The wind chime by the door jingled. The cold air flowed in as the tall man with the grey coat entered. It was a small shop; nothing short of simple elegance though.
The pink haired girl behind the counter laughed at something her customer said. It was light but clear like the wind chime by the door. Dark eyes followed her as she went to get what her customer needed. All the while he stood by the door silent, observing.
"Thank you. Have a nice day," the girl said.
He sidestepped the other man, her previous customer. The wind chime jingled again with another whoosh of cold air.
"Good afternoon, welcome to Carnation Cupcakery. How may I help you today?" The girl said with a smile.
"Vanilla cupcake and coffee. Black."
"Right away," she said. With that she turned and started to get him what he needed. She never saw his eyes linger. She didn't know he never liked sweets. He, however, missed her reddened face and her racing heart.
She handed him the golden cupcake with white icing and his paper cup of black coffee. "Here you are. That would be $5.68."
Soundlessly he handed her a 20 dollar bill. He took his purchase and faltered just a bit. Almost debating. As she went to get his change, he stopped her.
"Keep it." He turned and left. The door chimed again.
The girl blinked. The corners of her mouth curved slightly. "Thank you," she whispered, blush adorning her cheeks.
The next day and the day after that the man returned. Each time he came it was the same silent exchange. Soon she stopped asking and prepared what he needed by the first sight and sound of his entrance.
"Good afternoon, mister. I'll be right back," she said and turned around to walk to pour the coffee.
"Wait."
She turned in surprise. "Yes?"
"Strawberry. Strawberry cupcake."
She nodded and gave him a warm smile. His eyes followed her as she went to get his new order. Obsidian met striking emerald. He hastily turned his head away.
"Here you go. Anything else?" she asked.
Once again he silently handed her the money and left before she got the change. This time she was left to wonder why.
The wind chime jingled the next afternoon. The tall man with the grey coat came through the door out of breath and seemingly rushed. She looked up to see his almost disheveled manner. He walked to the counter, catching his breath.
"Good afternoon. Are you alright?" she asked, concern laced in her voice.
"Sasuke."
She blinked. Her pink eyebrow lifted up in confusion. He stared at her intently. Black eyes void of emotion. Inside, however, he was nervous. His heart pounded from the hurried pace he came in from.
"My name. Sasuke, that's my name."
Her face smoothed out to one full of amusement. The corners of her mouth lifted to a full smile. It was hard for Sasuke to think. He only hoped.
"Sakura. Nice to meet you."
This was the beginning.