Chapter 1 - Settling In

"Hnnngg... Ahh." Taiga stretched her arms and wiped the sleep out of her eyes. It was a beautiful morning, governed by a blue and tranquil sky. A great view to start the day... and the start of living with her new 'servant'.

Yesterday, after they cleaned the dishes, she showed the said 'servant' his living quarters. The room she showed him was a traditional six-tatami mat room, that he immediately accepted to sleep in. The room was next to hers, as she had stated.

She definitely had no ulterior motives to catch him changing. She convinced herself that last night.

'Now then... today is a Sunday, so no work. That means... I can hang out with Minato-kun all day!' She held her cheeks and shook her head with glee. The more time to spend with Minato, the better. It was time to show him the big city now. Not that she wanted to show him off or anything when they go job hunting later on.

'...Hm? That smell... is he already up and cooking right now?' She sniffed the air and a satisfying smell of food wafted into her nostrils, prompting a build up of drool in her mouth.

Oh boy, it really was a great idea to bring him in. She did not regret it.

She quickly changed into her green dress and yellow and black-striped shirt and skipped over to where the smell was coming from, getting ready for the satisfying breakfast that was to come.

"Goooood morning, Minato-kun~!" She slid open the door and burst into the dining room with energy. "What are we eating on this fine morning~?"

She did a little twirl and sat down in her place at the table. She glanced over to where Minato was and saw him looking at her with a smile.

"You'll have to wait and see, Taiga-san." He switched his gaze to concentrate on his cooking, though he continued in a playful manner, "How can you be so active in the morning? Do I have to make more in order for you to stay that way? It's like I'm feeding an animal."

"Gee, I'm not an animal! Minato-kun, you're mean!" She childishly pouted and stretched her arms in front of her on the table. She inwardly smiled and thought happily about the playful quarrels they were going to share everyday from now.

"Hehe, sorry sorry. I like your energy. It's a... welcome change in the lifestyle I used to know. But no need to worry about that," he shook his head, "the food's done now."

"Alright! Let me help you set up!" She stood up and lifted her arms to the sides, like the wings of an aeroplane. She charged forward to the kitchen and lifted some of the dishes towards the dinner table.

After they finished setting the table, they sat at their respective places at either side of the table. Facing each other, they bought their hands together.

""Itadakimasu!"" They said in unison and Taiga dug in, with Minato starting as well.

She glanced at Minato and, surprisingly, he was able to keep up with her speed at eating. Swift strokes of his chopsticks showed him hounding the food before she got to them, revealing him to be quite gluttonous.

A relaxed atmosphere surrounded them while they were eating. The TV was on and the two were watching the news.

"Yesterday, 3 more teenage girls disappeared last night. The police are still investigating the matter, but have nothing to go on at the moment. They are saying it might be a kidnapping for trafficking, but this is just speculation we have heard. This is the fifth case of a kidnapping we've heard here in Fuyuki. We ask everyone not to go around at night as it might be dangerous. In other news..." The news lady presenting kept talking.

"Hmm? Disappearing girls? 3 more girls and the fifth case? Is something going on?" Minato spoke.

"Ah, yeah." Taiga responded, "there recently have been cases of missing girls in these past few weeks. Guess you fell unconscious at the wrong time. And probably the wrong place too. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn't been the one to find you..." She trailed off.

"Don't worry about that." Minato shook his head in a relieving manner and smiled. "You found me and that's it; I'm grateful to you for taking me in. I just hope they find those girls soon..." Minato finished, concerned about what was just announced.

'Seems he's got a soft side. That's good.' Taiga thought and nodded in response to what he said.

After the delicious breakfast was done, they bought their hands together again and said, ""Thanks for the food!""

"Just perfect, Minato-kun!" Taiga said after downing her glass of water. "It's always gonna be a treat for me to eat your meals~!"

"Heh. Anytime, Taiga-san. It's always a pleasure to cook for someone else." He smiled.

She smiled back at him warmly. He's pretty and gentlemanly. A perfect husband indeed.

"So," she leaned back and started, "today we are going to go into the city! I'll be giving you a tour of the spots in the city where we can do our shopping for your clothes, any cafés to take a break at and finally, we'll be looking for a job that is perfect for you!"

