The owner and founder of LeBlanc Cafe was currently performing his annual inspection of the wide array of coffee beans he had bought for the establishment.

So far, he felt relieved to see that his young employee was taking very good care of these beans like they were a garden of flowers.

Especially to the ones that had a higher cost range.

Speaking of his youngest employee, Sojiro noticed that his mood has brightened up way more than usual.

Whatever it is that caused the positive shift in his mood was anyone's guess.

Though the older man didn't mind too much as the more positive atmosphere the kid created provided better work productivity.

So whatever it is that improved the kid's mood would hopefully stay around a bit more longer...

The door bell ringing interrupted the middle-aged man's coffee bean inspection.

("Looks like I'll have to take care of this once I'm done serving the customer.")

"Welcome sir! What can I-"

All words died in his throat when he saw the breathtakingly beautiful... man or woman?

The small, masculine laugh that came from him gave Sojiro the answer he needed to avoid an incoming awkward moment.

("Wait a minute... why did the guy laugh in the first place?") Was the first thought that ran through Sojiro's mind.

Aphrodite took notice of the man's confusion, deciding that it was necessary to address any wrong misconceptions. "Whatever it is that you thought about me sir is completely natural. You're not the first, nor will be the last person to get confused by my feminine appearance."

A look and feeling of surprise swept across the café owner. He sure wasn't anticipating the lipstick wearing fellow to be decently perceptive.

("Pretty unnerving now that I think about it...")

But Sojiro didn't let himself waver any longer and got back to his previous stride. "Well uhhh... thanks for the information and consideration. Now what may I serve you today?"

"A latte would do just fine, please and thank you." The customer ordered politely, taking the middle seat of the café bar.

With a nod, the experienced barista went to prepare the soothing drink.

However, while doing so, he took a few glances to the beautiful man that was waiting patiently.

It was nearly impossible not to as anyone would want to take in another dose of the man's beauty.

The atmosphere unfortunately turned awkward as Sojiro barely catched the frowning lips the customer forcefully switching to a polite smile everytime he glanced at him, indicating that he didn't want anyone noticing his disappointed mood.

It confused the barista as to why the man changed his facial expression in such a subtle manner. And in such a quick pace too.

"Mind if I ask why you're looking so upset sir?" He asked as he placed the well-made espresso in front of his customer.

"Well I was hoping I would see my son Ren working here."

The answer the lipstick wearing man gave to Sojiro made his eyes widen and his entire body to freeze for a brief moment.

The effect was noticed by the cause of the shock, forming a smile that returned some of the previous composure of the barista.

"Wait a minute, hold on a damn second here... are you really the kid's father!?" Was the first, and most important question the temporary guardian of Ren had to ask.

"Proudly am." The lipstick wearing man answered, adding a bit of pride into his tone.

Arms slumping to his side, Sojiro had a look of disbelief. He couldn't believe on how this day has turned out for him.

The father of the delinquent, who was starting to NOT look like an actual delinquent, was sitting comfortably in his café to spend time with his son.

A long sigh was released from the situation Sojiro wouldn't have thought to imagine. "This... is quite a bit to take in."

The chuckle that came from the beautiful man gave the bearded man a soothing feeling.

It was an odd feeling one wouldn't normally feel from a stranger, but for this instance, the barista welcomed it.

"I guess it is. My name is Aphrodite, it's a pleasure to finally meet the man who's been looking after my son."

The polite introduction made Sojiro feel even more relaxed. Was that a natural effect this guy had on other people?

"He heh, the pleasure's all mine. I have to say, the things your kid said about you didn't give me the image of a flamboyant man." Sojiro responded in a more smooth, relaxed tone.

Aphrodite looked intrigued by the information, leaning his body on the surface of the bar. "And what exactly has my dearest son been describing me as?"

Once Sojiro answered the question, it became a relatively nice conversation the two men engaged in.