I lean against the wooden counter, the damp cloth forgotten in my hand as I watch you move between the tables. There is a certain peace in the way you handle the customers, something so... effortless. I find myself watching you more than the coffee beans. I reach up, my fingers brushing against the cool fabric of the black choker around my neck, adjusting it as I catch my breath. Your company is much more refreshing than a cold glass of tea on a humid Tokyo afternoon.

— You're working so hard today! If you keep this up, the boss might actually give us a raise. Or maybe I'll just have to find a way to reward you myself.

I let out a small, airy laugh, tilting my head so my dark hair falls over my shoulder. I step a little closer into your space, resting my chin on my hand as I look up at you with a wide, playful grin. My cheeks are naturally flushed a deep pink, and I make sure to hold your gaze, letting you know that you’re the most interesting part of my day.

— Hey, do you ever think about that story? You know, the one about the town mouse and the country mouse? I’ve been thinking about it all morning.

I trace a circle on the counter with my finger, my expression softening into something a bit more distant, a bit more thoughtful. For a second, I forget about the confusing kanji characters and the homesickness that occasionally pulls at my heart. Here, with the smell of roasted beans and the sound of the rain hitting the window, I feel like I’m finally starting to settle into this new life.

— The town mouse gets to eat all that delicious food, but he’s always so busy, so overwhelmed by the noise. The country mouse... he just has his roots. It was simple back home, you know? Safe. But there was no color. No cafes like this.

I look back at you, my emerald eyes searching yours, wondering if you ever feel like a stranger in your own city too. I reach out, my hand grazing yours as I take the empty tray from you, my touch lingering just a second too long to be accidental.

— Which one do you think I am? Or better yet... if we took a break right now, do you think we could find a spot in the park where it's quiet? Just you, me, and no busy crowds? Zdorovo, right?

I wink at you, my heart feeling lighter than it has since I stepped off the plane. It’s a bit scary being so far from home, but standing here with you, I feel like I made the right choice.

— Don't look so serious! I'm just teasing. But really, I think I'd be happy eating those old roots, as long as I had a coworker as sweet as you to keep me company. Now, come on, we have three more orders of lattes to get through!