"Alright, sounds good. So it's a date then?" He said nonchalantly.

"Hell yeah it's a date!" She crossed her arms and nodded her head in emphasis, "it's going to be fun and... Wait, what?" She stopped, struck dumb by his announcement.

"It's a date, right? Just the two of us, going out into the city and shopping... yeah. It's a date." He answered, smoothly.

"W-well, yeah if you want to call it that." She stroked the back of her head in embarrassment, a light blush on her cheeks. She was rather surprised at his ability to say those words bluntly. "It's just... I, umm... Never thought of it that way..."

"Oh? So it isn't a date?" His expression changed to one of sadness. "...You don't want to go out with me?"

"Wha-! Of course I do!" She replied back with haste. "Who wouldn't?! You're handsome and I would go out with you any day! You're great at cooking and pretty and..." She trailed off when she heard a snicker.

Undoubtedly, Minato was covering his mouth and was shaking mildly. A wildfire spread through her cheeks and she looked down.

'Oh, come on! Already?!'

Oh boy. This was fun and a little annoying at the same time. Punishment was on course for Minato.

"Minato-kun..." She muttered menacingly and darkness covered her eyes. "...do you know how bad it is... to play with a maiden's heart?"

"...You're a maiden?" He replied.

Alright. That's it. Too far.

"Why, you little...!" She was about to reach out and punch him, when she heard laughter.

She saw Minato chuckling heartily, which was apparently enough to calm her down. Also, more mental images were stored in her mind.

Minato slowly stopped laughing and gave a smooth, disarming smile.

"Sorry, sorry. You're just a lot of fun to tease, Taiga-san. You're really fun to hang out with. Even though I've only been here for one night, that's what I'm thinking." He then stood up and started clearing the table, making a clean getaway and leaving her to brood over what he said.

'...He really has a way with words, huh?' The heat was still on her cheeks, though the heat this time was not of anger... but of warmth and elation at his compliment.

'He's a good kid. He's friendly, fun and very mature, something his age group seems to have a lack of. He can cook, do house chores and seems really capable of taking care of himself.' She took a long glance in his direction. He was looking at the plates he was cleaning with a gaze of concentration, studying every inch of the plate with scrutiny. She giggled lightly at his expression.

"Alright!" She stood herself up and got close to the door. "I'm going to get ready now! I'll be in the bath if you need me. Don't peek on me, okay~?"

"Yeah yeah. I'm already ready, so I'll be waiting. Looks like I'll have to go around in my previous school's uniform... great." He frowned.

"Don't worry about it! You can change as soon as we get your clothes and you'll look more attractive than ever!" She stated.

"Thanks for the compliment, Taiga-san." He placed the plate under observation to the side. "Now, go on and get ready. I can't wait to see the city." He responded with anticipation in his voice.

"Yes, sir! I shall go now!" She saluted and ran out the door to get to the bathroom.

This was going to be a fun and exhausting day. Mostly fun though as she has plenty of energy.

"Alright, we're here!" She announced.

"Woah." He replied.

They arrived at the city centre of Fuyuki. Towering blocks of buildings surrounded them like walls. Lines of clothing shops, video game stores, book stores and other miscellaneous shops, surrounded them from all sides. Cafés, fast food and takeaway stores and fancy restaurants were also occasionally found.

"You surprised?" Taiga grinned at his one word reply.

"Yeah. I've never been to a city centre like this one." He looked around with interest, catching glances of the locals looking at him. "I mean, there was a mall where I once spent time in, but it was pretty small compared to this one."

"Oh, really? Well, get ready to exhaust yourself~. We're going on an all-out shopping spree today~!" Taiga exclaimed with excitement. She then proceeded to hook her arm around his, and dragged him off to some formal and trendy jacket store on his heels.

"Over there first! We're going to need you to keep warm because it's pretty cold out right now." She said and Minato nodded in response.

Various coats were tried on with all of the clothes that he had tried on looking good on him. Puffer vests, trench coats, parka coats and all other coats were trialled until the store was turned upside down.

Minato eventually settled on two coats for the winter that was coming; a black trench coat and a grey, double-breasted jacket.

They then moved and switched shops, leaving no store unturned throughout the day.

