Third Cup: Green Tea

*

The inside of the store was rather different from its outer appearance. One side of the store was decorated with the more traditional tea ceremony setting whilst the other side of the store was like any other modern café.

You would think it would be rather weird and awkward but thanks to the transition of the colours and the furniture that adorns the entire store which complements either side, the interior design actually works.

"Welcome- ah, Ahim!" a feminine voice greeted the two as they entered through the front door and Joe sees that it came from a young woman, probably just a few years older than him, holding a tray of traditional Japanese sweets like mame daifuku, daifuku mochi, mochi, and dango in her hands.

"Good day, Mako-san." Mako smiled at the greeting as she looked fondly to the young girl.

"Just a second. I'll be with you in a flash. Just need to put these sweets in the display glass." Ahim and Joe nodded as they made their way to the counter of the shop.

Once Mako was already done with her task, she quickly walked over to where Ahim and Joe were standing. Both hands on her hips. "Now what are you two standing there for? Take a seat!"

"But Mako-san-"

"Uh-uh. I don't want to hear anything. Come on, take off your shoes and go sit on the tatami. I'll brew some tea for you two." too surprised to even say anything, Ahim and Joe were just dragged around by Mako as she pulled them to the traditional Japanese section of the shop and were forced to sit there.

"She's a bit…" Joe started.

Ahim chuckled, having an inkling of idea of what he was about to say. "Yes, she is a bit of a mother hen if I can say so myself."

True to her words, just a few moments later, Mako returned with a tray of the traditional tea ceremony trinkets. "Here you go. Now, tell me Ahim. Is this the infamous Joe Gibken that I often hear about?" Mako's sudden question set two individuals ablaze.

"Mako-san!" Ahim ushered in embarrassment as Mako grinned happily. So, it is him.

"Now that I have my answer, I shall take my leave to prepare the tea leaves for you need then."

"But I haven't told you what I need yet." Ahim quipped. Quite uncomfortable being left alone with Joe right after he knew that he had been one of the topics that is often talked about. Mako who already knew what was in Ahim's head grinned playfully. She was going to have a little bit of fun and nothing that Ahim said is going to stop her.

"No worries. Luka sent me the list already. So… just take your time and enjoy the tea." she sing-song as she walked over to the back of the store, preparing the things that Ahim needed.

Silence engulfed the two. Both were too awkward to say anything after that little bomb had been dropped by Mako. Joe who can't seem to stand the silence any longer finally decided to say something to ease the awkwardness.

"Um… do you mind if I serve the tea this time Ahim-san?"

"Ah… if- if you don't mind. Thank you." with Ahim's approval, Joe poured out a serving for Ahim and himself and pushed the hot cup in front of Ahim.

With a muffled 'thank you', Ahim reached for the cup and holding it in the appropriate posture, she brought the cup closer to her lips, taking a whiff of the refreshing and clean smell of the green tea.

With a smile, she took a careful sips and Joe mimicked the action.

"It's delicious." was all that he said. Maybe not as good as how Ahim brews them, but that may be due to Joe being a tiny bit bias over the petite café owner. Though, he has to admit that the tea here was indeed amazing.

Ahim still with her smile beamed at Joe's statement. "It is isn't it? This is my favourite place to go for a cup of tea.

Mako-san especially has a gift at brewing green tea. She always amazes me every single time I come here." Joe looked over to Ahim fondly, glad that the awkwardness between them that erupted earlier has finally dissipates.

A small chuckle from the young woman sitting opposite of him made him ask. "Is there something funny Ahim-san?"

"Just remembering some old memories. Particularly about you, Joe-san."

Joe pulled a small smile, kinda having a clue of what Ahim was referring to. "Green tea and me is it?" a small laughter came from Ahim as she nodded.

"Luka was very upset with you during your first few months coming into the store." Joe was a hundred percent sure that Ahim was being rather nice over her usage of words. If it is Luka that they are talking about, he was pretty sure that the correct phrasing should be 'Luka was pretty annoyed and pissed with Joe'.

