"Eh? But… the day after tomorrow is the big day! How could he just-"

The café manager just raised her hand. "Sorry, Sawada-san, but he just can't make it. And he is your apprentice, so you've got to take some responsibility and find someone to replace him."

Mio blanched. Who in the world did she know that would take this on?

"Ne, Risa? Maybe you could give me a referral."

Risa looked at her from the school window, "Huh?"

Mio sighed, "Well… you see, something came up at the café. I need a boy who would be willing to work for a day."

Returning her gaze to the vibrant autumn scenery outside the window, Risa said nothing for a moment. Then, tilting her head back, she smiled in diffident remembrance of her own personal experience with a certain selfless boy. Deep down, it nearly annoyed her to direct his attention and time away from herself, but this was Mio, and right now, she needed someone like him.

"Yuuki-kun. He would."

Mio, cocking her head curiously to the side, responded inquisitively, "Yuuki? Think so? Hmmm…"

Risa nodded knowingly. Just then, Yui entered the homeroom.

Mio, one hand straightening a pigtail, said, "Ah, Yui! What about you?"

"Ehh?"

"I'm in a bit of a pickle at my job, and I need a boy who would help me with a day's worth of work."

Yui, not at all expecting such a question, paused for a moment. Then, as much as it pained her in mysterious ways to say it, "Yuuki-kun. If… I-if there's any boy you could c-count on, it must be him."

Mio giggled at her, fully knowing what had her mouth malfunctioning. "Oh? I didn't know you thought so highly of him," she teased.

Sporting a newly flushed countenance, Yui stuttered, "W-wait! It's not that! I just… he's helped me several times in the past and… I-I know he can be trusted with these types of things…"

Stifling laughter, Mio grinned, "Ah, but of course, Yui. Well, that's two votes for him. Let's see."

Turning to look at her, he could only wonder what that would entail.

Rito said pensively, "Well, of course I'll help, but what do I need to do?"

Mio grinned at him, "Just come to my work after school, and I'll fill you in, 'kay?"

Somehow expecting something thoroughly embarrassing, Rito just nodded.

That afternoon, just as she requested, Rito passed through the door to the café, glancing at the bell that announced his entrance.

"Welcome!" An overly cheery voice called out to him. "How can we be of service?"

Rito smiled at her and asked, "Ah, I'm looking for someone. Sawada Mio told me to come."

"Mio-chan? She's in the back changing right now. I'll let her know you're here."

In the meantime, Rito took a seat at a nearby booth. He looked out the window, picking out leaves to watch as they fell, one by one. The first autumn chill had glided over Sainan, and the passersby had begun to don their coats.

Startling him from his reverie, Mio dropped a small plate of food in front of him.

"Wah! Sawada! Woo, you surprised me."

Mio laughed openly, "Uh-huh. Here, have some, on the house."

"Eh? Are you sure?"

"Mm-hmm," she responded casually, taking the seat in front of him.

Rito smiled gratefully, "Well, then… itadakimasu!" Truly, he was hungry. Nana had forgotten her lunch at school today, so he volunteered his own. Naturally, she accepted in earnest, if not vigor.

Mio just watched him as he ate, her head leaning on her hands, smiling when a bit of food escaped the corner of his lips. Rito, after a few moments of scarfing down the nutrition, looked up and saw her on the brink of giggling at him. Paling, he followed her eyes and wiped his mouth in a haste. Now, she let her mirth flow unhindered. Rito just reddened a bit, not expecting her innocence, particularly in such an endearing costume.

After her laughter subsided, she said, "I imagine you're wondering what you signed up for."

Rito, gulping down a morsel, nodded in response.

"Well, as I said, tomorrow is a special day for the café, and the guy I had lined up to participate backed out. So, for the day tomorrow, you'll be his replacement."

In curiosity, Rito replied, "Ok, I guess. I don't have anywhere to go tomorrow. Do I need training or…"

Mio nodded, "Yup. I'll show you the ropes today, and we'll get you ready, don't you worry. Here, you look like you're down with that. Follow me to the back." She reached to take his plate but was swiftly denied.

"No, no, wait, I've got it. I'll wash it myself," he grinned amiably.

"Woo! What a day! That was… actually kinda fun!" Rito exclaimed.

"Right? I really do like this job," she replied enthusiastically, lightly shoving his shoulder. As they stepped into the back room, she continued, "Most people think it's a hassle to work in this environment, and just weird to enjoy it." She reached up and pulled her hair out of her pigtails, letting the strands flow down, landing just over her shoulder blades.

"Really? I don't think it's weird," he smiled empathetically at her.

Mio made eye contact for just a moment and nearly regretted it. His eyes swam with sincerity and kindness, and she almost stumbled. Luckily, she recovered gracefully enough to respond naturally.

"Mm. Well, now it's time for the final reveal! Here, turn around."

He did. Behind him, he heard a locker open and close alongside ruffling noises.

"Aaaaand, here it is!"

Rito turned, and his eyes nearly fell out.

There was a long moment of silence.

.

.

.

"…I'm wearing those, aren't I?"

Mio responded deviously, "Yup! That's right. The special event is neko-day! Naturally, we need some dashing feline boys, right?"