They even got discounts from the shops they went to. Courtesy from the shops' assistants, with a little bit from the managers as well.

Taiga mentally thanked the gods that Minato was a walking discount. She has a limited sum of money after all. Bless her fortune and luck for finding him.

By the time they finished getting his clothes, ten bags were held, stuffed with his newfound clothes. Taiga then told him to change in the public toilets, which he complied to. He came out wearing his new grey turtleneck, dark pants and his double-breasted jacket. By the time they noticed, the sun was setting and the sky was turning a dark orange. The evening was about to start.

They concluded their shopping spree and sat down on a nearby bench in a nearby square, fitted with a fancy fountain in the center. They were tired, but not out of energy just yet.

"God... I haven't went shopping like this in a long time." Minato smiled at her. "Thanks for taking me out today, Taiga-san. Though I'm willing to pay you back for the money you spent on me... Which must have been a lot. And that's when I get a job to pay you."

Taiga just shook her head. "No no, don't worry about it! I'll put it on my grandfather's tab, I'm sure he won't mind~!"

'Speaking of which, where is he...? Would've thought he would be home by now... maybe he's taking care of some business?' She thought.

Just then, Minato sweatdropped. She really must have spent a lot.

'Just don't tell Minato that I've only got a couple thousand yen left... those discounts didn't really do much...' She continued.

Her thoughts then changed to a somewhat mischievous disposition. It was now time for the punishment game for his previous comments during breakfast.

"Okay! Time for a game, Minato-kun!" She announced.

"Eh?" He spoke, looking puzzled. "A game?"

"Yes, a game! Did you forget about your comments about how I'm not a maiden?" She glared at him. "You have to be punished for that!"

"...ah. I remember now." Minato slapped his fist on his palm, with an 'I get it now' expression.

"Wha-! How could you forget?! That hurt my feelings, you know!" She huffed, crossed her arms and looked away from him, closing her eyes with a 'I'm ignoring you' expression.

"Alright, alright. I'm sorry about my comment, Taiga-san. It was just a joke." He chuckled softly.

"A sorry won't be enough, Minato-kun! Therefore I'll be having you play this punishment game! No leaving or cowering out, ok~?" She wagged a finger at him in a scolding tone.

"Ok then. Tell me what the game is and I'll do it. I'm sure it'll be easy." He taunted, a smirk forming on his face.

'Hmmm... What shall I make him do...? Nothing too embarrassing, yet not so soft either. Hmmm... Ah ha! Got it~!' A light bulb flashed in her head.

"Alright, Minato-kun!" She stood up from the bench and pointed at him. "I want you to get every woman's phone number in this area! If you don't get one from a person, or even miss one out, you lose!" She announced her game to him.

"...Is that it?" Minato replied, blinking. "You just want me to get phone numbers? Not a kiss on the cheek, a hug or anything else like that?"

"No no! That's reserved for m- Ahem." She cut herself off quickly and a light blush formed on her cheeks. She hoped that the light from the sun covered it up.

"A-anyways, just get their phone numbers and no physical contact of any sort! Do you accept the challenge, Minato-kun?" She challenged, with both of them looking at each other with a competitive spark in their eyes.

"I accept, Taiga-san. Get ready to see my swag magic at work here." Right on cue, Minato then stood up and walked away, looking like a badass.

The next hour was passed with Minato playing Taiga's game. Taiga watched on, sitting on the bench, with all his clothes neatly tucked into the bags placed by her feet.

She observed many different reactions from the various women around. Ranging from the shy types to the fan girls, she laughed. Everyone of those girls that he talked to were either left blushing, giggling, taking second glances when he left or talking about him behind his back. She knew this would happen as she just wanted to see other girls' reactions to his advances. The game's true objective was accomplished.

'Man... Looking at these girls makes me laugh. Then again, I'm sure if someone saw me getting teased by him, I'll be on the receiving end of the laugh.' She thought.

She stared at him from the bench. He wasn't wearing his school uniform anymore and was instead wearing his newly bought grey turtleneck sweater, dark skinny pants and grey double-breasted jacket. Why he wore those clothes, she didn't know.

All he said was that they made him feel nostalgic.

