Chapter Eleven

Seated at the bar, Muichiro found himself beside Chloe Rollo, the cute cat person with jet-black hair and emerald green eyes. She turned to him with a friendly smile, her eyes curious. "Hey there, you're the one who saved May, right?"

Muichiro nodded in response, his expression serene. "Yes, that's correct."

Chloe's smile widened. "Well, you're practically a hero now. Thanks for looking out for our friend."

Before he could respond, the brown-haired waitress, Lunoire Fauster, chimed in from the other side of Chloe. "Indeed, we're all grateful that May is safe. Welcome to the Hostess of Fertility."

Muichiro turned his head slightly to acknowledge her. "Thank you," he replied in his usual calm tone.

Their words and gestures didn't go unnoticed by the other waitresses and patrons nearby, their attention drawn to the scene unfolding at the bar. It seemed that Muichiro's actions had left an impression on the staff.

As Chloe and Lunoire continued chatting with him, Muichiro found himself engaged in a light-hearted exchange.

It was a strange sensation—to be surrounded by people who were genuinely interested in conversing with him. Yet, despite his lack of emotions, he found their interactions surprisingly pleasant.

Just as the conversation flowed, Mia's voice cut through the chatter. "Alright, enough chatting, get back to work." she declared, her tone brimming with authority.

Chloe laughed and shot Muichiro an amused look. "Looks like Mama's calling the shots now. I better get back to work. See you around, Muichiro."

With a friendly wave, Chloe made her way back to the bustling floor, leaving Muichiro and Lunoire alone for a moment. Lunoire leaned slightly against the bar, her silver eyes regarding him with a playful glint. "It seems you've become quite the centre of attention."

Muichiro nodded, his eyes briefly meeting hers. "It wasn't my intention."

Lunoire chuckled. "Well, sometimes fate has its own plans for us. But don't worry, we're not intimidating, I promise."

Before Muichiro could respond, another voice joined the conversation.

This time it was the elf waitress Ryuu Lion who had a calm and almost emotionless look on her face, similar to Muichiro's but that's how most elves were." Please stop disturbing our guest's lunoire."

"Awww~ I'm not disturbing you am I Mr hero, OOOOO-ETETETE!!!!" Before Lunoire could finish her sentence Ryuu pinched her waist causing her to give up immediately.

Muichiro's gaze shifted to her, and despite his lack of emotions, he could sense her friendly disposition. "I appreciate your help," he replied, his voice steady.

Ryuu turned to Muichiro and nodded before going back to her Job.

.....

The waitstaff, each with their unique personalities and stories to share. Some expressed their gratitude, while others simply engaged in light banter.

The lively atmosphere of the pub enveloped him, and despite his own reserved demeanour, he felt a sense of belonging among these individuals.

Finally, as the patrons began to disperse and the pub gradually quieted down, Mia approached the bar once more, her gaze warm and approving. "I'm glad you could join us tonight," she said, her words sincere.

Muichiro inclined his head in acknowledgement. "Thank you for the invitation."

Mia's smile was genuine. "Feel free to visit us anytime, and next time spend a lot more money."

After bidding farewell to the staff, Muichiro stepped out of the pub, the cool night air brushing against his skin.

He walked at a leisurely pace, his mind replaying the events of the evening. His steps were quiet, too silent for the average person to even hear.

Unbeknownst to him, May had managed to quickly slip away from the kitchen as she dashed out of the pub, to catch up with Muichiro.

Her steps were quick and determined as she followed the path Muichiro had taken. Her heart raced, a mixture of emotions swirling within her as she caught sight of him in the distance.

"Muichiro-san!" she called out, her voice carrying a mix of relief that he hadn't walked too far...

Muichiro paused and turned, his calm gaze meeting May's eyes. "Oh, May. Is there something you needed?"

May reached him, her breath slightly uneven from her hurried pace. "I just wanted to... thank you again," she said earnestly, her voice soft yet sincere.

Muichiro nodded, his calm demeanour was unchanged. "It was my pleasure to help."

May's cheeks tinged with a faint blush, and she shifted slightly, as if trying to find the right words. "I... I also wanted to give you something as a token of my gratitude."

With that, she reached into a small bag she had carried with her and pulled out a carefully wrapped item. It was a neatly folded bento, the aroma of delicious food escaping from within.

"This is a bento I made for you," May explained with a shy smile. "For your breakfast tomorrow. I hope you'll like it."

Muichiro's expression remained serene, but a hint of gratitude flickered in his eyes. "Thank you, May. I appreciate your gift."

As May handed over the bentos, their fingers brushed briefly, sending a subtle warmth through her. It was a simple gesture, but even so, it made her whole body tingle.

*Giiiiiiiiiiiiiiii~~~~*

Before they could say more, May's eyes widened, and she turned slightly to see a group of waitresses peeking from the entrance of the pub, their expressions mischievous and teasing.

Mia, the imposing yet motherly figure, stood at the forefront, her arms crossed and a stern look on her face. "Girls, back inside now," she commanded, her voice carrying a mixture of authority and exasperation.

The waitresses scattered, giggling and exchanging knowing glances as they disappeared back into the pub. May let out an embarrassed laugh, her cheeks tinged with pink.

"I'm sorry about that," she said, her voice tinged with amusement.

Muichiro tilted his head slightly, his eyes flickering with curiosity. "Are they always like that?"

May chuckled, nodding. "Yes, they can be quite...protective and nosy. But they mean well."

As the moment lingered, May mustered a warm smile. "Well, thank you again, Muichiro-san. I hope you enjoy the bento."

Muichiro nodded in response. "I'll be sure to savour it."

With that, they exchanged a final nod of understanding, and May turned back towards the entrance of the pub. She took a step, then paused and looked back at Muichiro, her gaze softening.

"Take care," she said, her voice gentle.

Muichiro's turned to May and said!" You too, May."

With those parting words, they went their separate ways, May wondered the next time she would be able to see him.

She hoped it was soon.