I don't own Skip beat!
I have made a minor change in the story. I never knew how much a surrogate mom cost TT^TT (thank you Stardust for informing me) I changed the price to 50 million yen. ;) The reviews I received pushed me to do another chapter right away.
Cafe Bien is a cafe established by the couple Asuka and Hiruma. They decided for a business when they retired from working for companies. A place where they can flexibly work. Asuka-san, not being able to bear their own kids, has a soft spot for teens. She wanted to help them on their daily struggles. So she and her husband decided to hire them to work for the cafe, thus having Kyoko, Kanae, Hikaru, Yuusei and Shinichi. Asukan-san and Hiruma-san takes care of the cash register and kitchen,rspectively while the youngsters takes charge of cleaning and serving. Kyoko helps in the kitchen most of the time, cooking alongside Hiruma-san.
On one particular day, when Kyoko, Yuusei and Shinichi are having their shifts, Kyoko never expected to see the one person she is avoiding, Hizuri Kuon. He is wearing his street clothes, nothing alike to the suit he usually wears. White shirt, jeans and chucks making him more gorgeous than he already his. 'He actually looks good', Kyoko commented internally. Along Kuon are two more people, entering the cafe and sitting on a booth.
"Kyoko-chan can you get the new table", Yuusei asked. He and Kyoko were cleaning up the table occupied by a big group of students.
"Okay" Kyoko answered,drying her hands. She walked to the counter took 3 menus and approached the said table with a warm smile.
"Welcome to Cafe Bien, Would you like me to take your orders now?"
Taking a day off is out of Hizuri Kuon's dictionary. Even on weekends, when he is home, he makes sure he spend his time fruitfully. But today was different, his cousin Rick, surprised him and Yukihito with his visit. That's why when he requested to spend time with Kuon and Yukihito, both of them didnt think twice and took a day off. It's been quite a while since they saw each other, so a day off work wont do much damage.
Kuon noticed her even before they went in the cafe. That one person his whole being is asking for, Mogami Kyoko. Today must be his lucky day. As they have entered the cafe, he threw a side glance at her, she was cleaning a table along with another worker. They sat in a booth and Yukihito signaled for a server to come over. He never thought it was her who will do it. Thank you stars! She was coming over to their table with that knocked out smile of her, giving the menus and then she greeted "Welcome to Cafe Bien, would you like me to take your orders now?". He almost wanted to hug her.
"I would like a cup of black coffee and your today's special" Rick said, examining the girl. He did not miss the way his baby cousin was looks at her.
Yukihito just finished reading the menu finally looked up and said "An espresso and Pancakes" returning Kyoko's smile.
Kyoko then looks at Kuon and forced a smile "How about you sir?"
Kuon spoke without thinking "I didn't know you work here,"
Kyoko's felt awkward for a moment and replied, "I do, sir."
"I'll have a black coffee," Kuon said looking and smiling at her. 'She looks different. Not bad different but in a good way. Geez, she even look more beautiful.'
Kyoko finishing the orders asked again, "Is that all sir?". Kuon nods still looking at her with the beautiful smile, like memorizing her face. Kyoko can't help but feel embarrassed but tried to school her look and offered, "Our breakfast special is highly recommended sir,"
"Do you cook it?" Kuon said leaning on his seat, wanting to talk to her longer.
Rick and Yukihito are watching the exchange in the sidelines. 'This guy never change always the smooth talker', Rick thought.
"If you want poison with it then I will" Kyoko said jokingly.
Kuon laughs at this, "Maybe I should try it then?" He asked with a inquiring look.
Before Kyoko answers, she looks around the cafe, there are only a few customers left, "Fine. But only because breakfast rush is almost finish". She then takes the menus and left. In all honesty, she just wanted to poison him. Might solve her 150 million yen problem but on second thought, she wanted to get on his good side.
'Last thing I want is to wake up in a cell'
"Yuusei-nii, I will help Hiruma-san prepare the breakfast" Kyoko said before entering the kitchen.
"My, my Kuon. I didn't know you are hiding such beau to us" Rick teased. "You look in love for a second there", Yukihito added.
'Teasing in the morning, lovely.' Kuon glared at his friends and said "If you know what's best for you, you will shut it"
Rick raises his hand in surrender, Yukihito zipped his mouth. 'Don't wanna wake up the Demon King" both thought the same.
After a few minutes, Kyoko came back, Yuusei in tow, with their orders. Carefully, she is putting the beverages first then the plates with food. She bowed, then smiled and said "Enjoy your food!" Then left to attend other tables.
While eating, Rick was sharing stories about his tour.
"Paris is by far on of the best places I have been. But I recommend you go their with someone else", He said.
Yukihito swallowed his food and asked, "Why is that?"
"The place is surrounded by couples," Rick said, grimacing. "I wish I brought one with me", He added.
"By the way, skydiving was effin amazing. We should do that, the three of us" Rick exclaimed excitedly.
While the two are talking, Kuon was eating his food not bothering to listen. His eyes are on Kyoko. The obvious pull that he was having with her became stronger the minute he saw her. He wanted to hug her, and kiss her until she forgets who she is. He can not understand this feeling 'Maybe it will go away when I have a piece of her' his playboy side thought.
"So, Kuon, I heard some interesting news about you" Rick said putting his napkins down, with that knowing twinkle in his eyes.
Kuon just looked at him, encouraging him to continue.
"You wanted to be father", Rick said with a teasing smile, "you serious, bro?"
Kuon looked at him as if he will just lurched and beat him. Being teased was not one of his likes. The last one who did it was caressing the bed rails in the hospital.
"Hey, I have nothing against it, I just want you to be sure. It's not a puppy your getting. It's a kid. This one has bigger responsibilities" Rick said, all signs of teasing gone.
"I got this okay? Trust me" Kuon said wanting Rick to drop the subject.
As the three men left the cafe, Kuon gave one last glance on Kyoko's way. He was hoping she would look but she seems busy with what she was doing so he focused on his friends, about the same time Kyoko looked at his direction.
"Phew" Kyoko released her breath she unknowingly holding.
"What's wrong Kyoko-chan?" Shinichi asked.
"Just tired Shinichi-nii, a few more hours and I'll be able to come home" Kyoko lied.
She was muling over the things she noticed today on encountering Hizuri Kuon, dealing with her inner self.
'He is handsome'
'Don't even think about it Kyoko'
'What I just find him good looking is there something wrong with it?
'He is also a smooth talker, a play boy, a conman. Don't fall for the likes of him'
'I was just admiring his looks, okay'
'Whatever'
With that Kyoko finishes her task. She wanted to get home before lunch so she can help Mrs. Kotonami in cooking. They were very nice letting her stay on their house while she recovers for what she lost. The least she can do is help with chores.
xox