8. Baby Carrier
Takano made his way through the busy streets, dodging the groups of people coming to his direction. He fiddled with the baby carrier strapped to his chest, moving the shoulder pad features onto the right position. The straps have dug in and he wanted to release the strain a bit. Ryota faced away from him, giving the baby a view of their surroundings. He heard Ryota's babbling in between the sounds of the city. No fussiness at all.
On certain days, their department disregarded the vending machine and went into a cafe to get their caffeine a quick vote through straws, he got the shortest stick, making him the one to fetch their fresh coffee. Disguising his annoyance at having lost, he claimed Ryota needed fresh air. He placed him on the baby carrier and took him along.
The distance from the office and the cafe wasn't too far. It situated in between a clothing store and a fast food joint. Onodera found this place after his first coffee run and they all enjoyed the brew he brought in. Everyone agreed on getting their caffeine fix from there. Hence, he decided on coming here instead of the jam packed one on the other end of the street. Less of a headache from waiting too long.
He entered the cafe and stood in line. The smell of delicious coffee filled the air. He noticed the young ladies in the surrounding tables smiling over at his direction. It didn't take him long to realize that Ryota's cuteness caught their attention. Of course, Ryota's attention went toward the large trinkets and bright colors. The line went quick and he stepped forward.
"Hello, welcome-" The barista went through her usual greeting, Takano grabbed his wallet and opened it. Readying himself to pay her and hurry up out of the place. Her eyes landed on the baby strapped to Takano's chest. "May I help you?"
"I'm here to pick up a dark coffee box. I ordered it in about an hour ago under the name Takano."
She peeked over her shoulder, seeing the multitude of orders on the back counter. She found his name on the coffee box and turned back to address him. "Of course, we just finished filling it up for you. Are you going to pay in cash or debit?"
"Debit."
She couldn't take it anymore as she commented. "Your son is such an adorable little boy." The barista waved at Ryota's giggling form, he waved back with enthusiasm. "How old is he?"
Hearing someone outside of his job call Ryota his son caused a flutter in his chest. He grew accustomed to the teasing tone his slackers used when calling him papa. Despite Onodera's comment on Ryota's real father, everyone kept up the running joke. Ryota shared his features but he never thought other people outside the office thought the same.
"Thank you." Takano smiled big, he smoothed down Ryota's wild hair. "He'll turn eleven months in a week. He's visiting my job for the day and isn't must trouble. I volunteered in coming to pick up this large box of coffee for the office. It gives me a chance to give him some fresh air. I needed a break from being inside the building anyway."
The barista cooed at Ryota, her co-worker on the bar made funny faces from his spot. "He looks just like you, sir. Oh my, those eyes are just so beautiful. Did he get them from his mother?"
Takano nodded his head, he handed her his debit card. "Yes, his mama has these same vibrant green eyes. My co-workers have told me that he's a perfect fusion of the both of us. I do agree with their observations. Ryota even has his mother's smile."
She swiped the card, the receipt printed out, and handed both back to Takano. "I'm sure his mother is beautiful as well. Let me grab your coffee box for you. Do you need sugar, milk, and sticks?"
"The usual sugar, whole milk, and a small cup of soy milk. I have a co-worker with a slight milk intolerance. Thank you." Takano heard Ryota babbling and kissed his cheek.
"Got it! I'll make sure everything is positioned right in the bag." When she finished, she moved around the counter and handed it to him. She gave Ryota one last wave and she grinned. "Have a nice day and please come again."
Takano left with one mission in mind. He was going to teach Ryota to call him papa and Onodera his mama.
