《KikiTori Cafe'》
Chapter 1: The KikiTori Cafe
Toru had always believed healing was a linear process, but as she parked her grandma¡¯s old ¡¯68 Bronco in a quiet Tacoma lot, she knew the weight of her past would never untangle itself so easily.
The Bronco rattled to a stop, its engine sputtering into silence. Toru pulled the keys from the ignition and let them dangle in her hand, the cool metal pressing into her palm. Outside, the crisp morning air greeted her, biting at her cheeks as she stepped onto the uneven pavement. Her breath hung in the stillness, each puff briefly visible before dissolving into the cold.
At 4 a.m., Tacoma was eerily calm, the streets empty except for the occasional car coasting by in the distance. Across the road, the caf¨¦¡¯s warm glow seeped through its frosted windows, a welcoming contrast to the dark sky above. She adjusted her coat, the faint rustle of leaves from a nearby tree breaking the silence as she made her way toward her sanctuary.
The KikiTori Caf¨¦ is snug between an old bookstore with peeling letters and a flower shop that still manages to make dried bouquets look inviting. The caf¨¦ has a worn, cozy aesthetic, with big bay windows framed by white shutters that look like they¡¯ve been painted a hundred times. Above the door hung a wooden sign with the words KikiTori Caf¨¦, the hand-painted letters starting to fade.
Planters filled with dried flowers lined the front, the kind of thing that felt intentional but also like they¡¯d been forgotten for a few weeks. Toru glanced at the frosted glass on the door as she walked up. The design showed a coffee cup with steam curling up and, in the middle, a little circle with broken chains coming out of either side.
Pulling out her phone to check the time as she stepped to the door.
3:57 a.m.
She stared at the glowing numbers and took a deep breath.
Okay, that should give me enough time. This is my first time getting a drink on the board, and I don¡¯t want to screw it up. She thought as her fingers trembled slightly, fumbling for the key Kai had given her. The lock clicked, and she pushed the door open, the faint scent of roasted coffee and cinnamon greeting her as she stepped inside.
The caf¨¦ was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of the pendant lights above the bar¡ªKai¡¯s habit of leaving them on ensured the space was never entirely dark for early arrivals.
The layout was open but inviting, with four tables spaced evenly on each side of a central aisle leading straight to the back counter. Waist-high bookshelves stood on either side of the aisle, subtly marking the transition to the ordering area. Nestled against the backs of these shelves, leather couches offered cozy spots to relax, their rich burgundy tones adding to the caf¨¦¡¯s charm.
Wide wooden bars flanked the entrance''s bay windows. Paired with oversized leather swivel stools, they offered a perfect perch for watching the city wake up, the faintest hints of dawn filtering through the glass.
The counter spanned most of the back wall, and its warm wood was polished smoothly from years of use. Espresso machines sat just low enough to remain out of sight, leaving the surface clear for customers. To the side, a tall pastry case stood ready for the morning crowd.
Near the bar, a compact wood-burning stove perched on pale stone bricks, unlit but prepped with kindling Kai had stacked the night before. It wouldn¡¯t take much to bring its warmth to life.
Each table was set with a mason jar containing a small, battery-operated candle, but none were switched on.
The caf¨¦ had an effortless charm.
Behind the counter stretched jars of syrups, labeled neatly in Julie¡¯s handwriting. A chalkboard menu hung above, empty for now except for the usual headings¡ªEspresso, Specials, Seasonal. Today, her drink would finally take its place among the specials, and the thought made her chest tighten.
Setting her bag on a stool, Toru walks through the kitchen''s swinging double doors to flip on the lights, which illuminate the small tables and mismatched chairs scattered across the floor.
She walked behind the counter, tying her apron with quick, nervous hands. Pulling out the ingredients she had meticulously written down the night before, she whispered, ¡°Iced matcha latte with honey and lavender. Keep it simple. Keep it balanced.¡±
Toru worked in focused silence, measuring the matcha powder, frothing milk, and blending in the honey and lavender syrup she had made from scratch a day earlier. She tasted the first attempt and immediately frowned. There was too much lavender. She scribbled a quick note and started over.
When she looked up, the neat pile of used cups beside the espresso machine had grown significantly. The fireplace crackled softly in the background, its warmth creeping into the room''s edges.
On her seventh¡ªor maybe eighth¡ªattempt, Toru took a sip and paused. This one was¡ better. The flavors didn¡¯t fight each other. Instead, they settled on her tongue with a calming harmony that tasted right.
She let out a calming breath, leaning back against the counter. ¡°Okay. This is it.¡±
The sound of the door creaking open startled her, and she turned to see Kai stepping inside, a wool scarf wrapped around his neck. He raised an eyebrow when he spotted her.
Kai was of average height and build, with perpetually tan skin, floppy dark hair, and warm hazel eyes. Though still young, faint lines near his eyes and mouth hinted at years of easy smiles and laughter. His laid-back, approachable demeanor made everyone feel at ease.
¡°Toru? Beating me to my caf¨¦?¡± His gaze shifted to the pile of cups by the espresso machine, and he smirked. ¡°What¡¯s this, an all-nighter?¡±
She flushed, rubbing the back of her neck. ¡°I wanted to make sure it was perfect¡¡±
Kai walked over, grabbed one of the clean cups, and poured himself a taste of her final attempt. He took a long sip, his expression thoughtful, before nodding.
¡°Not bad. Balanced, smooth. This could calm anyone down¡ except maybe you.¡±
Toru groaned. ¡°I know, I know. It¡¯s ironic, right?¡±
¡°How much sleep did you get? An hour?¡± Kai laughed, fully aware of the constant buzz of anxiety she lived with.
