Urie covertly studied the woman standing behind the counter as she set about cleaning the items used to make his delicious cup of coffee. For the last four months, she had successfully and consistently made an amazingly fresh, perfectly brewed cup tailored to specifically to his tastes. He could not remember the last time he had actually placed an order.

The daily deliver of morning paper over the last three months had become a nice touch, drawing his interest. However, on a certain level, he found her attention to detail, her ability to remember and catalogue such details for future use, frightening.

Miyu Nakashima. The woman was only about five three, not much shorter than him but both of them were a bit small in stature. Height wise at least. In contrast to his thin, wiry body frame, she possessed delicate curves; a cinched in waist made evident by her tightly tied apron which also highlighted the gradual swell of her full hips. She always wore long sleeved shirts pushed up to her elbows and loose jeans so her arms and legs were somewhat of a mystery.

Her eyes were striking. Olive green around the pupil that faded into a molten gold color and surrounded by a dark brown outer line. They were affectless, but he could see the stirrings of emotions being held deep under the surface. She did not seem cold or calculating, but definitely always thinking, carefully weighing her responses and cautiously choosing her words. He found her lack of emotions, or willingness to express them, fascinating, almost a relief.

Her hair was not so unique. Lightened to a shade of milk chocolate, most likely by chemical means. Judging by her creamy white skin, she barely saw the light of day so her hair had not been bleached by the sun. A little wavy, almost curly. Long but he could not be sure how long because she always pulled it up in a simple ponytail or wrapped it around in a bun of varying messy degrees.

Sometimes he could not help but notice her because most often they were the only two people in the place, and he liked to survey his surroundings just in case anything might be off. Barring only small changes in hairstyles and shirt choices, she was always the same. Quiet and dutiful, she worked steadily, never bothering him with unnecessary conversation or noise. She seemed to be able to sense he preferred to be left alone to read his newspaper. That was why he came here and would keep coming here.

Urie's eyes narrowed as he watched her. There was something about her that both drew him and repelled him. He had no idea what caused him to take pause about her. She had a remarkable scent about her. The enticing meaty aroma of succulent flesh and the metallic tang of iron rich blood wafted from her marking her as human.

But there was also a secondary, underlying scent, muted and covered by the smell of the coffee that permeated her clothes and hair and seemed to leak from her pores at times. The unmistakable stench of a ghoul. The specific odor of death and decay attached to ghouls who eat their own kind. The tinny stink of desperation born from the selfish to desire to feed, to sate the gnawing hunger, to keep themselves alive. However, that scent could be attributed to the ghouls who visited the place. She touched their used items, utensils and cups, wiped their tables, shared the same air where their scent particles floated and touched her skin and clothes.

Urie lifted his cup to his lips. No warm liquid flowed past his lips, spreading its glorious flavor and slight acidity across his tongue. He opened his mouth to request another cup.

Before he could utter a word, she was there. The fabulously insightful, eager to please, Miyu Nakashima. Giving him a friendly smile, she put the cup in front of him. Handle to the right.

"Miss Nakashima, do you have plans for the morning, when you close up shop?" he inquired before he could stop himself.

Urie was interested in this woman but only a professional curiosity. So why was he about to ask her out? Just a benign gesture. A way of thanking her for her thoughtfulness and kindness.

Then bring her a damn present if you must express your gratitude. Chocolate maybe. Chocolate is good with coffee. Surely she would appreciate that. You don't have time to entangle yourself with a woman. Don't complicate your life by getting into a relationship, his inner voice of pure logic reasoned.

It's only breakfast, his consciousness countered. No big deal. A casual breakfast.

"Would you allow me to buy you breakfast? To thank you," he added quickly when her bright eyes widened and her lips pressed into a straight line.

Perhaps this idea was a terrible mistake. She did not look pleased. Why had he assumed she would be thrilled? She was definitely attractive and offered more than just a pretty face. Perhaps she had received numerous propositions, some less than savory to be sure.

"I can meet you at 8:15 at the cafe at the end of the block. Is that all right?" she ventured politely.

The Sunshine Cafe. He actually liked that place. They served traditional Japanese breakfasts as well as a sampling of breakfasts from different countries around the world. Despite having numerous options, he always ordered the same thing like here at the Midnight Coffee. However, unlike this place, he always he had give his order with specific instructions each time. What they lacked in memory, the restaurant staff made up for in otherwise good service and great food.

"That will be fine."

"Great. I'll see you there."

"I can meet you here. Walk with you," he suggested.

What the hell am I doing?, he asked himself as she tilted her head with the official perplexed puppy look. He plunged forward anyway. Too late to stop now.

"According the weather report in the paper, it will be a clear, beautiful day. Not too hot. Great for a walk."

"Okay then," she agreed.

"Okay."

Kuki Urie could not help but wonder what the hell was happening to him. Curiosity. Plain, unadulterated curiosity. Ever since the raid at the Auction House over a month ago, he had been experiencing these mysterious things called feelings. He wanted to explore more, discover more, learn more about emotions.

What have you done?, the voice of logic demanded.

I'm not sure, he answered in his internal dialogue.

Urie drank his second cup of coffee. It was damn good.