone to these two.

“Rather, sorry for the attention.”

“N-no. It’s not something you can control.”

“Anyway, I’ll take this and figure out the rest. Leave this to me.”

Hmph, now…

I flip the letter and back. After playing with it, I set the letter down, eying the seal, exasperated. 

There wasn’t much to guess. When it comes to the Angel, all people want is love advice. But I prefer to choose who to take myself. There were many things to consider, such as how tight-lipped they were, how long they were stuck in the confession limbo.

“Hmm…”

“U-um… Io?” She tested.

“Hm?”

“May I ask something?” with an earnest preamble, much to my surprise, she began talking.

◆　◆　◆

“Io, did you change the garbage bag?”

A little past eight in the evening, some time after the last customer left the cafe. Yukito took care of the register, while giving me a cursory review.

“Already.”

“The dishes?”

“Washing”

“Cleaning the tables”

“When I finish this.”

Yukito grunted curtly and moved on to clean the counter area.

It has been more than a year since I’ve started working here. I have memorized most things and can function on my own. Frankly speaking, I was a pretty nice source of income. The only complaint I have was…

“But still, Io.”

“What?”

“You’re so lucky, having all the cute girls.”

“…”

He said to himself, “Fujimiya-san’s a really gooood girl. She’s probably popular…” Then he turned back to me. “She is, right?”

“Probably.”

“Ahh, of course, why not. I wanna go back to high schooool, enjoying my days with all the cute girls,” Yukito lamented mournfully.

I gave him a sidelong glance. If he ever gets caught, I’ll gladly testify. “Yes, I firmly believe he’d do it” Like that.

“So, who’s your endgame?”Fujimiya? Aki-chan? Or is it Yuzuki-san?”

“Shut up. Do your work”

“I’m doing～ Multitasking, you know～ Wait, aren’t I the manager here?”

“Wow, power harassment. Say something, I’m recording”

“Nope～ This is just me a my cousin vibin’”

Good grief…

“But, what’s wrong with discussing girl type. Isn’t it a healthy small talk topic for boy like us?”

“You know full well I don’t want to. That’s just creepy, if you’d ask.”

“Haaahh… That’s my loyal cousin for you. Good grief” That’s my line. Good grief. “Even so, Io, what’s that chitter-chatter in low voice with Yuzuki? Hmm? A date promise?”

“Why would we. Angel’s work, nothing for you.”

“Hmph. What a let down.” Yukito lost interest and began stretching. “Ah, but if it comes to a date, tell me, ‘kay? I’ll tell you some good spots.”

“Unneeded.” 

Even at my refusal, Yukito still grinned while humming happily.