¡°I got like a solid four-hour run,¡± Toru replied, rubbing her eyes.
¡°Well, hey, that¡¯s something. At least you got some sleep. Alright, I¡¯m gonna get started on the food. Let¡¯s get this day rolling.¡±
The caf¨¦ didn¡¯t open until five, but they rarely saw customers before 5:30, giving Toru plenty of time to clean and prep.
The door opened again, letting in Hana, her usual cheerful energy filling the room like sunlight. She set down her bag and immediately noticed the stack of cups. Hana was in her early 20s, with sandy brown hair that framed her face and dark, expressive eyes. Her full, pouty lips gave her a naturally soft look.
¡°Whoa. Did you start a coffee empire while we were sleeping, or is this your version of stress relief?¡± She asked.
Kai chuckled. ¡°I told her the same thing. Overthinking a drink to calm people down is peak Toru.¡±
Hana took a sip of the drink and raised her eyebrows approvingly. ¡°Okay, this is actually amazing. But seriously, Toru, do you even have a life? You¡¯re always here first. Do you, like¡ live in the stockroom?¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
Toru waved her off, hiding her embarrassment by busying herself with wiping the counter. ¡°I just like it here. That¡¯s all.¡±
Kai and Hana exchanged knowing glances but didn¡¯t push further. The caf¨¦ was starting to warm up from the fireplace and the lively conversation between the three of them. Outside, the sky began to lighten, hinting at the start of another day.
Toru wiped her hands on her apron, nervous energy bubbling up again as she finished Hana''s drink. The barista tilted the cup, inspected the light green color, and took a small sip. She raised her eyebrows in approval before smirking at Toru.
¡°So, what¡¯d you name it?¡± Hana asked, leaning on the counter.
Toru froze. ¡°Name it?¡± She hadn¡¯t even thought that far.
¡°I, uh¡¡± Toru stammered, scratching the back of her head. ¡°I didn¡¯t name it.¡±
Hana gasped in mock offense, setting the cup down dramatically.
¡°Wait, wait, wait¡ªyou mean to tell me you probably spent the last three days perfecting this thing, made like a dozen of them at home, came in at four a.m. to make another dozen times¡ªand you didn¡¯t bother to name it?!¡±
Toru flushed. ¡°I was focused on getting it right!¡±
¡°Unacceptable.¡± Hana crossed her arms. ¡°You can¡¯t serve a drink without a name. That¡¯s, like, Barista 101. Kai, help me out here.¡±
Kai, leaning against the counter, sipping his coffee. ¡°How about *¡®Matcha Madness¡¯? Or better yet¡ª¡®The Anxiety Eraser.¡¯¡±
Hana snorted. ¡°The Anxiety Eraser, huh? That sounds like something from a pharmaceutical ad.¡±
Kai shrugged, his grin widening. ¡°Fits the vibe, though, don¡¯t you think?¡±
Hana tapped her chin, pretending to consider it. Then she snapped her fingers. ¡°Got it! ¡®Zen Blossom!¡¯¡±
Kai let out a bark of laughter, and Toru couldn¡¯t help but giggle, the tension in her chest loosening.
¡°That¡¯s settled, then,¡± Hana declared, grabbing the lilac-colored chalk. ¡°I¡¯ll do the honors.¡±
She carefully wrote the name on the board with a flourish, adding little doodles of an iced latte and a steaming cup. Her artistic touch brought the name to life, the lilac and white chalk popping against the black surface.
Kai patted Toru on the shoulder. ¡°Well, it¡¯s official. You¡¯re on the board!¡±
Toru stared at the chalkboard, a small, proud smile creeping across her face.
Hana nudged her playfully. ¡°See? It¡¯s not that complicated. And hey, it¡¯s not permanent. I¡¯ve had plenty of drinks no one liked. But this?¡± She gestured to the pile of cups. ¡°This is good. You¡¯ve got nothing to worry about.¡±
The bell above the door jingled, and all three looked up to see one of their first regulars of the day.
¡°Morning, Mr. Moro,¡± Hana called, her tone cheerful. Mr. Moro was an older man with sharp features and a mischievous glint in his eye. He was a retired construction company owner turned writer with a penchant for trying every new special. He was both a loyal customer and the harshest critic in Toru¡¯s eyes. ¡°Well, if he likes it, you¡¯re golden,¡± Hana whispered, leaning toward Toru with a grin.
Toru¡¯s stomach flipped as Mr. Moro approached the counter. ¡°I saw the board,¡± he said, adjusting his scarf. ¡°But it¡¯s freezing out there, so I¡¯ll take it hot.¡±
As she whisked the matcha and steamed the milk, her mind wandered. He¡¯s been coming here for years. If he doesn¡¯t like it¡ No, stop. If he likes it, you let it go.
She poured the hot drink into a cup, added a delicate swirl of foam, and handed it to Mr. Moro with both hands, bowing her head slightly. ¡°Be nice,¡± she said, her voice almost a whisper. ¡°But also be honest.¡±
Mr. Moro raised the cup to his lips, taking a long, thoughtful sip.
¡°Yuck,¡± he said flatly, his expression unreadable.
Toru¡¯s heart sank until she saw the playful look in his eye. He smiled, setting the cup down. ¡°This is one of the best specials you¡¯ve had in a while. The lavender¡ªjust the smell of it reminds me of home.¡± He winked at her. ¡°Good job, kid.¡±
Toru¡¯s shoulders sagged with relief as Hana pumped a fist behind her. ¡°Toldja!¡±
Mr. Moro chuckled. ¡°Big day for you, huh? Don¡¯t worry; I¡¯m a coffee snob, but I can¡¯t even find anything to complain about here. You¡¯ll be fine.¡±
¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been saying.¡± Kai offered, heading back into the kitchen.
