"We're back!" Eli said as she and Nozomi walked in the shop.
"Thank you, you two! Just put them there and me and You-chan will take care of the rest!" Chika said and pointed at a vacant table near the storage room.
As Eli and Nozomi put down the boxes, Jesidril walked in with a phone in hand, "Eli! You skipped work today? Yuri called!"
"Ack!" Eli froze and Chika blinked before giving the blonde a deadpan.
"You said you're on your day off." The orange-haired lady said.
"I-It's… a bit personal to explain." Eli chuckled nervously.
"We already know the reason but if you don't want a big and angry Imperial, you'll go back there right away." Jesidril said.
Nozomi blinked; she knew about the reason as well given her observations but she pretended to not know anything anyway, "Really? What was the reason?"
"Don't give me that, Nozomi. You also know." Jesidril seemed to be sharp enough to tell.
Eli was about to speak but no words wouldn't come out of her mouth. She was dumbfounded. She had to literally stop and think before leaning towards You, who was picking up milk batches from the box.
"Was I obvious?"
You chuckled.
"Very."
"Damn it."
IIIII
The cafe was bustling again and thanks to Eli, most of the customers ordered the iced latte. Although, adding to the blonde's fame, the customers were delighted that the iced latte was actually good.
Eli was sitting at the corner table beside the window and storage room while she watched Nozomi talk to a young couple at another table. What were they talking about? The blonde wondered.
As much as she wanted to swoop in just to listen, she also knew that butting in would disrespect Nozomi. It was best to just ask Nozomi later.
She shifted her eyes towards others. Chika and You were busy making drinks from the counter and Dia and Ruby were busy serving those drinks to the customers. Despite the visible fatigue in their faces, the blonde could tell that they were loving their jobs.
Simply because they were smiling.
They reminded her of when she was aspiring to be a model but there was something within those smiles that made Eli feel that the smile she gave back then when she was tackling her profession was that of an unfulfilled one.
That didn't really mean that Eli hated what she was doing for a living. But, it felt so strange that she was feeling like something was missing in her life. Something within her heart was missing. A puzzle piece.
Then again, most of Eli's life was unfulfilling. A collection of missing puzzle pieces. Maybe that was why she wasn't actually looking forward to anything. Because life was already set for her. All she had to do was to act in it.
She returned her gaze back to Nozomi.
Shit. Her heart began to pound once more. She could feel her face heating up in the process as her softened blue eyes stared at Nozomi's beautiful form.
Now that no one was talking to her and she was practically in the corner where no one would bother her, Eli finally got the time to admire Nozomi. From the way her eyes would sparkle and the way lights from windows would envelop her. There was something stirring within Eli's entire being that it made her eyes slowly widen with glimmers in them with her mouth slightly opened.
It was the feeling from when she first saw her and it wasn't just love. There was something more. It felt like she was being freed from the chains life had put her into.
Eli was stunned and she suddenly became stuck in a world where time slowed down. That face… she wanted to see Nozomi's face. She wanted to see Nozomi looking at her while wearing that smile.
She gulped. She narrowed her eyes before she immediately looked away and cupped a hand over her mouth to collect her thoughts.
She didn't expect these feelings to be this strong. For a moment, she thought that she underestimated them at first. Perhaps, having to watch the photographer from here helped her realize just how deep these sentiments were.
More like, was there even a bottom for this?
Eli closed her eyes as she attempted to soothe her nerves. She had to calm down. But, her mind was racing about Nozomi. Images of staring at her face… holding her…
Kissing her…
Eli shook her head vigorously. What the hell was she thinking!?
But it was true.
Eli hadn't changed her mind in actually pursuing Nozomi and she was sure as hell she wouldn't ever change her mind now that she was finally able to be in-depth with her feelings. She was now sure of it and she would try harder from here on.
She wanted her.
She wanted Nozomi.
Then the sharp breaking of glass interrupted the fine day and everyone turned their heads to the entrance where they could see a group of gangsters walking in.
The intimidating stares made the customers shiver and whisper to each other while the staff could only look at them blankly. Except Ruby, who was slightly trembling but she bravely and nervously glared at them.
Chika sneaked her hand below the counter and pressed a button that had a sign that said "Press when needed" before she smiled and greeted the group.
"Welcome to Vintage Coffee! What would you have for today, ladies?"
Instead of answering, the gang went towards Nozomi's table and the red-haired leader slammed her hand on the table, causing the young couple to flinch and one of the gang members lowered her head to give the couple a stink eye.
"Get the hell out of here." The gang member spoke in her raspy voice.
"Y-Yes ma'am!" Hurriedly, the couple left the table and the redhead replaced them.
"Heard your name's Nozomi."
"How may I help you?" Nozomi smiled; although, her heart was racing anxiously.
Eli narrowed her eyes and stood up to approach their table.
"Look at that smug on your face. You act like you did nothing wrong." The redhead growled as she slowly leaned in, resting her arms on the table.
"Pardon me but I don't think I have done anything to offend you or anyone in your gang." Nozomi replied.
"Haah? You're really talking back to me?"
"How else am I supposed to answer you?"
"Well aren't you a little bi–"
"Pardon my intrusion, but I think you're getting a bit too far. Please leave." Eli intervened and the redhead and her gang glared up at the blonde who glared back.
Nozomi was surprised as she looked up at Eli, "Eli-chan…"
"You…" The redhead paused and initiated an intense staring contest with Eli.
And Eli was sure as hell she wouldn't be backing down.
A/N: Hi everyone! Yuri here! Sorry if I seem like I don't respond to comments but truly! I SO APPRECIATE THEM! THANK YOU SO MUCH! It's just that, I couldn't seem to find out how to respond to them, so I decided to communicate through Author's Notes.
I thank y'all for reading this fanfic even though I barely get active in writing nowadays but don't worry, I will make sure to see this fanfic to the end! Keep those comments coming! I make sure to read them and think of a reply in the next update!
