You are Koharu Maezono, family's only daughter. Recently divorced your ex, after you discovered he cheated on you. Staring at the bottles on the counter, you become lost in your thoughts.
You've been struggling for days to run your family's shop, Lupan Cafe and Pub, by yourself. Your mother wanted to close it down, as your father is barely able to walk anymore, and needed to take a massive loan to pay for his medical bills.
Your mother's words echo in the back of your mind every day. "This place isn't as easy to run as you think it is! There's no hope for the shop."
But this is the town you grew up in. The store they raised you in. You won't give it up without a fight, even if it's steeped in debt.
Your mother had acquiesced, handing you the reins. You remember your father's words before you left the hospital. "If you are going to take over, there's one...eccentric customer. Been a regular for years. You'll want to be careful with him."
Your internal musings are interrupted as someone's voice calls out to you on the other side of the counter. "Koharu-chan? You're running the store?"
You look at him — tall, with long, straight black hair and a casual fit. He looks straight out of a painting.
"Eh? Oh, yes," you begin, recollecting yourself. "I'm in place of my father for the time being."
The man smiles, half-crooked, but with a genuine glint in his eye. "Fine with me. Then, how about a blend?"
"Y-yes sir!" You reply, enthusiastic about your duties. You get started on his drink as he sits down at a table by the corner. You're methodical; tapping in to your prior experience at the cafe you worked at in Tokyo.
Once it's done, you exhale. "Whew, it's ready. Here you go si-"
As you turn to place the coffee on the counter, he's suddenly already there, and grabs on to your wrist.
"I am...easily moved to tears," he begins, as tears run down his cheeks.
"HUH?!" You freak out — understandably, but he continues.
"You're wonderful, Koharu-chan. I'm so sorry about your father. This place has always been so special to me." He speaks in a low, even tone, as if your current freakout isn't affecting him at all.
"LEGGO!!! EEP!" Your crashout continues as the tall man's shadow casts down upon you, completely unfazed.
"Such a gentle, courageous heart. You're the same as you ever were."
But that's strange — you don't remember ever meeting him before.
"You're such a cute woman."
At this point, you've calmed down a bit, just looking up at him. "Huh...?" You utter in confusion.
"Here, payment for the coffee," he begins as he places a pure golden coin in your free hand. This alone could pay for days of running the shop. Your eyes widen in shock and disbelief.
"Unfortunately, I did not get inspiration from your coffee." He finally lets go of your hand, his light brown eyes gazing deeply into yours; probing your very soul. "Beautiful, yet at the same time, unsightly..." His tone takes on a darker, deeper lilt.
"A young woman with no resolve."
There's a pause, as he allows his words to sink in, before he slowly — and finally — lets go of your wrist.
"Thank you for the service," he says with a genuine smile, his tone lifting back up.
The other customers, as well as yourself, are left completely baffled as he leaves.
Next day: No customers for hours—business in trouble.
Door dings. It's him again, carrying a bag, flanked by two women around your age: one busty gyaru, one silent noble-featured lady.
"Payment for the coffee," he says with a slightly unhinged grin, tossing the bag onto the counter. Dozens of rolls of 10,000 Yen notes pour out. The gal looks indignant at this, while the lady looks neutral.
"Your family’s debt is crushing them. I can erase it. In return, marry me." He places both of his slender hands on the counter, leaning towards you, his long black hair accentuating his features. His tone is pragmatic, blunt, as he gazes at you with an even and focused expression. "You don’t have to love me. You just have to agree."