As Mr. Moro turned to leave, Hana bumped her hip against Toru¡¯s, grinning. ¡°See? You worry over nothing. You¡¯ve got this.¡±
Toru felt a deep sense of accomplishment for the first time that morning. Her name¡ªor at least, her drink¡ªwas officially on the board, and she couldn¡¯t help but smile.
***
The morning rush was in full swing, and Toru had hit her stride. The rhythmic sounds of steam wands hissing, cups clinking, and orders being called out filled the caf¨¦. She moved fluidly, her nerves from earlier replaced by a steady focus as she crafted drink after drink. Whether iced or hot, her special was proving popular.
¡°Two iced lattes and one hot Zen Blossom!¡± Hana called out from the counter, her voice barely rising over the bustle of customers.
¡°Got it!¡± Toru replied, pulling shots of espresso while frothing milk in perfect synchronization.
The bell above the door jingled, and a cold gust swept in as Julie entered. She was wrapped in a puffy black running jacket, leggings, and bright orange trail shoes, her black hair tied back in a ponytail. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, and her olive skin glowed with the warmth of exertion. A little runny nose gave away just how brisk her run had been.
¡°Morning, you overachiever,¡± Hana greeted, her voice teasing.
Julie stepped up to the counter, still catching her breath. Toru smiled as she looked up. ¡°What can I get you?¡±
Julie leaned on the counter, grinning. ¡°I¡¯ll take the special. But honestly, I want it even more now because I saw Mr. Moro on my run, and he said it was fantastic.¡±
¡°You saw Mr. Moro?¡± Toru asked, blinking in surprise.
¡°Yep!¡± Julie nodded enthusiastically. ¡°I even tried a sip of his drink.¡±
Hana dramatically dropped the rag she¡¯d been holding. ¡°What?! You¡¯re swapping lips with customers now?¡±
Julie rolled her eyes, playfully dismissing her. ¡°Relax, it¡¯s Moro. He¡¯s like family! I know he doesn¡¯t have cooties, you dork. But seriously¡ªthe smell of it was so good it made me run harder just to get here.¡±
The group burst out laughing as Toru prepared Julie¡¯s drink. ¡°You¡¯re too much,¡± Toru said, shaking her head.
Julie smiled back and slid her bag onto the barstool, pulling out her neatly folded uniform. When Toru handed her the drink, Julie had slung her jacket over the chair and balanced her uniform on her arm.
Julie took a sip, closed her eyes, and let out an exaggeratedly dramatic ¡°Mmmm!¡±
Then, before Toru could react, Julie leaned over and kissed her cheek. ¡°Nice work, babe.¡±
¡°Oh my gosh! You just put your lips on everyone!¡± Hana said.
Julie smirked. ¡°Jealous?¡±
Hana crossed her arms. ¡°Kind of.¡±
With a mischievous gleam in her eye, Julie set her drink down, walked over to Hana, and dramatically cupped her face. Before Hana could react, Julie planted a big, exaggerated kiss on her lips.
¡°There,¡± Julie said triumphantly. ¡°Now you¡¯ve kissed me, Toru, and Mr. Moro... you¡¯re welcome.¡±
Julie picked up her drink and sauntered toward the back to change into her uniform, laughing as she went.
Just then, Kai walked out of the stockroom with a box of supplies. ¡°What¡¯s all this talk about kissing?¡± he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Julie kissed Kai on the cheek without missing a beat, leaving him wide-eyed and dumbfounded.
Toru burst out laughing so hard she had to set down her cup to keep from spilling it.
Hana rolled her eyes and muttered sarcastically, ¡°Slut.¡±
Julie¡¯s voice rang back cheerfully. ¡°You love it!¡±
¡°Well, if your drink is making people kiss each other, I guess you¡¯re doing something right,¡± Kai said, grinning.
Toru couldn¡¯t help but feel the warmth of the moment pushing away the last of her anxiety.
Julie returned moments later from the back dressed in her uniform¡ªa crisp white shirt under the caf¨¦¡¯s signature lilac apron, her ponytail now neatly adjusted. She grabbed a rag and a small trash bin and immediately began her routine of wiping down tables, her usual cheerful energy lighting up the room. As she worked, she hummed a tune under her breath, pausing now and then to flash a smile or chat briefly with customers.
Toru admired her. Julie¡¯s effortless joy and confidence seemed to fill the caf¨¦, a quality Toru wished she had.
She felt so grounded and comfortable in her own skin.
Something Toru hadn¡¯t quite figured out yet.
Kai¡¯s voice carried over the low hum of conversation. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m going to start prepping for the morning rush.¡±
The 9 a.m. crowd was the busiest time of the day, and most were either on their way to work or taking their first breaks. The caf¨¦ typically had food pairings for people who didn¡¯t want to overthink this time of day and wanted something quick and potentially new to them.
