[The coffeeshop--Cafe 17--is familiar in a way that would usually be comforting to Kou. It's been the base of their operations in many ways, and often was where they would meet up. Heck, it was where Asuka was living at that.
And yet...
Here and now, Kou at one of the back corner tables, a cup of coffee cupped in his hands, shoulders hunched, it doesn't feel at all homey or familiar.
Or maybe nothing does at this point...? The city's been saved, and yet...even so, right now? Everything feels different.
Don't mind the buzzkill in the corner brooding, Akira! It's a nice coffee shop.]
[Cafe 17 isn't a coffee shop with which Akira is familiar. he doesn't really tend to browse the other cafes of the city when he, you know. . . live in the attic of one. besides, it isn't like any of them can beat the aromatic and tasteful mixture of Leblanc's house blend. why even bother when he had already tasted cafe perfection?]
[and yet!!]
[today, Akira has decided to be a little adventurous]
[and that's why he breezes through the front door of Cafe 17, the little bell ringing behind him as he steps out of the hot summer air and into the air conditioned interior of the building. a black cat pokes his head out of his shoulder back, ears flicking as his blue gaze sweeps across the sparsely occupied cafe. naturally, Akira goes straight for the counter, but. . . on the way there, his own eyes flicker from the counter to the corner in which Kou is sitting]
[Kou meets the stranger's eyes and...pauses. He tends to know everyone who meanders their way into Brick Alley; it's not that far from the big city by any means, but it's still a bit off the beaten path, away from the preppy coffee shops that line the main square.
He doesn't know this stranger, but it's none of his business, right...?
... Is that a cat?
The master of the coffee shop, greying but proper and poised, greets Akira, tells him to take his time on deciding what to have, and Kou...grimaces a little, flicking his gaze back down to his coffee cup.
It's in his nature to be a busybody--to want to know what's going on with everyone in his path--but today... today, he just wants to sulk and brood in peace a little. Is that so wrong...?
[Akira has lived in Tokyo long enough to know that not everyone's business is his business. he's the kind of guy who cares about others and wants to help them out when he can, but one would never survive in Tokyo if they stuck their nose into everyone else's personal matters.]
[but the way Kou grimaces, his gaze flickering down. . .]
[. . . that's strange, and it causes Akira to hesitate. behind him, Mona makes a questioning noise-- What's wrong, Joker?-- and with a shake of his head, Akira answers]
Ah. . . it's nothing. I just--
[. . .]
I'll take a mocha java. Black, please.
[that's directed to the cafe owner. but once he places his order and pays up, his gaze meanders back towards Kou, eyes full of a silent question. Is everything okay?]
[Akira sets his jaw tightly in determination as the cafe owner passes him his coffee. with the cardboard cup in hand, Akira weaves his way past the tables and chairs until he's standing right next to Kou's seat, his free hand resting idly in his pocket]
This seat taken?
[it's not every day that Akira forcibly interjects himself into a stranger's life. but there are some things he just can't ignore. and Kou's forlorn and downtrodden expression is absolutely one of them]
He...really came over. Kou's not sure what he was expecting, but that wasn't it. It's... kind of meddlesome, isn't it?
(Welcome to a taste of your own medicine, Kou.)
He slowly lifts his head, meeting Akira's eyes--but though he meets Akira's eyes, the dark circles under his eyes and the exhaustedly downtrodden expression he wears can't really be easily hidden all of a sudden.]
[THAT'S A LIE, HE DOES NOT. just. . . the ones who really catch his attention. the ones who really look like they could use someone to get their mind off of whatever it is they're mulling over. Akira has no expectations that Kou will actually talk about what's bothering him, but that's okay]
[they can introduce themselves, and go from there]
[with a nod, Akira slips into the chair, resting his cup on the table and slipping his bag off his shoulder to drop it onto the ground next to him. Mona tucks himself deeper into the bag, ears perked to listen in on the conversation, even though he remains silent and still]
I'm Akira.
[first things are first]
Kurusu Akira. You don't have to give me your name if you don't want to, though.
[... Kou just heaves out a soft sigh, shoulders slumping. He's not escaping this, obviously (you're the one who invited him to sit, Kou), but he just shakes his head.]
... Tokisaka Kou. You don't have to be so careful around me. I'm not going to break.
[Akira wasn't even around for it, so he sure as shit has no idea what went down in this sleepy little offshoot of Shibuya]
It's quiet.
