[Chapter 16: A Sweet Day, and a Sour Guest]
The weekend arrived, draped in a soft, cloudy sky that seemed to blur the edges of the city into watercolor. A gentle breeze carried the scent of spring, cool and refreshing, as the quiet hum of traffic filled the streets near the station.
Yuri stood waiting by the platform entrance, her figure framed against the soft gray light. She wore a cream-colored blouse with delicate lace detailing along the sleeves, paired with a pale pink skirt that fluttered faintly in the wind. Her long, light brown hair was tied loosely to one side, a soft ribbon holding it together, leaving a few strands to frame her face. There was an air of quiet elegance about her—graceful, serene, and undeniably charming.
She checked her phone for the third time. No new messages. But she wasn't worried. Takumi wasn't the type to send updates—he was the type to show up. And sure enough, after a few more moments, she spotted him walking from across the street.
Casual jeans, black hoodie, messy hair that somehow still looked good.
"You look nice," he said, eyes scanning her outfit, his tone relaxed but genuine.
Yuri turned her face just enough to hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "You too. I thought you'd oversleep."
"I had a reason not to today," he replied, voice lower and softer now.
With that, they began walking. Their steps matched instinctively, no need for small talk or forced words. It was quiet—but a comfortable, familiar silence that felt like them. Not awkward, not tense. Just… easy.
The café was a short walk away, a cozy new spot with hanging plants, wooden walls, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Their table was tucked near the window.
Yuri ordered a matcha parfait, while Takumi lazily picked a simple iced coffee and sandwich. But the moment the food came, she noticed he was unusually quiet.
Takumi was staring.
"…What is it?" she asked, setting her spoon down slowly.
Takumi blinked once. "Nothing."
"You're staring."
"At you," he said, without a beat of hesitation.
Yuri blinked, choking lightly on her parfait. "W-What?"
"You're just… different today. Pretty."
The spoon clinked awkwardly against the glass as she tried to act normal. Her cheeks were already warming.
"You say stuff like that so easily…"
Takumi leaned his cheek into his palm, expression calm and unreadable. "You kissed me first."
"Takumi!"
He smirked, clearly enjoying her flustered reaction, eyes half-lidded with quiet amusement.
For a while, everything felt perfect.
But peace never lingered long.
The bell above the café door rang again, sharper this time. Takumi didn't look. But Yuri, ever alert, did.
Reika.
She entered like she belonged there, wearing a stylish cream jacket over a sleek black dress. Her long silver hair was down today, shining under the warm lights, and a pair of sunglasses rested casually on her head like a crown. Her confident stride, her casual wave—it all seemed too perfectly timed.
"Oh? Yuri-chan, Takumi-kun? What a coincidence!"
Yuri's expression didn't change. "Totally."
Reika smiled, stepping closer to their table.
"This café's been trending lately. I had no idea you two would be here. Mind if I sit?"
"Yes," Yuri said flatly.
Takumi blinked.
Reika let out a light laugh, as though Yuri's words were just part of a joke. "Don't worry, I won't stay long."
Yet, despite her words, she pulled up a chair with a scraping sound that grated against the floor and sat beside Yuri without hesitation. She crossed one leg over the other, clearly making herself comfortable.
Yuri looked like she was fighting the urge to launch her parfait across the table.
Takumi took a long sip of his iced coffee. "What do you want, Reika?"
Reika leaned forward slightly, her silver hair brushing over one shoulder. "I wanted to talk. You're interesting, you know? Different from the rest. And I don't think one little outing means Yuri-chan has you all to herself."
Yuri's hand tightened around her spoon.
Takumi sighed. "You really don't give up, huh?"
Reika's smile stayed, but her eyes sharpened. "Not when I see something worth chasing."
Yuri was about to speak—her lips parted, ready to bite back—but Takumi beat her to it. He leaned in closer, his tone lower now, firm and clear.
"Then you should know this—chasing someone already walking beside someone else? You'll never catch up."
Reika stilled. Just for a moment.
Yuri blinked, caught off guard.
Then Takumi stood up. Calmly. Confidently. He looked at Yuri, eyes soft again, and extended his hand.
"Let's go. We were in the middle of something."
Yuri looked at him, then at Reika—who sat frozen with her fingers curled tightly around the edge of the table—before placing her hand gently in his.
They walked out together, steps in sync, the soft chime of the bell following them as the café door closed behind.
Reika remained seated, her perfect smile still fixed in place. But now, it didn't quite reach her eyes.