0-0-0-0

Marvelous was the one that initially introduced the café to Joe. It was all due Joe complaining one day of not knowing any place close to the neighbourhood that actually offers some decent brews.

Marvelous, who was already dating Luka at that time instantly jumped up and dragged Joe to warm and cosy café.'

liens et amour' was the name of the café and though Joe was very sceptical in the beginning, he was never given the chance to think things through as Marvelous dragged both of them and, very loudly announced their arrival.

While Luka knocked her boyfriend's head with a tray in her hands due to being a sheer annoyance and causing disturbance to the other customers, the other staff were rather unperturbed by Marvelous's outburst.

Apparently they have gotten used to his antics.What caught Joe's attention aside from the atmosphere within the store was none other than the server who was dressed in white and pink.

Looking like a pure lady from a high society, she served the drinks with such grace and poise that amazes Joe.

Later when he found out that Ahim de Famille was blind, rather than feeling sympathetic over her, some form of respect was in place. The young woman was able to navigate her way within the small squares of the place with such elegance that sometimes Joe forget that she doesn't have her eyesight.

After the first time Marvelous dragged him into the café, he found himself heading over to the same place every single day right after his kendo classes.

Maybe it was due to him not being adventurous enough to try and there is a huge part is contributed to Ahim being the one that takes his orders every single time, Jo can't seem to order anything else aside from the usual, plain, green tea every. single. time.

Though at the first few visits, nobody said a word because after all, he is a dear customer but as days turns to weeks and weeks turns to months, the staff of the café and Joe were rather closely acquainted.

And one day, Luka just blew up in frustration. Well, in front of Ahim that is.

"Mou… all he keeps ordering once he came here is nothing but the usual, plain, boring green tea. At any rate, we're not going to make any profit from him." Luka groaned as she fumbled with the cash register and writing down in the ledger regarding their cash flow.

Ahim who was sitting at one of the tables while cleaning the small utensils that they have used earlier during business hour only smiled.

"Maybe he just has a preference for green tea?"

The younger girl's answer proves to be insufficient as the brunette brushed it off. "There is no way. I mean, even if he is a fan of green tea, even one would get tired of the same thing if they have it every. single. day. Argh… he annoys me Ahim."

"Luka… he's a regular customer. And also, Marvelous-san's friend. You can't keep having pent up tension directed at him."

"Ahim… because he is a regular and Marvelous's friend that is why we should have squeezed him dry. I mean, he's more of an acquittance rather than a normal stranger. He out of all people should spend more money here to help the café!" with an amused smile Ahim shook her head. Though there are a lot of faults that can be found with Luka's argument, Ahim decided against it.

Luka was just a little annoyed. Give it a little time and she'll definitely go back to normal.

And so she thought. Apparently, Luka had some other idea in mind as she was mumbling to herself. And the brunette was 60% sure that it'll work. Well, the other 40% rides on Joe disliking it, which is rather unlikely.

Thus why the next day when the shop opens for a new business day, she whispered her idea to a very concerned Ahim."Are you sure Luka? What if we upset him?"

"It's perfectly fine. It's fool-proof really. Joe is not someone that'll ever lose his temper especially when you're the one that serves him the tea."

Ahim who was still not convinced said "But…"

"Come on Ahim, we've got nothing to lose and more to gain. If we try this and Joe actually like it, you'll be able to help him to widen his palette for tea even more. And I'm pretty sure that Joe would have love to know about the different types of tea rather than being too hooked up on one simple tea." knowing full well on how to convince Ahim, Luka pulled out the last straw.

"I guess…" her reply was enough for Luka to drawl a grin on her face.That confirmation from Ahim was all Luka need to hear to know that she was finally on board with the plan.

It was during later in the day that Joe finally showed up and took a seat at his usual spot.

Before he could even place an order, Ahim was already there at his table with a tray of tea in hand.

When she sat the cup down, instantly Joe realised that it was not his usual order."Ahim-san…" he started.

