A Smile Brighter than the Sun and Warmer than Coffee

Haru was clearly taken aback by her question and was only caught staring at the pink-haired woman.

"I'm sorry. I don't want to be nosy, but I couldn't help but think about what uncle told me a while ago," she added, pursing her lips afterward.

"Like what I said earlier, there's nothing to worry about. And… It's nothing…," he gave her a faint smile. "If you don't need anything, then I'll be heading. Oyasumi."

Haru bowed his head before leaving the room. The smile quickly faded on his face as he went downstairs and kept on boggling about her question. It's not like he wasn't thankful and happy to be adopted by Junichi, because he truly was, and he would be forever grateful to his adoptive father.

He would not want to lie to Sakura, too. It's just, that he didn't even know how he would open up about his past to someone new in his life. Heck, he didn't see this coming. He thought the last time he'd talk about it would be in his college days with Kiyoshi and Kyoko, and it was not that easy. He only tried his best because he only had them. It was still painful, and it still haunted him in his sleep from time to time.

–

Haru couldn't even get a wink of sleep after midnight and was still awake when Sakura left their house. He only fell asleep at the crack of dawn and was only awakened by a call on his phone.

"Haru, I feel bad for Sakura. I can't come today since I have an emergency meeting with my manager. I actually still feel kinda sick," there was a sigh on the other line.

"Kyoko?" his voice was raspy.

"Did you just wake up?" her voice almost raised. "What the heck are you doing lying on your bed at 9:20 in the morning?! You're supposed to meet at 10:00!"

"Why the fuck are you shouting? Here I thought you're still kinda sick," Haru wiped his eyes with the back of his hand as he sluggishly stood up from his bed.

"Don't tell me you forgot about what we're supposed to do today?"

"Geez, can you please lower your voice, and I did not forget about it. I just overslept."

"Good, I already informed Sakura about my meeting. I'll try to go there after."

"Hai, hai. Just let us know."

"You're the best! Ja ne!"

Haru dressed himself up in a white oversized tee with mini typography on the left chest area, black cropped pants, and black high-top sneakers paired with black socks. He also wore a small black crossbody bag and black cap to complete his look.

He headed to the train station thereafter, and it took him 15 minutes to arrive at Miouji, a renowned interior and decor store in Tokyo. As instructed, he looked for the cafeteria situated on the first floor. Apart from the cafeteria that has a wide selection of food and beverages, there were also other stalls to buy food from. Since he didn't want to line up and choose from a lot of choices, he chose a coffee stall and ordered a light breakfast with hot coffee while waiting for Sakura.

His gaze wandered around to see if the woman he was waiting for had already arrived. While doing so, he caught some women staring at him from the hallway, and when he glanced at the counter, he met the eyes of the female barista, who quickly looked away. He tilted his head in wonder and realized that it might be due to the special clip released by Ralmé yesterday.

"Sorry for waiting," the female barista, who was caught staring at him, said as she placed down the plate of two toasted bread, scrambled egg, bacon strips, sausages, and a small bowl of vegetable salad and hot Americano in front of him.

"Thanks," he said, a small smile appearing on his lips.

"Ugh, sorry to ask, but can I take a pic with you?" she shyly inquired, her light pink blush was accentuated even more.

"Do you need someone who'll take a picture?" a familiar voice suggested, and the woman and the handsome young man turned their heads to see who it was. "Hello!"

"Oh, I apologize!" the barista couldn't look straight at the two good-looking people in front of her. "I didn't know you already have a girlfriend-"

"No, no, no. We're friends," Sakura smiled gently as she glanced at Haru, who was only watching them. "Where's your phone? Let me take a pic of you two."

When Haru stood beside her, she still kept her distance with her eyes mostly on the floor. She thanked them after and hurriedly went back to the counter.

"Kawaii," Sakura complimented the supposed fan of Haru. "Aren't you getting more popular?"

"Silly, I am not," he took a good look at her before pulling the empty chair opposite him. "Have you eaten your breakfast?"

"I only ate a toast, but I'm still good! I'll eat more at our late lunch," she took a seat and placed the free catalog on the table, "Go ahead. Eat first before you help me in choosing the colors and some other decorations."

"I thought I'd just help in carrying the stuff and not help in buying the decor," he jested and took a sip of his Americano.

"Pretty please?" she cutely batted her eyelashes at him. "I need advice, and Kyoko isn't here yet so…'

Of course, with her acting so cutely in front of him, Haru couldn't disagree anymore. There was a silent scream of celebration on Sakura's seat when he agreed, and following that, she excitedly showed him the pictures of the stuff she wanted to buy in Miouji.

Sakura said she would not eat, but she still ate a piece of sausage and bacon when he offered her food. She was also dressed in a light blue denim top with two pockets in front, black denim shorts, and white canvas shoes. Her pink hair was tied in a low pony and her dark gray round circle glasses were tucked on the placket of her shirt.

As she continued with her plans that day, Haru couldn't help himself but stare at the lovely woman across from him. To be honest, he was quite anxious earlier as she might inquire about what his father had told her last night. It's uncertain when he would once again face questions about his past. It might be soon. It might even be tomorrow. However, seeing her being sprightly, he brushed off the worried thoughts aside and chose to have a good time with her instead.

When Sakura noticed Haru staring at her, her lips curled into a bright smile. It was as bright as the sun, and her smile warmed his body more than the coffee he was drinking that morning.