¡°Got any ideas for a pairing with the drink?¡±
Hana leaned on the counter, her chin resting in her hand. ¡°Hmm, maybe something sweet to bring out the lavender. Like those honey-glazed croissants you did last month?¡±
Julie piped up from across the room, still wiping a table. ¡°Ooooh, or something with citrus! Lemon bars, maybe? Lavender and lemon would be a vibe.¡±
Kai nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Not bad. Lemon bars could work.¡± He turned to Toru, who was fiddling with the espresso machine. ¡°What about you, Toru? You¡¯re the drink star; what would you pair with it?¡±
Toru blinked, caught off guard. ¡°Oh, um¡ maybe¡¡± She paused, thinking. ¡°Shortbread? Something simple but buttery. It wouldn¡¯t overpower the flavors in the drink.¡±
Kai impressed. ¡°I like it. Simple but classy. Very you.¡±
Hana smirked, chiming in. ¡°Classy, huh? I would¡¯ve said safe.¡±
Julie tossed her rag into the bin. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her, Toru. Shortbread is perfect. It¡¯s like the reliable sidekick to the drink¡¯s superhero.¡±
Kai chuckled as he jotted down their ideas on a notepad. ¡°Alright, lemon bars, honey croissants, and shortbread are on the list. Thanks, ladies.¡±
Julie gave a mock bow. ¡°Always happy to contribute to culinary greatness.¡±
Toru allowed herself a small smile, her earlier nerves melting away in the camaraderie. She was starting to feel like part of the team, even if she didn¡¯t have Julie¡¯s cheerfulness or Hana¡¯s quick wit. As she turned back to the espresso machine, the morning rush continued, the caf¨¦ buzzing with warmth and energy.
Chapter 2
Toru pushed the caf¨¦ door open, the familiar jingle of the bell marking her exit. The warmth of the late afternoon sun hit her face as she stepped onto the sidewalk, and she let out a breath of relief. It wasn¡¯t bad¡ªtoday had been good¡ªbut her chest still carried the faint echoes of those little spikes of anxiety that had come and gone throughout the day.
The drink had been a hit.
Customers were curious, asking questions like, ¡°What¡¯s in it?¡± and ¡°Did you come up with this?¡± Each interaction had been a quick thrill, her heart speeding up just a little with every question. She¡¯d smiled, answered, and watched people¡¯s reactions carefully, worried that someone might dislike it.
They didn¡¯t.
Not a single complaint. Still, she could feel the emotional wear of it as she walked to her Bronco, she pulled out her key unlocked it, opened the door, and slid into the seat, letting her bag fall to the passenger side. She just sat there for a moment, hands on the wheel, eyes focused on the dashboard as the remnants of the day settled in.
Her heart did a tiny jump again¡ªa flutter of nerves that she couldn¡¯t pin down.
¡°What is this feeling?¡± she muttered, adjusting her lap belt into place. She sat back and exhaled, slow and intentional. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m fine.¡±
Maybe it was just leftover jitters, she reasoned. After all, she¡¯d spent the whole day low-key on edge¡ªthose little moments of self-doubt trickling in every time someone tried the special drink. It wasn¡¯t anything catastrophic, but it was there. The anxiety.
The worry.
And now that she was done for the day, maybe it was all just lingering like static in her system.
She turned the key in the ignition, and the Bronco rumbled to life.
Toru gripped the wheel a little tighter and spoke aloud to herself.
¡°You did it. Seriously, good job today.¡± Her voice was soft but firm, as if talking to a close friend. ¡°You made that drink. You put yourself out there, and people liked it. No, scratch that¡ªpeople loved it. And nobody got sick, so there¡¯s another win.¡±
She cracked a smile, trying to nudge herself out of the unease. ¡°You¡¯re being ridiculous, Toru. This is just intrusive thoughts¡ exhaustion, maybe. Nothing more.¡±
She paused and tilted her head against the seat. ¡°I mean, I took care of myself today. I really did. I had coffee at home and at work¡ªless espresso than usual because I didn¡¯t want to overstimulate myself. I drank plenty of water, too.¡± She counted it off on her fingers as if proving her point. ¡°And I ate. Not a lot, but enough. And I even took a walk during my break.¡±
Her mind wandered back to that short walk around the block¡ªten minutes of movement, air, and quiet. It had helped clear her head, giving her a small reset between the morning rush and the mid-morning crowd. She needed it.
¡°And the best part?¡± She continued, shaking her head slightly with a smile. ¡°I actually got to talk to people today. Like, really talk. Not just the regular ¡®How are you?¡¯ or ¡®Do you want room for cream?¡¯ kind of stuff. People asked about the drink, about what went into it, and I got to tell them. I got to share something I made. That¡¯s¡ that¡¯s huge.¡±
She swallowed, feeling the weight of her own words settle in her chest.
¡°It¡¯s a blessing, you know? Having this job, these people. I love everybody there. Kai, Julie, Hana¡ all of them¡ªthey¡¯re so supportive. And I had my drink on the board today. My drink.¡±
Her voice faltered for just a second as another wave of anxiety tried to creep up. She caught herself, shook her head again, and whispered firmly, ¡°No. There¡¯s nothing to be nervous of right now.¡±
She lingered there a moment longer, letting her words sink in.
She stared through the windshield, taking in the familiar neighborhood and the slow-moving traffic beyond. ¡°This isn¡¯t something medicine can completely fix. Maybe it helps, sure. But I know what this is. I¡¯m letting too many intrusive thoughts slide in under the radar. I need to catch those.¡±
¡°I need to be aware of what I¡¯m thinking and why I¡¯m feeling this way.¡±
¡°Hyper-awareness is a pain, but sometimes it¡¯s the thing that keeps me healthy.¡±
Her voice softened as she loosened her hands.
¡°I¡¯m proud of you, Toru. We did this. You did this. Today was a success, even if you¡¯re tired now. It¡¯s okay to be tired. It¡¯s okay to feel this.¡±
The day had been long, and maybe the anxiety hadn¡¯t completely disappeared, but she reminded herself again¡ªout loud, because sometimes hearing it helped¡ª ¡°Today was a good day. I¡¯m so lucky for that.¡±
The east side of town wasn¡¯t exactly glamorous¡ªcracked sidewalks, graffiti-tagged walls, and random piles of trash were the norm. But nestled within a small business section of the neighborhood was her unique apartment. It was most of the second floor in a brand-new mixed-use craftsman building. The ground floor housed a bakery and antique shop, with a 2,000-square-foot studio apartment above.
