1 Cafè Noir

I kept running and running. These targets ran so fast that I almost ran out of breath. I have to finish this hunt or else they will consider this abandoning the mission.

I ran and ran until I finally cornered them...

They are a couple. They held their hands and closed their eyes together as I kill them cold-bloodedly. This couple refused the elder's invitation, that is why they became a target. If only they accepted it, it wouldn't have to go this far...

Day after that night, I received a single keychain and a bit amount of money for finishing the task. I then took my morning coffee in a newly established coffee shop at Kotto street named Café noir.

Their café's specialty is brewed coffees. But they also have cold brew coffee, café latte, café Americano, macchiato, Mochaccino, and my favorite espresso.

I was waiting for my meetup to know my next task, when suddenly, a girl passed by and took my attention.

Entering the café, she then wears the barista outfit and served the customers.

My time stopped as I looked at her. I actually thought she's just a by passer...

She has wavy hair and I couldn't tell if she has copper or brown colored hair. She has the prettiest smile and the cutest eyes. Her lips were sexy, her body is slim, and her eyebrows are thin. She is the exact definition of a perfect girl...

As soon as she finished serving the customers, she then noticed me staring at her. So, I quickly looked away to the window and sipped my drink.

My heart kept beating, because I noticed that she is actually coming close. I sipped and sipped my coffee even if it is hot. I'm like sweating and feeling anxious at the same time.

I was overthinking, 'What if she thinks I'm a pervert? Or maybe bad guy like a Yakuza? Is it because of my stare at her? Or is it my outfit?' I kept asking myself, over and over again.

As she comes close, she then asks with a happy face, "Sir? Would you like some refill?"

I sighed deeply. I guess I was too anxious.

I remained to look into the distance and replied, "Why? Do refills exists here?"

She nodded, "Since the café is newly established, we have a one week promotion: Free refill for brewed coffees."

I then looked at her, "Ok then, please..."

She smiles as she refills my coffee, while I grin back and keeping my composure calm.

That day, I met the prettiest girl that caught the apple of my eye. I wish I could be with her, but I have to hold myself back or else I will be considered a traitor.

After a while, during the night. I took my specific targets in a dark alley and killed them cold-bloodedly. My hands are once again filled with blood.

As I looked at my hands, I then had a thought, 'With my hands all bloodied like this, I don't think there is even a way for me to have a normal life.' I then suddenly pictured the girl I met from the café. So, I crumpled my cloth near my chest, '--And I can never be with her...'

After realizing that, I decided to myself that in order for me to forget her, I must not order another coffee from that shop. In fact, I should probably avoid that shop now.

Night after night, I killed my targets with my hands all bloodied, everytime I kill.

One of the mission was very dangerous. It took 3 out of 5 members just to kill an entire group of gang whom had bad business deals with the Yakuzas. Two of us survived, but we have to finish the remaining group, because we cannot abandon our assigned tasks.

In the end, only I remained from the five-man team. I survived 'till the end and earned my rewards after.

It's been 4 days since I never had a coffee. I've been thinking if I should just buy from the convenience store, but specially brewed coffee is much better and I know only one café shop who offers that.

I sighed in frustration, but then, I started to get an idea, 'If I saw her during that morning, maybe she has a morning shift? In that case, maybe I should have my brewed coffee in the afternoon...'

I know it is risky, but getting that delicious brewed coffee in my hands is worth a risk. So, I decided to head to the café noir during the afternoon.

After arriving, before entering the café, I looked from the window to check.

I didn't see her. Because this time, the barista is an old man.

I cheered by myself, 'I knew it. I'm glad she's in morning shift.'

I then entered in and ordered my favorite espresso.

I felt easy, but sad at the same time. Maybe because I never get to see her again. Well... I guess it was for the best, since she shouldn't be involved with me.

As I looked into the distance from the window while sipping my coffee, I realized that the shop has very few customers this time.

So, I looked around to examine, 'An old man? Two teenage boys? And a gi-'

I choked myself and quickly spit my drink as if I was shocked. I then spilled my coffee and spread it all over my table. It even reaches my cloth!

I immediately shouted in pain, "Ahh! Ahh! Ho-Hot! Hot!"

A girl suddenly came to the rescue and quickly wiped the spilled coffee, "Sir!? Are you ok? Let me wipe it off."

She asked.

I replied hastily while stuttering, "N-No! I, I can wipe on my own."

She then gave me a wipe to wipe the coffee stain from my cloth while continuously wiping the table.

The barista manager, then followed to help the girl.

As soon as the spilled coffee is wiped, she then asks, "What happened? Are you ok now?"

I grinned forcefully, "Ye-Yes. You may continue whatever you're doing back there."

She shook her head, "No. I'll refill your coffee first, so stay put."

I scratched my head while grinning continuously, "Su-Sure. I mean, as long as its free."

After she left to get the coffee pot, the barista manager then gazes at me and asks, "Are you somehow infatuated by her?"

I immediately flustered by his sudden question, "N-No! What are you talking about?"

"Because the moment you saw her, you quickly spit and spilled your coffee. She doesn't seem to know you, based on her action."

"Are you a stalker of her?" The barista manager added it with glaring eyes.

I gulped, "I don't know what you are talking about..." I was keeping my composure calm.

The barista manager's face then changed from a fierce look to a happy look. He then says, "Don't worry! You don't look like a pervert. By the way, that's my daughter."

I exhaled deeply. It's like my anxious feeling is suddenly lifted, but I was also actually surprised to hear that.

The girl then came back with a coffee pot and refilled my cup.

The barista manager then introduced her with a smiling face, "Meet Yuna. Yuna Arakaki, my daughter."

My time stopped once more as she refills my cup. I finally hear her name for the first time.

We both took a glimpse with each other, but even if its just a glimpse, It felt like the time just stopped for a moment...