[he leans back in his chair, arm slung over the back as he takes a sip of the coffee. and here, he pauses, rolling the liquid over his tongue to savor the flavor before he swallows. huh. . . it is pretty damn good. it still doesn't beat Leblanc's, but nothing in the world could do that]
I'm not exactly used to it. I live in Yongen-Jaya and go to school in Aoyama-Itchome, and it's always super busy over there.
[and yet! Akira isn't offering to go with him, though. they did just meet, and that might be a bit too forward for what is just a casual first conversation]
Central Street near the Shibuya crossing is a good place to start. It has shops, an arcade, and a nice diner where I got to study on rainy days.
I like to go to Ichigaya to fish, but only at night. The Sky Tower is in Asakusa, and that's always worth paying a visit. There's a museum in Ueno I go to, and a planetarium in Ikebukuro. Shinjuku and Harujuku are worth a visit if you like seedy late-night bars and shopping.
[let's see. . . where else? Kou may get the feeling that Akira is the type to get out a lot]
Ah-- right. Then there's Dome Town, which is an amusement park near Odaiba. And my favorite ramen shop is in Ogikubo.
Why sit still when there's an entire city for me to explore?
[it gives him something to do when otherwise he'd just be at home moping about being on probation. besides. . . he needs to explore the city to find new Confidants, and discover ways to help improve the performance of the Phantom Thieves. to help keep them safe]
[ah. . . did he happen to catch this guy in the middle of a large life change? the curious part of Akira wishes to ask, but the socially aware part of him knows better. he drops his hand back to the table, mouth twitching into a small, lopsided smile]
[he doesn't push for Kou to continue that aborted line of thought]
Mmm. . . probably Ichigaya.
[?? WHAT A WEIRD CHOICE, AKIRA]
I used to fish in my free time before I came to the city, so I guess occasionally I like to return to my roots.
[whatever is on Kou's mind? Akira is fairly certain that a quiet evening sitting by the fishing reservoirs of Ichigaya will help him cope. he almost says, "let me know how it goes," but. I mean. . . they're still strangers, and there's no way for either of them to track each other down after this meeting, is there?]
I hope you find it as peaceful as I do, then.
[heh]
A bit of advice: go at night. It's cheaper than going during the daytime.
[oh-- that's a surprise. Akira hadn't meandered over to this table to exchange numbers with Kou. he actually kind of expected they would never speak again after this. after all. . . isn't it kind of weird for a stranger to sit down at someone's coffee table and offer random advice?]
[but nonetheless, Akira can't say he's displeased with this development. he blinks a few times, mouth twitching as he pulls out his own phone. just a normal smartphone; no fancy xiphone, here]
If I'm ever in this part of the neighborhood again, I'll take you up on that offer.
[This time, on this casual day, Kou is working at the coffee shop. He's started picking up more and more shifts at his various part time jobs to try to stave off the general ache of Shiori not being around--his friends and family disapprove, but there's not a lot they can say in response.
So.
Here he is, idly working behind the counter, cleaning up cups and plates as he leans against the counter, expression distant and a little contemplative.
It's a quiet day, so he can at least afford to be a little out of it, from the looks of things.]
[in no way does Akira expect to run into Kou again when he makes his way to the Moriyama cafe for his second visit. they had exchanged chat IDs, sure. . . but Akira hadn't gone out of his way to text the other teenager, either. it wasn't that he didn't want to; it was mostly because there's only so much interest a stranger can express in someone before that interest starts to become creepy. he figures if Kou wants to talk, he'll say something. and he leaves it at that]
[so imagine his surprise when he steps into the cafe and spots that only vaguely familiar head of flat hair standing behind the counter. it shouldn't be that much of a surprise, though; Kou did admit to working here last time they spoke. Akira just didn't think he'd run into him while he was on duty, that's all]
Huh. . .
[after a few quiet blinks, Akira meanders over to the counter, adjusting his bag over his shoulder as he does so. there's no cat with him today]
Kou's lips quirk briefly, an amused expression on his face, and then he nods briefly and takes the yen, placing it easily in the register, and then moving on over to start brewing.]
My best blend's the house blend, because I can't really do better than the master here.
We'll see how it goes.
[Kou says that, but he'll get a bit more creative than that, because he likes making coffee...]
[AKIRA. . . the reply drips so easily from his tongue that it almost surprises Akira himself, but the slightly curved corners of his lips and the playful sparkle in his eye are very telling. apparently strangers don't automatically get the DRY HUMOR CAN'T-TELL-IF-HE'S-JOKING treatment. . . which may or may not be a good thing]
Ah. . . don't take that one seriously. I was just committing to the bit.