The building was a labor of love, designed and constructed by its owner, Mr. Fujioka. A local craftsman with an eye for detail and a heart set on revitalizing the area, Mr. Fujioka had originally built the studio apartment for himself after his divorce. The studio itself reflected his vision of spacious, open design with high ceilings, exposed wood beams, and an abundance of natural light streaming through oversized windows.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
During those years of construction, however, life had surprised him. He met someone special, fell in love, and eventually married again. When the apartment was finally completed, Mr. Fujioka and his wife decided to settle in a home elsewhere in town, leaving the beautiful studio vacant. It wasn¡¯t long before Toru and her cousin Saori came into the picture, becoming the first tenants ever to live there. Mr. Fujioka knew the space was for them, even having said ¡°he felt they were the right fit¡±. He had not been wrong and the place had slowly become their own over the past two years it was more than just an apartment¡ªit was a dream.
The Bronco groaned to a stop in the alley (off street parking) and Toru let out a long sigh as she turned off the engine. It had been a long day of dealing with the constant weight of anxiety clinging to her. From the time she woke up to the moment she¡¯d stepped into the caf¨¦. Even now, her chest felt tight, her mind replaying every interaction, every glance now trying to tell her that they might have been judgmental.
She slung her bag over her shoulder and climbed the stairs to the apartment. Pushing open the door, Toru was greeted by the faint scent of incense and the comforting clutter of the apartment. The large kitchen dominated one side, its pristine counters littered with cooking gadgets, spices, and stray notebooks where Saori jotted down her thoughts. Three small steps led up to a platform where their beds sat, tucked under skylights that let in the beautiful bright sun.
Saori was lounging on the couch, her black hair spilling over the armrest like ink. She was Toru¡¯s exact opposite in almost every way¡ªeffortlessly bold where Toru was shy, charismatic but selective in her social interactions, and an unapologetic recluse when the mood struck her. Saori, a year older than Toru, had spent most of her life in New York, building a life in the city that never sleeps. But after hearing from their grandmother about the challenges Toru had faced, she decided to make a change. When their grandmother passed away, Saori didn¡¯t think twice about uprooting her life and moving to Tacoma to be with her cousin.
That was two years ago. Since then, Saori and Toru had settled into a rhythm, sharing the ups and downs of life in their studio apartment. Saori never regretted her decision¡ªToru was family, and for Saori, that had always been reason enough.
Saori didn¡¯t have to work. She could have lived comfortably off her family¡¯s wealth but had chosen instead to focus on her writing. Most days, she wandered the local neighborhoods and the downtown Tacoma waterfront district, scribbling ideas for her stories in leather-bound journals or tapping them into her tablet.
Saori wasn¡¯t making a lot of money as a writer, but her niche in steamy romance novels had been gaining some traction online. While she wasn¡¯t exactly rolling in royalties, her growing popularity in the genre was enough to keep her motivated¡ªand occasionally embarrassed when Toru teased her about it.
The duo¡¯s love for Japanese culture had fueled a shared passion between the cousins. Their nights were often filled with cooking experimental dishes, arguing over anime characters, or binge-reading manga. She even rode a sleek, customized sports bike¡ªanother expression of her personality. It was fast, dramatic, and impossible to ignore, just like her.
Saori looked up as Toru entered, her sharp eyes immediately scanning her cousin¡¯s expression. ¡°You survived,¡± she said with a grin, sitting up. ¡°And let me guess¡ªthey loved your drinks because, duh, of course they did.¡±
Toru let out a weak laugh, dropping her bag by the door. ¡°I don¡¯t know about that.¡±
¡°Oh, please,¡± Saori said, swinging her legs off the couch and standing. ¡°You make the best drinks. Everything you whip up here is amazing, so I¡¯m sure everyone there was just like, ¡®Wow, Toru, you¡¯re a genius. Will you marry me?¡¯¡± She mimed a dramatic bow, grinning.
Toru shook her head, her shoulders slumping as she sank onto the couch. ¡°It wasn¡¯t like that. I was so anxious the whole time. I kept thinking I was going to mess something up. Every order felt like this¡ huge test.¡±
Saori sat beside her and nudged her shoulder. ¡°But you didn¡¯t mess up, did you?¡±
¡°No,¡± Toru admitted softly.