He noticed her staring and smiled back at her. He then gave her a sneaky thumbs up to show it was going well. Her eyebrow twitched with feigned anger. Cheeky boy.

The girls he was speaking to then gave him something. A business card or something...?

'Hmm...? What's that they gave him? Maybe money...? A coupon or something? Geez, he could get anything he wants with that look of his.'

Minato then started walking towards her direction. Looks like he was done.

"So! How did it go~? Did you get all their numbers?" She spoke teasingly, knowing the outcome.

"It went rather well. Although..." He started. "They left me with more than just numbers."

"Uhhh," she braced herself. "What was it that they left?"

"Well... To be blunt, they touched my butt." He glanced towards Taiga's direction and saw that her eyes and mouth widening. "A bunch of excited teenagers and single mothers, even housewives, got a bit too touchy feely. I could still feel their marks... Some were soft, while others were full on grabbing it... Savouring it with their lecherous eyes, stuck on my face..." Minato grasped his shoulders and shivered.

"Wha-! Why didn't you stop them?! Didn't I say no physical contact whatsoever?!" She flared. They were so lucky! She didn't even touch him yet!

"I couldn't help it! I wouldn't have gotten their numbers then!" He came out with his excuse and continued, "Besides, I wanted to win your game. Smooth talk doesn't seem to work here... Well, it did work but there was no finisher..."

"No finisher? What are you talking about?" He was about to speak back, but she raised her hand and sighed. "Whatever. Where are the numbers then?"

He rolled up the sleeves of his jacket with ease. "Here."

Taiga gaped. Littered all over was numbers. Numbers that looked like somebody had scribbled all over it because of overlapping numbers spreading all over his sleeves. They were desperate to be the only ones on his sleeves, alright.

And anyway, where the hell did they get the pens to make a mark on him? Magic? No way.

She was bought out of her observation and stuttered, "W-W-wow! T-that's a whole lot of them! Too bad~! You don't even have a phone! Haha!" She chuckled at his surprised expression.

"Oh yeah. I don't even have a phone. Then..." Minato stared at her with a questioning gaze. "...what the heck was this 'punishment game' for?"

Taiga spoke. "I just wanted to see other women blushing to their limits. From what I've seen, you've got no shame making girls humiliate themselves, much like you did with me. This was just a way for me to take my embarrassment out; by laughing at others. Hehe... Hehehehe..." She chuckled chillingly and a dark aura surrounded her, prompting others to stay away.

"Great... so I did this for your enjoyment... looks like I'll have to clean this off then. Shall we go do our original objective now? We've pretty much got everything I need for normal clothes." He rolled down his sleeves and sighed.

She quickly nodded and said: "Yeah, sure! What job do you have in mind? A host in a club? A chef for a fancy restaurant? I wouldn't mind that!"

He smiled. "No thanks. It was a good idea, but it's only part time remember? You said that you're going to get me transferred into the school you work at, right?"

"Yeah! I'll ask at Homurahara tomorrow and I'll see to it that you get a place." 'In my class.' She added.

"Thanks, Taiga-san. Anyways, back on point." He continued. "Can I work at a cafe? I'm sure the pay will be better than average and I have no qualms in making coffee or serving customers. I can speak from experience."

She replied, "Hmm? A cafe, you say? Let's see... There was a pretty fancy looking cafe in the district where we went shopping for your clothes. Wanna see if they have a space there?"

His eyes beamed. "Yes, that one. I was interested in that cafe particularly because it reminds me of an old one I worked part time at."

"You're always thinking about the past, huh? I suppose that's a good thing." She shrugged. "Get yourself cleaned up first and then we'll be going. We're going to get you the job for sure~!" She pumped her fist in the air excitedly.

"Alright. Let's try our best and get that job!" He repeated the gesture and smiled. "I'll clean this off now, so take care of the shopping, okay?" She nodded in response and he trailed off to the public toilets.

'He really is fun to hang out with. Never before have I been out on a date with somebody that's this much fun!' She then cut off her thoughts suddenly.

'...ah. Did I just consider this a date? Damn Minato, saying it's a date out of the blue! I'm older than him, but it looks like he doesn't care... He's about 15 or 16 years old, while I'm 24. That's a pretty big gap...' She quickly dismissed those thoughts and shook her head. What was she doing, thinking they were on a date? Besides, she's only known him since last night.