[except now he slightly regrets it? silly Akira, sometimes you have to slam on the joke brakes or else someone is gonna think you're a sad, sad person!!]
[He has finished, and Kou allows him to take it without argument.
It's a nice cup of coffee! This is a specialty coffee shop a la Leblanc, so while Kou isn't a master blender, the house blend means that even his above average skills can make a mean cup of coffee.]
... Right. Enjoy. Thanks for coming by. All of that usual barista stuff.
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realpolitik2019-04-24 06:56 pm
1.
And yet...
Here and now, Kou at one of the back corner tables, a cup of coffee cupped in his hands, shoulders hunched, it doesn't feel at all homey or familiar.
Or maybe nothing does at this point...? The city's been saved, and yet...even so, right now? Everything feels different.
Don't mind the buzzkill in the corner brooding, Akira! It's a nice coffee shop.]
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[and yet!!]
[today, Akira has decided to be a little adventurous]
[and that's why he breezes through the front door of Cafe 17, the little bell ringing behind him as he steps out of the hot summer air and into the air conditioned interior of the building. a black cat pokes his head out of his shoulder back, ears flicking as his blue gaze sweeps across the sparsely occupied cafe. naturally, Akira goes straight for the counter, but. . . on the way there, his own eyes flicker from the counter to the corner in which Kou is sitting]
[and for a brief moment? he locks eyes with him]
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He doesn't know this stranger, but it's none of his business, right...?
... Is that a cat?
The master of the coffee shop, greying but proper and poised, greets Akira, tells him to take his time on deciding what to have, and Kou...grimaces a little, flicking his gaze back down to his coffee cup.
It's in his nature to be a busybody--to want to know what's going on with everyone in his path--but today... today, he just wants to sulk and brood in peace a little. Is that so wrong...?
(But seriously, is that a cat?)]
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[but the way Kou grimaces, his gaze flickering down. . .]
[. . . that's strange, and it causes Akira to hesitate. behind him, Mona makes a questioning noise-- What's wrong, Joker?-- and with a shake of his head, Akira answers]
Ah. . . it's nothing. I just--
[. . .]
I'll take a mocha java. Black, please.
[that's directed to the cafe owner. but once he places his order and pays up, his gaze meanders back towards Kou, eyes full of a silent question. Is everything okay?]
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Wow.
He must look especially terrible if even strangers are worried about him now.
Kou huffs, dropping his gaze, staring intently at the coffee in his hands. That... that's pretty much the absence of an answer right there.]
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[Akira sets his jaw tightly in determination as the cafe owner passes him his coffee. with the cardboard cup in hand, Akira weaves his way past the tables and chairs until he's standing right next to Kou's seat, his free hand resting idly in his pocket]
This seat taken?
[it's not every day that Akira forcibly interjects himself into a stranger's life. but there are some things he just can't ignore. and Kou's forlorn and downtrodden expression is absolutely one of them]
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He...really came over. Kou's not sure what he was expecting, but that wasn't it. It's... kind of meddlesome, isn't it?
(Welcome to a taste of your own medicine, Kou.)
He slowly lifts his head, meeting Akira's eyes--but though he meets Akira's eyes, the dark circles under his eyes and the exhaustedly downtrodden expression he wears can't really be easily hidden all of a sudden.]
... What if I said it was?
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[the corners of Akira's lips curve upwards into a slightly lopsided smile]
Then I'd probably let you be, since it would mean that someone else is arriving to keep you company.
Which is something you look like you could use right now.
[a small shrug, and Akira's hand ghosts over the back of the chair. he doesn't pull it out just yet, though]
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... This guy...]
Hey... [...] Do you always harass strangers that look down like this?
[At least he knows how he looks.
And he just...nods vaguely at that chair.]
If you're going to hover around, you may as well just sit.
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[THAT'S A LIE, HE DOES NOT. just. . . the ones who really catch his attention. the ones who really look like they could use someone to get their mind off of whatever it is they're mulling over. Akira has no expectations that Kou will actually talk about what's bothering him, but that's okay]
[they can introduce themselves, and go from there]
[with a nod, Akira slips into the chair, resting his cup on the table and slipping his bag off his shoulder to drop it onto the ground next to him. Mona tucks himself deeper into the bag, ears perked to listen in on the conversation, even though he remains silent and still]
I'm Akira.