The young woman who was still standing beside the table bowed down apologetically.

Knowing full well that she was partly to blame for the whole ordeal. "I'm sorry Joe-san. I know this is not your usual order. But Luka suggested that maybe I should serve you a different kind of tea today just in case you would like some kind of variation. I know this is me meddling, but if you don't like it… I mean, I'll change it right away, Joe-san."

Before Ahim was even able to return back to her station to brew Joe his usual green tea, she felt a hand grasp her wrist gentle, preventing her from taking another step away. Ahim turned back to Joe, a tiny bit of red fragment tint coloured her cheeks.

Joe who finally realised what he was doing, mirrored the same shade of red. As he released his hold on Ahim's wrist, tumbling on his words, he tried to explain. "I- what I am trying to say is that… uh… I don't mind it."

Because his last words were simply in the form of a whisper, Ahim was unable to clearly capture what it was. "Sorry?"

"Ahim-san. I don't mind the change. Really." he said as he carefully picked up the cup and took a sip to a very expectant Ahim who was waiting for his response.

"Delicious." Joe's short response was that it took for Ahim to light up, pleased.

"I'm glad. That tea is…" excited, she goes on and on about the tea and Joe just listened all the way through her rant about the tea.

With zero feeling or annoyance nor remorse. Watching Ahim talking about something that she really loves was a sight that he enjoys so he just lets her be.

Luka who was watching the pair from her spot, smiled. "Well, that means more profit for the café since we can charge him with different types of tea every single time!" was what she had said but a genuine smile was flashed.

This was the only way she knew how to get those oblivious idiots to talk more to each other. They already have feelings for one another.

Luka just provided a little nudge that'll help them. Not that they know that anyway.

0-0-0-0

Maybe it was due to them reminiscing about the past but somehow the awkward tension that engulfed them entirely beforehand completely dissipates and they are finally able to talk to each other normally. Jumping from topic to topic. From how Ahim and Luka knew Don to how Joe and Marvelous even met each other and became friends.

Unbeknown to them, Mako who had just finished packing up the leaves as per requested from the list and was placing them on the counter was watching them with a broad smile on her face.

"If someone else was watching, they'd think you're a weirdo Mako." a strong, husky voice said as he stood next to Mako, his right arm at her waist, pulling her closer to his side.

With the back of her hand, she nudged his chest gently in protest. "Well then, sorry that you had gotten married to a weirdo then."

The husband chuckled light-heartedly over his sulking wife. Lowering his head closer to Mako's height, she planted a chaste kiss on her pouting lips. "Am I forgiven now?"

"Takeru! There are still other people in the store!" Mako reprimanded as she slapped his right shoulder but her smile was enough proof to Takeru that she was no longer upset with him.

"Looks like those two are about done too." Takeru said signalling to Joe who was helping Ahim with her shoes as the pair made their way to the counter.

"Here you go Ahim, all of the tea leaves that you needed." Mako said as she referred to the package on the counter. Joe was quick in grabbing the quite hefty package with protest from Ahim that insisted that she should carry them instead. Joe however was adamant with his decision of carrying it on his own and Ahim just sighed as she muttered her thank you to Joe.

Takeru and Mako who were both watching the two shared a smile. Happy to see the relationship between the two that was starting to bud.

"You should just let yourself being pampered once in a while, Ahim." Takeru said.

At the sound of his voice, Ahim lighted up. "Takeru-san, when did you get here?"

"Just a while ago. I'm sorry I can't brew the tea for you as usual Ahim. I hope Mako did the store justice by brewing them right." his words incur a sharp jab from Mako.

"What was that supposed to mean, my dear husband?" it was obvious that Mako was annoyed at how her brewing skills were being made fun of by her own husband.

"I was just messing around Mako." knowing that he was pushing the joke a bit too far, he quickly apologised to which Mako rolled her eyes at.

"One more snarky remark from you mister, and you'll end up sleeping in the living room!"

Ahim and Joe who were the bystanders chuckled at the married pair's antics.

