Type in Piano ~ Rain Stops, good-bye in Youtube


[ 25th Day ]

- This chapter will be based on Aisha's thoughts.

It was 22nd day of December.

" Welcome to Cafe Be-... "
" What's up, Aisha~! "
" Rena! "

The sound of door opening along with chime noise immediately made my head face that way,
and I noticed one of my closest friend, Rena stepping into the cafe with a huge smile on her face.

Her golden blonde hair has already reached the tip of her waist, and I always find myself envious of that side of her.
But today, it was curled and I figured out why she looked extra beautiful today as Raven, her boyfriend, walked behind her.

" Hi there, Raven! "
" Hey. "

He replied back as they walked together to face me in front of the counter.

" What brings you guys here today? "

I asked, even though I know what they were going to order since they come here too often.

" Oh we're not here to drink anything. "

Unexpected answer slipped out of Rena's lips and I stared at her with confusion.
She smiled at me and faced Raven, who just looked away as he coughed silently with hint of blush in his cheeks.
Then she faced toward me again and said with excitement filled in her eyes,

" Would you like to spend this years Christmas with us?! "

She practically screamed at my face as I stared at her with shock filled in my eyes. As I think about it quickly, I always spent Christmas with her, since we were such close friends ever since high school. But at beginning of this year, she met Raven and they started going out. I already predicted that she will be spending this Christmas with the person who's special to her, so this question from Rena was unexpected.

More detailedly, I wouldn't want to bother the couple as they greet the snow next to the Christmas tree, and I'm sure I would feel awkward as well. Another excuse would be that Cafe Bene is not closed at Christmas and I have my hours here late at night.

" Sorry Rena... I have to work here that day. "
" Whaaaa-... "

I apologized to her as I awkwardly smiled and she stared at me with her jaws dropped as if I was telling her a lie.
Of course I wanted to spend this year's Christmas with her and Raven as well, but I knew I couldn't do anything about it.

" Boo.. that's too bad. But it's fine, we'll make it up at this New Years! "

She suddenly changed her mood from being depressed to energetic as she posed a victory pose.
And with the corner of my eye, I could catch Raven facing back and covering his face, embarrassed by his girlfriend's action.
I chuckled at the sight of them and they left with life back into the warm cafe.

Few minutes later of working, I stared at the clock that was nailed to side of the wall that 'Chung-guy' always sat next to.
It was 9:16 already, and I noticed he hasn't walked into the cafe yet. He would usually come in exactly at 9 o'clock or a little bit before.

Then I thought to myself, am I waiting for this person? I just had a conversation with him almost 24 hours ago, and yet it felt like I always talked to him before. But then I think again, he would always walk inside with slight hint of smile and would take his order in cheesy-yet in a way that would warm the inner side of me. He didn't give off a familiar look or anything, but he always felt like a friend that I've been knowing before, but not like a best friend.

[ Ding- ]

The chime from the door rang and I turned to face it without hesitation.

" Welcome to Cafe... B..ene..! "

Was I disappointed?
The customer who walked in wasn't the person I've been waiting for. It was just a new face that seems to visit this cafe for the first time.
Other employee quickly took the customer's order and I stared at the clock once more: 9:30. It was time to go home.

" I'll be heading off now. "

I said as I walked around the counter to the coat rack.

" Ah, good night, Aisha. "
" Careful going home. "
" See you tomorrow! "

I untied my apron and replaced the rack where my coat was on. I quickly buttoned the coat all the way to the top and took my scarf next to it and wrapped it around my neck. I smiled back at my fellow employees as they waved good-bye at me. I opened the door along with the chime sound and looked up to find myself surprised.

The place where I would always wait for the red light to turn green, there was Chung.
He wasn't facing toward me, but I could tell from his light blonde hair and the maroon colored scarf he would always wear.
It seemed like he didn't notice me yet, since he was quickly moving his thumbs on top of the screen of his phone.

" Chung.. ? "

I asked, even though I knew it was him. He turned around to face me and I met his clear blue eyes.

" Hi, Aisha. "

He welcomed me with a warm smile he would always give off at the cafe.
Just at the moment, the lights turned green, but I didn't mind. I wanted to talk to this guy in front of me.

" I actually went to the cafe this morning so I didn't wanted to visit again at night. But I just had a feeling that you would be exiting out through that door at this time. "

He said with a slightly playful voice and as he finished his sentence, he gave off another smile that made his eyes turn into a shape of crescent moon. I chuckled at the comment he gave me. I was glad that I finished today's work with the sight of him at the end.

Would it be selfish to think, that he was waiting for me?


Thank you

Reito Sora, DigiDawg2, nekomiminya, and Harueve for wonderful reviews!