In her hands, she displayed a long, slender, golden cat tail with matching ears. It was almost creepy how closely the tint matched Rito's own spiky tresses.

Rito sighed, "Maaaaannn. Ok, hand them over."

Smirking, she tossed them at him, and he received. He stepped around the corner to quickly apply the accessories, after which he took a deep breath and stepped back around.

Mio nearly burst out laughing.

Face thoroughly red, Rito exclaimed in anguish, "Oy, don't laugh! Come on, seriously, will I make the cut tomorrow or not?"

Smothering her laugher, she regarded him carefully. Much to her amusement, he pulled it off rather well. The tail contrasted with his black suit, and his ears, angling slightly lower than usual, matched his current expression. Once again, she was drawn to his amber eyes, and the helpless yet not angry look there brought a bit of warmth to her cheeks.

She looked away before it became more apparent and said, "Yeah, yeah, you'll do great! Same deal, just like today, but toss in a little purr in there every now and then." She winked at him.

Rito's expression said, "Whaaaaaaa…"

"Of course, sir. May I take your menu?" Rito politely said.

Mio watched him from the back corner of the main room. He had developed a thin layer of sweat on his brow, and every now and then, she caught him adjusting his collar to let wisps of air in. The dinner rush was in full swing, and he had not slowed.

She thought back perhaps an hour…

Mio called out to the insistent customer, "Yes, sir, it's on its way!" Still, the irksome patron beckoned her over. Sighing, she willed herself in the midst of her enervation to stride over, her feet dragging slightly.

Expectantly, the thin man inquired, "Well? Where's my food? I don't have all day."

Bracing herself, she responded civilly, "We're sorry, sir. The food isn't quite prepared yet, but it's nearly done, I assure you!"

The man sneered, "I hope you are planning to make up for this somehow."

'Uh-oh,' she thought. She could already anticipate where this was leading, and she felt dizzy.

Continuing, the lanky guy said, "Maybe you can make me an offer, huh?" He reached for the exposed part of her thigh. However, before he could make the offending contact, he was interrupted.

Slamming down his food in front of him, Rito said in a tone that, while technically courteous, clearly showed he was irked, "Here's your order, sir! Please enjoy." And with that, he took Mio by the wrist and led her back towards the corner. However, before he could reach his destination, Mio's feet and legs decided enough was enough, and they gave in. She stumbled into his arms, and her vision faded to black for just a few moments, but it was more than enough for Rito to get her to a safer place. For the time being, though, she fully cast her mind into his comfort and security.

"Oy, Sawada! Are you alright? Here, sit." He pulled up a nearby chair in the back room.

Sawada sat, slumping a bit, "Hah… yeah, I'll be okay. Just give me a few minutes, and I'll be alright."

Rito shook his head in earnest, "Nuh-uh, you're staying put for a bit. Don't you worry, I can handle the people."

She really didn't have the willpower to deny him.

Since then, he had faithfully put in all he had to cover for her. And she had had enough of it.

"Hey, Yuuki! I've got these tables, okay?"

Rito looked at her, and he began to say, "Wait, are you sure? Really, I can-"

"Yup."

Rito blinked.

Mio looked down for a moment, savoring the feeling of his concern for her. But then she looked up, "I'm okay!"

Grinning broadly, he obliged.

"Wow, I never would have expected so much business… I'm beat." Rito flopped into one of the booths, face up.

Mio sniggered, "Yeah, it's the weekend. Always our toughest days."

Mindful of her effort, Rito sat up and exclaimed, "But really, Sawada. I've got to hand it to you. I admire what you do here. This whole deal has really made me see how exhausting this can be. Nice work, today." He smiled at her. Again, as she colored a bit, she saw nothing but honesty in his eyes.

She sank into the booth and looked at her hands. Then, she looked out the window and saw the unfamiliar, average faces moving this way and that. She knew, most of them would scoff at her for her hobby here at the animal café. But she also knew, they all had their own dark secrets and agendas. She was open with it and was considered silly and childish by the masses, who did nothing to think of the socially unique things that they themselves were involved in. Not for a long while had she talked with someone who could respect her like he did.

There was one more thing she knew. No one could do what he just did. No one could compliment like he did. A compliment, usually from the few strangers who did applaud her efforts in the café, was usually laced with undue flattery or honeyed words. No one could make her believe a caring, genuine compliment as unavoidably as he could.

"Ne, Yuuki?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for your help today."

He smiled broadly, "Of course, Sawada, anytime. My pleasure to be able to give you a hand."

'Anytime, huh?' she mused. As an almost unnecessary confirmation, she locked gazes with him for a moment.

She believed him.

And she really did like his eyes.

Mio is perhaps one of the most obscure characters in TLR. O_o Even Aya has more background and canon material that Mio does. Which is kind of a shame, because, I kinda like Mio. She seems like a cool gal.

Forgive the sketchiness of this chapter. It's 3am. -_- zzzz...

P.S. - For those who are unfamiliar with the term, "itadakimasu" is a word said in Japan before every major meal. It's sort of the equivalent of "grace", "thank you for the meal", and "Let's eat!"

L9erz!