"Hey, hey look at that person over there!"

"Could it be him?"

"No way!"

Heavy rain poured suddenly that afternoon. It was the first in a continuous period of very dry weeks. The rumble of thunder sounded like heaven's roaring blessing as drops of water regulated the temperature of the asphalt to a cooling one. Dusty raincoats and umbrellas found their use as pedestrians scramble to unfold them in an attempt to avoid being drenched. Despite the unpredicted weather (I checked the forecast that morning and a sun icon was displayed), there were not many people who chose to take shelter in the café I was working part-time in. Granted the location was rather secluded and it was a little over an hour after lunch time, many would be sitting in front of their office desks energised and rushing to meet deadlines. I imagine the menial workers' mood would be most affected, as the men's fatigue lessen by taking a necessary respite. Even my boss seemed happy that the abuse on the air-conditioning and electricity bills would come to a halt.

"I'm positive it's him!"

"Girls," the owner of Ontoko Café reprimanded, "I didn't pay you so that you can ogle at pubescent boys."

"What do you mean 'pubescent'? Look at that body!" Sayuri, a first-year high schooler protested vehemently. Her calmer counterpart and best friend, Hiyori agreed with her.

"God, he's hot."

"Shut your fawning! Aren't there work to be done?"

The two female part-timer held up their palms and shook their heads. To be honest, business was slow that day. All the seated customers were busy with their meals or engaged in chats, the low chattering and buzz being the undercurrent of instrumental music playing through the small speakers installed in some parts of the ceiling. The counter where we handcraft beverages and display the pastries and cakes was tidy and clean; the general washbasin was dry with liquid soap refilled; sachets of sugar and creamer restocked; napkins and cutleries were already laid out on unoccupied tables ready for the next user. In their defence, there was nothing much to do. And I was sure the owner could tell with a single, furtive glance.

"I give up," the 40-year old man sighed in defeat. "Why can't you girls be more like Junya-kun here?"

I put away one of my law flashcards, grateful that Aomine-san here was flexible in a way that he understood our other commitment as a student. He allowed light studying as long as it did not interrupt the flow of the café's operations.

"Oh, I like men too, Aomine-san." I teased. "Just not-", I eyed our subject of interest briefly, "blonde ones with a piercing and flamboyant fashion sense."

Sayuri and Hiyori both burst into a fit of laughter while Aomine-san shook his head and massaged his temples.

"I know what type of men you like, Junya nee-san!" Sayuri exclaimed excitedly.

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it from you then."

"Well, it's more like something Hiyori saw anyway," she turned to the other first-year. "Maybe men who are tall and serious? You know, the kind who walks with a straight posture, wears glasses and looks intelligent?"

"Who doesn't like an intelligent man?" I commented casually, only catching the last adjective.

"Right!" The usually quieter Hiyori said, then turning to Sayuri again. "I told you!"

"Hmmm, told her what?"

There was a short pause before two voices spoke in unison.

"Junya nee-san, are you seeing someone?"

Just then a flash of lightning struck, literally, followed almost instantly by a loud clap of thunder. I would have jumped at nature if I was not already dumbfounded by their conclusion.

"What?"

"What? Really?" the owner added. He was visibly perked up at this piece of news.

"No!" I replied strongly, "I don't even have time for myself!"

That was true. I cannot count the amount of fictional books I had to abandon because of everyday hustle and bustle.

"But, but, but- Hiyori saw you walking closely with a bespectacled university boy near the train station!"

Oh my goodness. She saw me with Midorima and misunderstood.

"No, no, no! He's just a person I met on that day itself."

"It sure didn't seem so. He was looking at you all the time. And you were so cute trying to keep your head down!"

I was shy! More than that, I didn't notice him doing what Hiyori saw him doing.

"Um, sorry to barge in at such a juicy stage, but Mr. Blonde's calling for service."

A signalling hand was raised at the table near the window. Aomine-san cocked his head towards that direction and I rushed out while taking the pen and memo pad in my apron pocket. Belatedly I realised Sayuri or Hiyori would have wanted to take the order for this customer, and that the boss could have sent me to save myself from embarrassing questions, or save them from embarrassing themselves in front of a crush.

"May I help you, sir?"

Upon gazing at the blonde man, I could comprehend Sayuri's behaviour and infatuation. His longish golden hair contoured his slim v-shaped face, with eyes the colour of topaz gleaming mischievously or competitively. While obviously shorter than Midorima, his carried his slighter built with a celebrity-like confidence. The white dress-shirt he was wearing hugged his torso like a mannequin. Even the mode of tilting his head when scanning the menu quickly was enticing.

"Can I have the lemon meringue pie?" His voice was bright with an enthusiastic tone.

I turned back at the glass display to confirm what I already know.

"I am very sorry, sir. We are out of lemon meringue pie."

"Ahh," he acknowledged disappointedly. "I'll have the apple pie, then."

"Yes, sir. What about your beverage?"

"Can I have a glass of warm water?"

"Very good, sir. Would you like it with a slice of lemon?"

"Sure," he chirped and returned the menu to me. I gave a small bow and went back to the counter to place his order.

"Gosh, Junya nee-san. It's really him!"

"Who him?" I asked with a hint of irritation while dispensing warm water into a heat-resistant glass.

"The model, Kise Ryouta!"

I took in the sight of Kise Ryouta from the spot I was standing. At a further angle, Kise's side profile could definitely pass that of modelling standards.

"I get it. Why don't you take this to him?" I handed the tray with the glass of lemon-infused water to Sayuri. She beamed and fixed her hair and apron before taking it from me.

As Sayuri left, I patted Hiyori who was becoming sullen.

"Don't worry. Once I'm done whipping up the fresh cream, you deliver the pie."

The timid smile on her pretty face reminded me of my younger self. It was always nice to show and receive kindness.

Author's Note: Hello everyone! I believe it's my first time inserting an A/N. Hope you guys are enjoying the story and please, please leave a review. I would love feedback and comments from the readers! I understand it's progressing pretty slow in the beginning and the chapters are short in length, but I will consider consolidating some chapters and editing further once I update more frequently.