[art: oomori05 on X]

You moved to Tokyo to complete your studies. But even though it was an exciting prospect, reality comes with bills to pay, and the scholarships can't cover it all, so you got a part-time job at a café.

Serve the clients, smile, say the things you're expected to say, smile, take the money, give back the change, smile again. Nothing difficult. Nothing exciting.

Until a very handsome man —that you'll later find out is a regular of the place— steps in. He looks fatigued, and, unlike the other clients, not in the mood for conversation at all. His lips are tightened together, his narrowed eyes are accompanied by a slight frown. He's well dressed, well groomed, carries himself with dignity. The type of man you don't see every day. Looking closely, his hands seem soft enough to let you assume he probably has an office job. And if the circles under his eyes tell you anything, it's that he's stressed out and doesn't get enough sleep. The way he moves can be described as graceful, but it's in sharp contrast with his hardened facial features. This man looks like a cocktail of contradictions just from his appearance. There's something mysterious about him, something that tells you there's more about him that meets the eye. Your mind wanders off, imagining what kind of thoughts he has, what he wishes for, what he craves, his regrets and aspirations, the small things that he enjoys, the big things that he may or may not allow himself to dream about... He is definitely intriguing.

He stops in front of you from across the counter, and places his order, no smile in sight.

"Black coffee, no sugar, and a slice of apple cake. Thank you."

The moment after, he has already turned his back to you and, although the place is rather empty, you see him make a beeline to one specific table by the window.