'Oh well... A woman can dream, can't she?' She concluded her train of thought when Minato came out. She greeted cheerfully and he returned it. She then led the way to the shop with Minato following closely. Little did she know that her heart was filled with a small faint bitterness.

They arrived at the fancy cafe Taiga had mentioned. Business was pretty good as people were now taking breaks from whatever they were doing and that now that it's evening, it was time to sit back and relax.

"Alright then! Let's go in there and own this joint~!" She raised her hand and said out loud.

"Are you sure they have spaces? I don't really think they need more people in there..." Minato asked.

She waved him off with her hand. "Don't think like that, Minato-kun! You need more spirit! Come on, let's go in!" And she entered with Minato behind.

"Welcome! Would you like a table or takeaw...ay..." One of the attendants serving other customers came up and greeted her. The attendant wore a fine suit which consisted of a white polo, black waistcoat, black tie, black short skirt and black stockings. Her features looked cute with puffed cheeks and her hair was tied in the twin-tail style, though the tails she adorned were short. She was also quite well endowed, if her bust was any clue. She was only looking at Taiga, but when she glanced behind her, she trailed off of her welcoming speech and stared at the blue haired bishounen behind her, looking around the store with interest.

"Umm..." Taiga waved her hand in front of her eyes. "...hello? Ground control to attendant, can you respond?"

The attendant snapped out of her trance, stuttered and bowed to her. "S-s-sorry! W-w-what did you want?" She looked like she was trying hard to stare at her face. What betrayed her were obvious glances towards Minato's direction.

"Right..." Taiga sighed. "Well, we're looking for a job in this fine cafe. Do you have a space?"

"H-huh? A job space here? I'll have to speak to the manager about that." She took a look around her and quieted her voice, so that Taiga was the only one that could hear. "Umm... d-does he want to work here?" A fairly faint blush adorned her cheeks.

Taiga smiled at her and teasingly said, "You would like that wouldn't you~? Hey hey, tell me, he's really charming isn't he~?"

Her face then burned and she withdrew. "E-e-e-excuse me!" She walked with a fast pace to the back room, probably to ask the manager for a space. Or to escape from the 'Tiger'.

Taiga looked back to see Minato staring at her quizzically. "What was that about? She was rushing and nearly tripped over herself. Did something happen?"

Taiga replied, "Well~, you have to ask her that yourself shouldn't you?" She grinned.

She turned around and thought, 'Ahh, youth. So young and innocent.'

They waited for around a minute and the shop assistant came back, now in control.

"Please come with me. The manager wants to s-speak with you." She stuttered when Minato looked at her. Taiga grinned at him.

They started following behind her, trailing the main path that led to the back room. She slowed down to Minato's pace and nudged him in the arm, getting his attention.

"Hey hey." She whispered in his ears. "You got an admirer."

He rolled his eyes. "Like I haven't heard that one before. Also, you might want to step back a bit." He leaned in really close to her ear. "She looks like she's getting jealous."

She leapt back because he was getting too close. Her cheeks were stained red from the distance of his oh so, soft and velvety smooth voice. She faced forward to see the young assistant looking at her with a pouting expression and a blush on her cheeks. Oh, she was jealous alright.

The assistant turned away with a 'Hmph!' and entered the staff room. Taiga glared at Minato, the heat still visible on her cheeks.

"You intentionally did that to incur her jealousy, didn't you, you jerk..." She voiced angrily.

"What do you mean, Taiga-san? I didn't do anything." He shrugged as if he didn't do anything and also followed the assistant into the staff room.

Taiga sighed and slumped her shoulders in defeat. 'I can't catch him off guard can't I...'

She fixed herself and followed the playboy into the staff room as well.

"So," the manager started. "You, Arisato-kun, want to work here?"

"Yes. Is there a problem, miss?" Minato replied.

Taiga entered to see a buxom woman with raven dark hair tied into a ponytail, sitting in front of Minato. She was staring at Minato with evaluating eyes. She was also wearing the same as the twin-tailed assistant's uniform, though it was bigger considering her stature.