¡°Exactly.¡± Saori leaned back, crossing her arms. ¡°And I bet they all loved your drinks. You¡¯re too picky about what you make to serve anything less than perfect. I¡¯ve seen you redo a latte three times at home just because the foam didn¡¯t look right.¡±
Toru chuckled, the tension in her chest loosening a little. ¡°Maybe. But it still felt overwhelming, you know? Like everyone was watching, waiting for me to fail.¡±
Saori¡¯s voice softened. ¡°They weren¡¯t, Toru¡ and I bet you didn¡¯t even think about that till your drive home. You¡¯ve got a gift. You just need to believe in it.¡±
Toru managed a small smile. ¡°Thanks, and you¡¯re right¡ I didn¡¯t start hounding myself until I left.¡±
¡°I figured as much because it¡¯s even I know your anxiety is too much to have allowed yourself to slip when you¡¯re in the zone.¡±
¡°Oh, trust me. I had to talk myself off the ledge all day, and I felt like every time I talked to someone, I was breathing like some kind of monster.¡±
¡°Yeah, but again, I¡¯m sure no one noticed it but you.¡±
¡°I know you¡¯re probably right.¡±
¡°I¡¯m always right what are you talking about? You¡¯ve been wanting to do this forever and now you¡¯re doing it successfully I might add¡ so knock it off.¡±
¡°Thanks.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t thank me yet,¡± Saori said, standing and stretching. ¡°You¡¯ve been fancying up drinks for people all day, huh? How about whipping me up some fancy
food? I¡¯m starving.¡±
Toru groaned. ¡°Seriously?¡±
¡°Seriously.¡± Saori grinned, walking toward the kitchen. ¡°I¡¯ve even saved the next episode of our show. You can¡¯t say no to that.¡±
Toru perked up despite her exhaustion. One of their favorite rituals was eating meals together while watching anime, sharing commentary, and arguing over their favorite characters. They discovered so many shows that way¡ªsprawled out on the couch, bowls of steaming food in hand, losing track of time as one episode turned into three¡ or 12 (No second season)
¡°All right, fine,¡± Toru said, dragging herself off the couch. ¡°But I¡¯m keeping it simple. Don¡¯t expect anything crazy.¡±
¡°Simple for you is gourmet for the rest of us mortals,¡± Saori called from the couch, already queuing up the episode.
Toru tied her hair back and got to work, chopping vegetables and heating the pan. As she cooked, the sounds of the apartment¡ªSaori¡¯s humming, the faint anime opening song, the sizzle of food¡ªmelded into a rhythm that felt safe and familiar.
By the time the food was ready, Toru felt a little lighter. She handed Saori a plate and settled onto the couch beside her, their usual cozy spot.
As the episode began, Toru leaned back, letting the warmth of the meal and her cousin¡¯s company wash over her. For the first time all day, she felt like she could finally relax.
Saori
Saori is a striking woman with a unique, effortless style. She has shoulder-length, jet-black hair that she often wears in loose waves, framing her angular face. Her almond-shaped dark brown eyes are expressive, often glinting with mischief or focus, depending on her mood. She has a sharp, defined jawline and high cheekbones, giving her a polished appearance even when she¡¯s lounging in sweats. Her complexion is smooth with a warm, sun-kissed undertone, hinting at her time spent outdoors in New York before her move.
Saori''s fashion sense leans toward casual sophistication; she¡¯s often seen in oversized sweaters paired with fitted jeans or wide-leg trousers. She loves accessorizing with chunky silver jewelry and bold-framed glasses she wears while writing. Despite her laid-back wardrobe, there¡¯s an unmistakable confidence in her demeanor that makes her stand out.
Chapter 3: Mornings
Toru woke up to an uncomfortable tightness in her chest, a familiar sensation she didn¡¯t welcome. Her eyes fluttered open, and she sighed heavily. Anxiety again. She lay still for a moment, mentally scanning her body. No nightmares she could remember. She hadn¡¯t jolted out of bed or overexerted herself. It was frustrating¡ªthis feeling of unease that came without warning, very much an uninvited guest.
Pushing herself out of bed, she shuffled quietly through the dim studio apartment, careful not to disturb Saori, who was still asleep. The warm light over the counter illuminated the kitchen, and Toru set to work brewing her morning coffee.
¡±Why do I feel like this already?¡± she wondered, her inner voice edged with irritation.
I should have woken up like this yesterday. That would¡¯ve made more sense, considering it was the first day my drink went on the board. She paused, leaning against the counter as the coffee machine whirred softly.
She rubbed her temples and shook her head, trying to will away the tension. ¡°This is maddening,¡± she muttered under her breath, conscious of keeping her voice low.
¡±I¡¯m just standing here at four in the morning, getting ready for a job I love, surrounded by people I adore, and I feel like I¡¯m going to freak out.¡±
The coffee was done brewing, the aroma filling the kitchen with its familiar comfort. Toru grabbed her favorite mug, added a spoonful of brown sugar, and poured in just enough half-and-half to lighten the coffee¡¯s rich tone. Stirring it slowly, she took a long, steady sip. The warmth spread through her, soothing but not enough to chase the unease away completely.
She wrapped Saori¡¯s oversized navy pea coat from the hook by the door over her pajamas. The fleece lining was thick and comforting as she stepped outside onto their porch.
The alley was quiet, with only the glow of a nearby streetlight. Their parking lot wasn¡¯t much to look at¡ªjust a patch of asphalt where her Bronco and Saori¡¯s sports bike sat covered in dew. The stillness of the early morning pressed against her, cold but not unpleasant.
She clutched her coffee close, sipping again as she leaned on the railing. Her arms instinctively hugged her sides, seeking warmth, and she felt something stiff and boxy in the coat¡¯s inside pocket. Curious, she set her mug down and reached in, pulling out a rectangular box. She laughed softly when she saw it¡ªa pack of Marlboro Light 100s and a lighter.
¡°Oh, Saori,¡± she said with a smirk, shaking her head. You¡¯re going to get cancer before thirty.¡±
But at this moment, she didn¡¯t care. Toru wasn¡¯t a smoker, but the idea of a cigarette with her coffee, standing in the stillness of the alleyway, felt oddly perfect.
She lit one, inhaling deeply, and exhaled a stream of smoke into the cool air. The sensation was oddly grounding a rebellious little indulgence.
Maybe Saori¡¯s right, she thought, taking another drag. A nice cigarette and coffee in the quiet morning is a beautiful thing.
