To the blade that scarred me, and its wielder that I have lost...

For my dearest Suiren.

Chapter One

I dip my hands into the cold running water. I take the sponge and I wash the cups... and soap a nostalgic feel and the cups ceramic touch too, a nostalgic feel against my hands.

The sun outside shines through the window. The afternoon breeze through the windows serene and everlasting. The smell of the spring sakura against my view... fresh and sweet. I stand behind the counter. My working apron to my knees. My name tag say, Kaori.

I love being Kaori... she stands here everyday in the afternoon shift of and waits on the customers of Café Pronto. She has memorized the overhead menu that is written in colorful letters. She’s here right on time right after school. Her highschool homework can wait... since the smell of coffee and lovely small sandwiches is too entrancing. To the customers, her smile is always the cutest, her movements always the gentlest, and the her courteous bow always the most respectful.

The door opened in front and I turned around to the sound of little bell that rang. I smiled and walked to the counter. The fresh air outside was vitalizing, and the sound of the busy afternoon Odaiba was wonderful. I looked up and saw him. I froze. Time stopped. My heart stopped. Everything else stopped mattering, only that he said something. Something to break my imaginary silence. I had never felt this before. My heart race, my face felt hot, I blushed so much, and it was so hard to smile curtly instead of looking away. He looked serious, cold, stoic, but handsome. There was something about him, like he was off somewhere far away... something that bothered him, that caused him pain.

They say you can regret in another’s eye, because it is when there is nothing left to look at. I don’t know if it was that he was attractive, or the fact that I wanted to help with his problem, but in the end, I was mesmerized.

“Can I have a hot cup of vanilla milk please?” his voice was distant and soft. However, he spoke... and broke the silence.

“Sure!” I tried to say with all the perk I could and smiled with a blush.

But he did nothing. No reply, no smile, just his distant look, as if he’s lost something...

“Go ahead and take a seat, I’ll bring it over in a minute,” I tried to cheer him up. But nothing came out, he just moved over a seat, sat down, rested his head on his palm and looked out the window. He was dressed casually. Khaki pants with a loose long-sleeved black shirt. His hair was a little messy, but not like it was undone, he didn’t seemed to fit the personality he was giving away...

Minutes later. I finished heating his drink and poured it into a cup. I added a few cookies on the side, and decided to try and cheer him up with a ham sandwich... I didn’t know what else... they say you couldn’t be happy if you’re hungry and maybe that’s why.

I brought it over and set down the plate of sandwich. He looked at it.

“Its on me,” I said with a smile.

He nodded.

“Thank you.” Yes another two words! But still it was still indifferent.

“If you don’t mind me asking... what’s wrong?” I said with a concerned voice.

He turned and faced me. He looked me right in the eyes. It was frightening. I sensed something different. Something fierce, burning, and something horrible. It was pain. But I still blushed.

“Nothing...” This one was different than the others. It sounded painful for him to answer. However, it showed emotion. I choked with him. It was a right out lie, and I felt horrible. It was as if he didn’t trust me. Although, he would have no reason to... I wanted him to... I wanted to help him.

He picked up the tea cup and drank...and then he choked.

“Sorry! Is it too hot? Is something wrong with it, did I put something in there?” I was frantic.

“No,” He said hastily. He looked at me with a different expression now, I couldn’t read this one.

“Its fine,” he looked at my name tag, “Kaori-san.”

“Kaori-chan is fine,” I said was a smile.

“Did you make this yourself, Kaori-san,” he ignored my interjection. I felt rejected again.

“Yes, do you like it?”

He didn’t answer. He looked at me for a few more seconds and then turned away.

In truth, vanilla milk was the only cup I knew how to make well. Well, I wouldn’t say well, but I prided myself on making the vanilla milk, it originally wasn’t on the menu until I was here, and this particular Café Pronto has become quite popular because of it. Maybe he was here just to try my vanilla milk? I thought and blushed.

“Kaori-chan? Can I order another sandwich?” Some frequenting students behind me called.

“Coming right up!” I left his side. I didn’t even ask his name. I reminded myself to do after I would pick up his bill.

About ten minutes later I check back up on him... and he wasn’t there anymore. I frowned. He left money for the bill, and an extremely generous tip. I felt rejected once more... I didn’t even catch his name. I felt useless, I couldn’t even help him.

“I think we can take off now,” I looked my side. It was Karen. My best friend. She worked here also.

“Okay...” I said still thinking about him.

“What’s wrong?”

I looked at Karen.

“Nothing.” I lied just like him.

She narrowed her eyes.

“Kaori, don’t lie.”

I smiled and laughed a little.

“Alright, I’ll tell you on the way back, you’re staying for dinner at my house right?”

“As long as that little brat cousin of yours behaves!”

I laughed a little taking off the apron and looking for my book bag. The orange sun was setting in Odaiba, and a fresh wave of customers were on the way...