The shy (and jealous) girl was also there, sitting silently behind what seemed to be the manager of the cafe. She still had that jealous look on her face.

'Seems like that's their uniform... Looks cool. Wonder what Minato would look like in that...' Taiga pondered and she imagined Minato serving tea or coffee to her, with him smiling, calling her miss, pouring the milk into her cup and...

She shook off those thoughts. First, they were improper for an adult like her and secondly, was the fact that the raven haired woman was constantly crossing her legs in front of the boy.

The assistant girl also noticed this and gripped her hands. Oh, she forgot about the competition? And the fact that the manager would try to sway him as well? Life is never that easy, girl.

Minato seemed to not notice this constant moving or he was just simply ignoring it. His cyan coloured eyes never left the manager's face for even a second.

"Well, I want to have a test first." The manager was still 'adjusting' her position on her chair and continued. "I want you to make me a cup of coffee, tea or whatever and serve it to me. Pretend I'm the customer."

Taiga and the assistant girl widened their eyes. That devious woman was using her authority as manager to get servant-like treatment from the bluenette.

"Understood. Is that all I have to do?" Minato responded.

The woman nodded and stood up. "We'll be doing it in the shop and you can use the machines there." She walked past Minato and Taiga and walked out the room.

"Well then," Minato looked back at her. "Let's go too."

The assistant and Taiga followed Minato out of the room. Once out, they found the manager standing behind the counter, where they made the coffee.

The manager spoke, "Do you need to know how to use this machine? I can teach you if you want." Taiga managed to catch a little bit of an alluring tone in her voice.

Minato shook his head. "Nope. I don't use machines. I only need my hands."

The manager raised an eyebrow. "Really now? Alright then, show me what you got."

"Will do. Hold this for me please, Taiga-san." He proceeded to take off his jacket and lifted it towards her.

Before Taiga could take it though, the twin-tailed assistant snatched it off his hands. She sent a smirk of victory towards Taiga, who had a surprised look on her face. Minato sent a smile towards them and winked at the girl with his only visible eye that could be seen. She looked down in embarrassment and was smiling happily from his gesture.

"Right then. Let's do this." Minato rolled up his sleeves and got to work.

Taiga, the manager and the twin-tailed girl watched on to see Minato handling the ingredients to make coffee with finesse. His hands were quickly moving, adding the coffee beans into the grinder, crushing them, putting them into a cup when finished, and so on.

After 30 seconds, he had made 3 steaming and fresh cups of coffee and placed them in front of the 3 women.

"Here you go ladies. My own way of doing coffee. You might feel a side effect." Minato stated, which left the girls wondering.

"May I ask what this side effect is?" The manager replied and took a sniff of the fresh drink in front of her. She widened her eyes. The smell was of coffee, but... it somehow smelled sweeter than the normal coffee she had. She stared at Minato and he looked at her with a smooth smile.

"You'll find out when you drink." He winked and turned around to wash his hands.

The girls stared at the cups on the counter. Steam was smoothly wafting upwards, enticing them to take a sip. They gulped.

All was silent. The store, it's employees and customers, gazed at the three of them. Looks like they were intrigued by either the boy, the 'unique' coffee or both. Filled with anticipation for their judgment on the cup of coffee made by the charming youth, the pressure was on them.

It was now or never.

Minato finished cleaning and wiped his hands off. Once done, he turned to them and waited patiently.

Without a word, all three of them grabbed their respective cups and bought them to their mouths. They drank and swallowed.

They widened their eyes. An otherworldly and euphoric taste, overthrew their senses. A warm feeling of desire filled their stomachs. They quickly drank the rest, their sense of taste drowning out the scalding burn in their throats.

They finished and placed their cups on the counter with a 'pop!'. They wiped their mouths with their sleeves and stared at Minato with wonder and curiosity in their eyes.

Two words were spoken as they were the only ones that needed to be said.

"You're hired." The manager stated.

Minato smiled.

"Thank you."

And the store went wild.

"Phew..." Minato breathed out. He was panting, a little out of breath.

"You're... not... out of... breath...?" Taiga managed to speak out.

They were currently on the bus back on the route to Taiga's residence, regaining their breath. After the "job interview" at the cafe, all the customers, even the employees, scrambled to Minato to try and get a taste of his unique coffee.