She stood there for a while, savoring the cigarette and coffee, her subconscious working hard to calm the rest of her. The physical tightness in her chest hadn¡¯t vanished entirely, but it had dulled into something she could manage. She repeated quiet affirmations to herself as she stared down the empty alley.
I¡¯m proud of you. You did something amazing yesterday. People loved the drink. You took care of yourself. Everything is fine.
The cigarette burned down to the filter, and she stamped it out on the railing before heading back inside. Her coffee was still warm in her hand, and Toru reminded herself that despite everything, her life was good. Moments like this¡ªthe quiet before the chaos of the caf¨¦¡ªwere a gift, and she wasn¡¯t going to let anxiety take them away.
She knew that getting ready and making her way to the caf¨¦ and the early morning preparation would at least distract her mind from her overwhelming awareness of these physical sensations.
A quiet morning, a great cup of coffee, and a cigarette¡ she laughed to herself.
I guess it doesn¡¯t get better than this.
Hana¡¯s Morning Routine
Hana woke up in a cold sweat again. It had been years since she¡¯d left her ex-husband, but the nightmares still came regularly. They always followed the same pattern: vague, blurry words filled with anger and venom, the sensation of being choked in her sleep, and the desperate, panicked gasp for air that would yank her awake. Though the fear wasn¡¯t as sharp anymore, the dreams left a hollow ache in her stomach that took time to shake off.
She rolled over, looking at the clock on her nightstand. It was early, as always. Hana dreaded this part of the day the most when she had to pull herself out of bed and disrupt her son¡¯s peaceful sleep. Glancing over at Preston, curled up and cozy in her bed, she felt a pang of guilt. He looked so small and serene, his little chest rising and falling rhythmically. The thought of waking him tore at her heart.
But there wasn¡¯t any choice. She lived an hour from KikiTori Caf¨¦ without traffic, and her early morning shift meant she had to leave before sunrise. The tips were excellent, allowing her to afford a modest house in a quiet neighborhood¡ªa home with a fenced-in yard where Preston and their tiny dog could run around freely. It wasn¡¯t easy, but it was worth it.
Hana carefully nudged Preston awake, whispering softly, ¡°Come on, buddy. We¡¯ve got to get ready.¡± He stirred, groaning faintly, but eventually opened his eyes. She hated these moments. She wished she could let him sleep until he woke up on his own and spent slow mornings together making pancakes and watching cartoons.
Instead, she had to rush him out the door, dropping him off at his dad¡¯s house on the way to work. Thankfully, her ex¡¯s new wife was a kind woman, and Preston always seemed happy to spend time with his father. Still, it didn¡¯t make things easier for Hana.
Her marriage had been a nightmare. For years, Hana had dreamed of starting a family with someone who would love and protect her. She thought she had found that in her ex-husband. They married young, and for a while, it felt like everything was falling into place. But when they struggled to conceive, cracks began to form.
It took two years of trying before Hana finally became pregnant with Preston. She had hoped the pregnancy would be a fresh start for them, a chance to heal and move forward. Instead, it was the beginning of the end. Her ex¡¯s drinking escalated, his temper became volatile, and the once-loving man she¡¯d married turned into someone she no longer recognized. The abuse¡ªemotional and physical¡ªcame quickly after.
By the time Preston was a toddler, Hana knew she couldn¡¯t stay. The divorce had been grueling, filled with restraining orders, court hearings, and endless threats. But Hana had fought for her freedom, and for the past two years, she¡¯d been building a new life for herself and Preston.
The caf¨¦ job had been a saving grace. Kai and his wife, Rin, had taken her in during some of her darkest days, giving her a place to stay and helping her find her footing. They treated her like family, and Hana couldn¡¯t imagine where she¡¯d be without them.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
As she got Preston dressed and bundled him into the car, the sky beginning to lighten with the approaching dawn, she reminded herself.
We¡¯re okay now.
The nightmares might always linger, but the life she¡¯d built for herself and her son was stronger than the memories of the past.
Hana stepped into the caf¨¦, pulling her apron over her head as she approached the counter. Toru glanced up from the espresso machine.
¡°How was traffic?¡± Toru asked.
¡°It wasn¡¯t too bad, thankfully,¡± Hana replied, tying the apron strings behind her back.
¡°And how was drop-off?¡±
¡°Same as ever,¡± she said with a slight shrug. ¡°I think Preston might be coming down with a little cold, though, and that kind of bums me out.¡±
¡°Well, if you need to go or leave early, let me know. I¡¯m more than happy to cover your shift,¡± Toru offered.
¡°That¡¯s sweet of you, but I need all the hours I can get,¡± Hana said with a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯m trying to budget for Christmas.¡±
¡°Well, if I take your shift, you can keep the tips,¡± Toru suggested.
¡°Thanks, but he¡¯s in good hands. I know they¡¯ll take care of him.¡±
¡°I¡¯m glad you at least have that,¡± Toru said sincerely.
¡°Me too. Our relationship wasn¡¯t great, but I do trust him as a father. That¡¯s a huge blessing.¡±
As the conversation paused, the bell above the door jingled, and Randall, one of the regulars, walked in. The tall firefighter, with a monotone way of speaking, greeted them with a nod. The staff had secretly nicknamed him ¡°Dull,¡± though never to his face. They habitually assigned playful nicknames to their customers, usually tied to their personalities or regular orders.
Toru leaned closer to Hana, whispering, ¡°Your future boyfriend just walked in.¡±
Hana laughed softly, shaking her head. ¡°Nope. I think my sensitive needs will never match up with a guy. I¡¯m sticking with ladies from now on.¡±
¡°Fair enough,¡± Toru said with a grin.