[first things are first]
Kurusu Akira. You don't have to give me your name if you don't want to, though.
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... Tokisaka Kou. You don't have to be so careful around me. I'm not going to break.
[A beat, and he adds:]
I've never seen you around here before.
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[he's not being careful, he's just being friendly! but in a way that gives Kou an out, just in case he's uncomfortable with strangers]
This is my first time in this area of the city. Do you come here often?
[that sounds like a bad pickup line even though he doesn't mean it as one]
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But....maybe it's good to talk to someone new for that reason, too.]
Yeah, I guess you could say that. They serve good coffee here. [He shrugs.] And I've worked a couple of shifts here too.
What do you think of the Morimiya area so far?
[It's pretty quiet now that the Crisis is over... not that anyone remembers said Crisis, so.]
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It's quiet.
[he leans back in his chair, arm slung over the back as he takes a sip of the coffee. and here, he pauses, rolling the liquid over his tongue to savor the flavor before he swallows. huh. . . it is pretty damn good. it still doesn't beat Leblanc's, but nothing in the world could do that]
I'm not exactly used to it. I live in Yongen-Jaya and go to school in Aoyama-Itchome, and it's always super busy over there.
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[In fact, since around the time that stepping outside of Morimiya would've brought the world crashing down!!
Fun times.]
I should travel more... [That's muttered to himself, as he lifts his own cup for a sip.]
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[that comment may be muttered to himself, but Akira picks up on it anyway. and, as he takes another sip of his own coffee, he offers casually]
Yep. You should. I can give you a list of recommended places to visit around the city, if you'd like.
[helping!!]
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He really should. He should go see more of the world--even just more of Japan--in a way he hasn't been able to for ten years unknowingly.
This guy is a total stranger, and yet...]
... Yeah. Sure. I'd take it, if you want to. [It's a start.]
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Central Street near the Shibuya crossing is a good place to start. It has shops, an arcade, and a nice diner where I got to study on rainy days.
I like to go to Ichigaya to fish, but only at night. The Sky Tower is in Asakusa, and that's always worth paying a visit. There's a museum in Ueno I go to, and a planetarium in Ikebukuro. Shinjuku and Harujuku are worth a visit if you like seedy late-night bars and shopping.
[let's see. . . where else? Kou may get the feeling that Akira is the type to get out a lot]
Ah-- right. Then there's Dome Town, which is an amusement park near Odaiba. And my favorite ramen shop is in Ogikubo.
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Kou takes a moment, blinking, before he ruefully snorts.]
Wow. You're like a travel guide. You don't really sit still, do you?
[He's grateful, though. Hearing about those places puts a bit of a spark in his heart to maybe go visit them.]
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Why sit still when there's an entire city for me to explore?
[it gives him something to do when otherwise he'd just be at home moping about being on probation. besides. . . he needs to explore the city to find new Confidants, and discover ways to help improve the performance of the Phantom Thieves. to help keep them safe]
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... You're...
[Kou huffs, snorting amusedly. He can't help it.]
... Man, I barely know you, but you're already really something, huh? [It sounds like he could mean that in a good or bad way, though.]
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"Really something?" I don't know about that.
[on instinct, he lifts a hand to tug at his bangs, a bit sheepish]
Doesn't being cooped up make you feel. . . restless?
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[He shrugs a little, lifting his coffee more for something to do than for the actual coffee.
Because in all honesty... now that he knows why, it's a little awkward.]
... Well, that's changing a bit, I think. I wanna travel. Or, well... I need to, I think.
[A beat.]
...Sorry, that was... none of that matters right now. What's your favorite place to go?
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[he doesn't push for Kou to continue that aborted line of thought]
Mmm. . . probably Ichigaya.
[?? WHAT A WEIRD CHOICE, AKIRA]
I used to fish in my free time before I came to the city, so I guess occasionally I like to return to my roots.
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[Kou pauses, tilting his head.]
I guess it wasn't the first hobby I expected, but it does sound pretty peaceful.
... Well, maybe that'll be my first stop then.
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I hope you find it as peaceful as I do, then.
[heh]
A bit of advice: go at night. It's cheaper than going during the daytime.
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[Kou nods, resting his chin on his hand, elbow on the table.]
Thanks. Seriously... you didn't have to give me such a thoughtful answer.
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You looked like you needed a pick-me-up.
Ah. . . sorry for being nosy. But thanks for humoring me, too.