"No, the tea was delicious as always. Thank you, Mako-san and Takeru-san." Ahim said as she bowed gratefully to the pair which ended their little banter.

With a doting smile pasted on both of their faces, Mako and Takeru looked fondly at Ahim as they say. "You are most welcome."

Realising that Ahim and Joe were almost ready to take their leave, Mako went to Ahim's side and hooked her hand affectionately in Ahim's. "Let me walk you to the car, Ahim." The younger girl nodded as she walked alongside Mako, giggling softly over the small tales that Mako was telling her.

Joe who was watching, carved a small smile. It was enough to see Ahim like this. Happy and cheerful. Being surrounded by people that she loves and those who also love her in return.

"Take care of her." said Takeru as he stood next to Joe. "Mako loves Ahim as much as she loves Kotoha – her little sister. And the same goes for me." he paused as he looked Joe straight in the eye. "Don't hurt her, Joe." the looks that Takeru directed at Joe was both pleading and serves as a warning.

"I know."

0-0-0-0

"Make sure to come and visit us more often Ahim! And bring Luka with you next time. I miss her." said Mako as she peered through Ahim's window.

With her usual toothy smile, Ahim nodded. "See you next time, Mako-san, Takeru-san." was what she said and as Joe nodded politely to the couple, they finally drove off.

"What a beautiful couple aren't they, Joe-san?"

"Ah… they look very much smitten with each other."

Ahim grinned. "They've been together for years now and still pretty much in love with each other. How wonderful. If you don't mind Joe-san… can you please describe how they looked at each other back then?" though the request sound rather peculiar, Joe was unperturbed as he provided the answers to Ahim's question.

"They both have they hands in each other. Shoulders closely together, Mako-san was leaning to Takeru-san's chest." Joe started as he helps Ahim to paint the mental image. "The look they have in their eyes when they look at each other were tender, and loving." he finished.

Ahim who listened attentively to every single thing that Joe was saying sighed in content. "I do hope one day, you too will find someone that will look the way that Mako-san and Takeru-san looked at each other Joe-san. I will pray for that." she said kind-heartedly.

Joe was quiet for a second before he responded. "There is no need for that."

"Why?"

Because I found that person already. It's you, Ahim. But those words were left unsaid as Joe chose to kept his mouth shut. Ahim, being able to read the air, decided to let it go as the drive back home was filled with silence. But not the overbearing kind. It was comforting even.

0-0-0-0

When they finally reached Ahim's house and Joe helped her to her door, the two knew that it was finally time to say goodbye.

"Thank you so much for today, Joe-san. I had fun."

"Thank you to you too for allowing me to tag along. I'll be sure to drop by the café tomorrow with the tea leaves first thing in the morning."

"I'm sorry for all of the trouble, Joe-san."

"It' no trouble at all Ahim-san."

Realizing that they no longer have anything else to say, the two kept their silence. Refusing and not having a clue on how to say goodbye and part ways. Part of them still wanted to be with each other.

In the end, they know they can't keep the charade any longer. It was a cold night and Ahim was already shaking in her garments. "You should go inside first."

"But Joe-san-"

"I insist." Knowing that she can't win, Ahim forfeited.

"I'll go inside then. Again, thank you so much, Joe-san. For today. Thank you."

"Ah." with that, Ahim finally went inside and Joe after making sure that she was safe, he walked to his car, smiling contently over the whole day that he had spent with the girl of his dreams.

0-0-0-0

On the other hand, Ahim who was finally in her room, finally changed out of her dress and into her pajamas, sat quietly at the corner of her bed.

"I indulged myself too much today until the point that I forgot about the restrictions that I have placed myself. I shouldn't have crossed that line. I'm sorry. I'm sorry Joe-san." was all that she can manage before Ahim de Famille finally broke down in tears.

0-0-0-0

A/N: Finally! Here is the next chapter! Sorry it took me some time to get it out! But here it is! Anyway, comments lots and lots so that I can know what you think of the story so far.Love, Nana.