Though she didn¡¯t know the full extent of Hana¡¯s background, Toru could empathize. She often reflected on how societal pressures and emotional traumas seemed to weigh on everyone. It wasn¡¯t the same fight-or-flight instinct people had a century ago¡ªit was something more chronic, more pervasive.
No wonder everyone¡¯s on medication these days, Toru thought, catching herself in a fleeting moment of frustration.
Randall approached the counter, placing a long order for his crew. He was always the one sent to pick up the drinks, and the caf¨¦ staff appreciated his unfailing politeness.
¡°How are all the boys this morning?¡± Hana asked as she started on his order.
¡°They¡¯re doing good,¡± Randall replied in his usual flat tone.
¡°Anything exciting happen yesterday, or was it all quiet on the fire front?¡±
¡°Oh, you know, pulling cats out of trees and stuff. The usual.¡±
Hana raised an eyebrow with a teasing smile. ¡°You get a lot of calls for cats in trees here in the big city?¡±
Randall chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°I wish. It¡¯d be nice to get a call like that every once in a while.¡±
¡°Well, if my cat ends up in a tree, you¡¯ll be the first person I call.¡±
¡°You know, you could always put your cat in a tree and call us anyway,¡± Randall quipped with a rare grin.
Toru, watching the exchange, smirked to herself. Even with that monotone voice, I think he¡¯s flirting.
Hana laughed. ¡°No chance. I¡¯m afraid of heights. Plus, if I had a cat, knowing me, she¡¯d be too fat to throw into a tree.¡±
Randall chuckled as he loaded the drinks into a carrier, nodded to both, and left.
¡°I¡¯m pretty sure he was hitting on you,¡± Toru said, leaning against the counter.
¡°Maybe,¡± Hana said, grinning. ¡°But I don¡¯t think I could be with someone who sounds like the teacher from Ferris Bueller.¡±
Toru took a sip of her coffee but burst into laughter mid-drink, nearly spitting it into the sink.
As the clock edged closer to 10, the pace of the caf¨¦ began to slow. The rush gave way to the quieter hours when most people were already working. Toru wiped her hands on a towel and glanced at the clock. Another half hour, and she¡¯d be off.
The door swung open, the familiar jingle of the bell announcing Julie¡¯s arrival. She stepped in with the kind of energy that could only come from a morning spent on the trails. Her cheeks were pink from the crisp November air, and her running shoes were dusted with a bit of dried mud.
¡°Hey, morning, Julie,¡± Kai called from behind the counter as he restocked the pastry case.
Toru looked up from the espresso machine and offered a small wave. Julie made a beeline for the counter, sliding onto one of the stools.
¡°You look like you ran a marathon,¡± Toru said, setting down a clean mug.
¡°Close. Just a long trail run,¡± Julie replied, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°It was gorgeous out but cold. I was thinking about that lavender matcha the whole way back.¡±
Toru blinked. ¡°Really?¡±
Julie nodded. ¡°Yeah. It was so good yesterday¡ªI can¡¯t stop thinking about it. Would you mind making me one? I could really use something warm and soothing right now.¡±
Toru hesitated. Praise like this didn¡¯t come often, and when it did, it always felt¡ strange. awkward.
She wasn¡¯t used to being the center of attention, and the idea that something she¡¯d made lingered in someone else¡¯s mind was flattering and overwhelming.
¡°Uh, yeah. Sure,¡± Toru said, turning toward the espresso machine. She focused on measuring the grounds and steaming the milk, trying to shake the unease creeping into her chest.
"This is so ridiculous¡ I don¡¯t even understand why this feeling is there¡ Even when I¡¯m in a place of calm. I¡¯m in my place. I¡¯m with my friends. All doesn¡¯t get much more right than it is in the world right now. I even have someone like Julie, who I admire, who loves my drink. This feeling I have in my chest should be excitement and not anxiousness, " Toru thought to herself.But a small part of her¡ªa part she rarely let herself listen to¡ªwhispered back: What if it is unique? What if you¡¯re good at this?
She frowned slightly at the thought, brushing it aside as she drizzled honey into the cup.
Kai leaned over the counter, watching her work. ¡°She¡¯s got a hook here, huh?¡± he said to Julie.
Julie laughed. ¡°Completely. I don¡¯t even know what it is¡ªsomething about the lavender... It¡¯s just¡ peaceful, you know?¡±
Toru glanced over her shoulder, surprised by the description. ¡°Peaceful?¡±
¡°Yeah,¡± Julie said, resting her chin in her hand. ¡°It¡¯s like, for a moment, everything feels a little easier. Warmer. Brighter. You nailed it, Toru.¡±
The knot of awkwardness tightened in Toru¡¯s chest. She forced a small smile, turning back to finish the latte.
She set the drink in front of Julie, avoiding her gaze. ¡°Here you go. Hope it¡¯s as good as you remember.¡±
Julie took a sip, her eyes closing briefly as she savored the flavor. ¡°Even better,¡± she said with a satisfied sigh.
Kai grinned, nudging Toru. ¡°Told you. Magic.¡±
Toru rolled her eyes but couldn¡¯t hide the faint blush creeping up her neck. She busied herself cleaning the steam wand, trying to ignore the heat rising in her cheeks.
Julie leaned on the counter, watching her. ¡°You know, you should really write this one down. Keep it for the seasonal menu or something. It¡¯s too good to lose.¡±
Toru paused, her hands stilling for a moment. The idea of permanence¡ªof her drink being part of something bigger¡ªmade her stomach flutter.
¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± she said quietly, but a tiny smile curved her lips as she moved to the sink.
The caf¨¦ felt warm and safe in the soft late morning light.
Hana