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Pretty sure I'm the one who should be apologizing for being so rude.
... Thanks. I guess I just didn't realize that I really did need someone to talk to.
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Anytime.
[and with that. . . he bends down to scoop his bag off of the ground]
Anyway. . . I should get going. But it was nice to meet you, Tokisaka-san.
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Yeah. See you around, Kurusu. If you're ever in the neighborhood... wait, here.
[He tugs out his Xiphone.]
Let's exchange IDs. I'll show you around if you come back here--there're some cool places to see off the beaten path.
[And as far as he's concerned, he's just returning the favor for what Akira did for him today.]
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[but nonetheless, Akira can't say he's displeased with this development. he blinks a few times, mouth twitching as he pulls out his own phone. just a normal smartphone; no fancy xiphone, here]
If I'm ever in this part of the neighborhood again, I'll take you up on that offer.
[a pause]
Thanks. And I wish you the best.
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So it's fine.]
... Yeah. Thanks. Take care of yourself too.
[And with that and a last wave, Kou turns his attention back to his coffee--but he does feel a bit lighter than he did before.
Huh.]
2.
So.
Here he is, idly working behind the counter, cleaning up cups and plates as he leans against the counter, expression distant and a little contemplative.
It's a quiet day, so he can at least afford to be a little out of it, from the looks of things.]
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[so imagine his surprise when he steps into the cafe and spots that only vaguely familiar head of flat hair standing behind the counter. it shouldn't be that much of a surprise, though; Kou did admit to working here last time they spoke. Akira just didn't think he'd run into him while he was on duty, that's all]
Huh. . .
[after a few quiet blinks, Akira meanders over to the counter, adjusting his bag over his shoulder as he does so. there's no cat with him today]
You're a face I didn't expect to see.
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Kou leans against the counter as well, tilting his head.]
... I work here sometimes, so I think that's more my line than yours.
[Still... even if he's curious, he starts with something much more professional.]
Can I get you something?
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What are the odds of running into the same guy twice in the same place, is what I meant.
[he pulls a crisp yen bill from his wallet and slides it across the counter]
Just a coffee, please. Black. Give me your best blend.
[oho. CHALLENGE]
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Kou's lips quirk briefly, an amused expression on his face, and then he nods briefly and takes the yen, placing it easily in the register, and then moving on over to start brewing.]
My best blend's the house blend, because I can't really do better than the master here.
We'll see how it goes.
[Kou says that, but he'll get a bit more creative than that, because he likes making coffee...]
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[there's a touch of amusement in his voice as he calls Kou out, leaning one arm against the counter]
That doesn't sound very confident. You're not going to impress customers that way.
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[He shrugs.]
I'd rather let the coffee do the talking. You don't seem like the sort of person who'd be too impressed by some sweet talking anyway.
[Kou doesn't even know how to sweet talk.
But the coffee does start to smell good as he gets to work.]
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Touche.
[Akira's amused. and that amusement-- coupled with Kou easily bantering with him in return-- makes it fairly easy for him to formulate his next reply]
Although something tells me sweet talking isn't your specialty.
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That's rude.
[... which is all he says because Akira's right.]
D'you insult everyone who makes coffee for you, or am I special?
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[AKIRA. . . the reply drips so easily from his tongue that it almost surprises Akira himself, but the slightly curved corners of his lips and the playful sparkle in his eye are very telling. apparently strangers don't automatically get the DRY HUMOR CAN'T-TELL-IF-HE'S-JOKING treatment. . . which may or may not be a good thing]
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[Kou does at least process that this is all dry humor, but his own version of dry humor edges closer to Buzzkill.]
Not gonna make a lot of friends with that attitude, though.
[He says, knowing Akira is the sort of person who undoubtedly is great at making friends, considering how they met the last time.]
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[. . . wait--]
Ah. . . don't take that one seriously. I was just committing to the bit.
[except now he slightly regrets it? silly Akira, sometimes you have to slam on the joke brakes or else someone is gonna think you're a sad, sad person!!]
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Sounds like something a lonely person would say.
[he's teasing, but. Very blandly.]
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[he just reaches out for his coffee, assuming Kou is finished making it]
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It's a nice cup of coffee! This is a specialty coffee shop a la Leblanc, so while Kou isn't a master blender, the house blend means that even his above average skills can make a mean cup of coffee.]
... Right. Enjoy. Thanks for coming by. All of that usual barista stuff.