Ironically, Neku was discovered similar to the way Joshua had.
He and Hanekoma were in the midst of discussing the past week's game, debating whether or not if their new Game Master was fit for another week, when the bell above the Wildkat door chimed and a young teenager had strode in. Both Joshua and Hanekoma ceased argue, watching the boy with the purple headphones take oblivious steps past the 'closed' sign swinging loosely on the front door. He had pale ginger hair spiked to neat points and an uncanny choice of garments. It was fairly obvious he just woke up yet his gait hadn't faulted once. His steps matched the beat of Shibuya's music.
Hanekoma was the first to react.
"Hey! Welcome to Wildkat, what can I getcha?"
The boy took ordinary steps to the counter where he paused to look at the menu. He seemed to ponder before lowering his gaze to his large feet and reaching into his back pocket to fish out a worn black wallet. The boy then plucked the amount of Yen that seemed to satisfy him, those creases between his brows fading as he finally looked up at Hanekoma and held out the cash.
"I'll have a cuppa," he spoke with a voice laced with sleep, "just milk, no sweeteners."
Hanekoma took the offered Yen, thankful he had started up a pot of coffee for Joshua and himself earlier, and turned around to finish the job.
Protests about the boy's entrance died in Joshua's throat like fresh caught prey. His violet eyes were trained on him, intrigued yet wary.
The boy seemed to lose some tension from his shoulders after Hanekoma had began to brew his coffee. Only confusion infiltrated tired features when he had caught Joshua's stare, that cute little crease between his brows making another guest appearance. A smile tugged at the corners of Joshua's mouth.
The boy stuffed his hands in his pockets, turned back to the counter, and yawned. It was like he was too tired to care, too tired to notice.
Only until after the boy had left sipping his hot brew had Hanekoma caught Joshua looking at him with an eyebrow cocked.
"What's wrong, boss?"
Joshua rolled his eyes.
"Are you dense?"
Hanekoma looked around quickly and shrugged, tucking his hands in his front pockets and chomping happily on his gum.
Joshua held up a finger.
"One, your smelly café is closed," another finger, "and two… we're in the UG."
Hanekoma's eyes widened.
"Oh crap."
AN: I literally came up with this idea a couple days ago and have been working on this little intro chapter since.
I hope you like it!
Also, since this is a blooming idea, I'll accept and consider any suggestions that you might have. Even if I don't use it, it might gets some gears turning, so don't be afraid to share! uwu