Minato was, luckily, protected by a barricade consisting of the manager, the twin-tailed girl and some other helpful employees that didn't get overcome by their desire to taste his concoction.

Although it was a royal rumble of sorts, fortunately, no one was hurt.

As the surge of customers didn't look like it was going to end, they covered Minato and made a path to get to the staff room. The manager managed to look back at him and said to get a spare uniform from the only cabinet in the room. Once she saw a nod, she continued to tell him to escape through the back entrance of the store, located in the staff room.

Minato quickly grasped Taiga's left wrist and dragged her with him into the room. Him and Taiga located the uniform quickly and escaped through the back. Unfortunately, some of the customers caught the manager's comments and were waiting for him outside.

This led to the both of them running out of breath. Well, one of them. How she managed to also keep all of their shopping in her hands, was a mystery.

"Huh? I guess I am. Just a little out of breath." Minato replied. He was wearing his jacket again, when the twin-tailed employee managed to hand it over during the struggle.

"Just... a... little..., huh?" Taiga spoke. "How... the hell... are you... not... tired yet...?"

"Physical conditioning. Lots and lots of it." Minato replied.

'What required you to have this much stamina?! We ran for who knows how long! And I barely even caught up with you when we were running!' Taiga mentally retorted. Mental images of him dragging her off of her heels flashed through her mind. She very nearly tripped over everything in the way while running.

"By the way..." Taiga regained her breath and steadied her breathing. She continued, "What was the, um, side effect of your coffee?"

Minato looked at her with surprise. "Oh? You didn't feel it? Thought you would have noticed."

Taiga stared back at him. "What was I supposed to be feeling exactly? Is it supposed to be bad?"

"No, definitely not. Let's see..." Minato stared at the ceiling in contemplation. He looked back at her after a moment. "Were you feeling warm? Was everything you saw around you, your vision, more colourful?"

"Yeah. Once I took the drink in the cafe and finished it, everything was more brighter and a warm feeling was flooding my body. It felt pretty good. Why do you ask?" She questioned.

"Ok well, the drink was a normal coffee. Apparently, from feedback, my so-called 'variation' of normal coffee raises the charm of the one drinking it." He answered back.

Taiga widened her eyes. What? What he made was normal coffee? What she had drank was not normal at all.

"Really? So I look more prettier in the eyes of others?" Her face bore a wide grin. "Well well well, Minato-kun! Tell me, do I look pretty now~?" She purred.

Minato looked at her and smiled a charming smile.

"You've always looked pretty, Taiga-san. I've always thought that." "Wha-?!"

At the end of his speech, Taiga blushed an almighty red. Too smooth, WAY too smooth. 'Come on, Taiga! Stop leading him and giving him the chance!' She berated herself in her thoughts.

"Geez, Minato! Do you always speak to girls this way? I swear you're the enemy of all the girls around, with your sweet talk and skills!" Taiga exclaimed.

In return, Minato just chuckled. "Well, all the girls loved it. Though they always get embarrassed, they come back for more. Are you one of those girls?"

"No! I'm just trying to get you back for all the humiliation you caused!" She pointed at him. "You owe me a delicious, WAY more delicious dinner when we get home!"

Minato slowed his chuckling and smiled. "Sure thing, Taiga-san."

Afterwards, they got dropped off at the nearest bus stop and walked the rest of the way home, talking about things like her job and the school he was soon going to be placed at.

The rest of the evening went by smoothly. Minato made an even more delicious dinner as per requested by Taiga. She was obviously very pleased.

And then the day ended. It was a rather hectic and a lot of energy was used, but one thing was certain...

It was one of the best days she's ever had in her life. Ever.

Chapter 1 - End

A/N: Hello and welcome to the next chapter of my story! I was really surprised from the positive feedback that I had gained from the reviews from readers and I really, really thank you for that! Seeing how people were saying that it was a good start, made me really happy. Anyways, consider this a filler chapter about the life that Minato will now live... for now. Also went a bit longer this time, as I went 2k+ words over my wanted word limit. The word limit might be a bit sporadic for future chapters, but we'll see.

See you next time! (and thank you for the reviews!)