Lack of a Cold Shoulder
“Did Mary just message you?”
Kaede quickly looked up from the screen of her phone.
“W- why would you think that?”
“You were smiling when you got that message, and you’re blushing right now.”
Kaede put a hand to her cheek self-consciously.
“Kiko, stop teasing her.”
Rika patted her head, as she pouted.
“I’m just curious.”
“Well, then let her tell us when she wants to.”
Kaede smiled in her recognition of Rika rescuing her from embarrassment.
“I- it’s okay.”
Yuki leaned against the counter, placing her chin on her hand.
“So, everything is going well?”
Kaede laughed nervously.
“Yes, I guess so.”
“How was your evening in the courtyard?”
“We unfortunately never got to sit in the courtyard. Mary tried on some of the traditional clothes we have, and it got rather late.”
“Trying on clothes?”
Yuki raised her eyebrows suggestively.
“Sounds very romantic.”
Kaede waved her hand.
“It wasn’t really, it was just for fun.”
“Mhm”
She shook her head, collecting her rushed thoughts.
“So... may I take your order?”
Her usual polite smile returned instantly.
“You’re so professional Kaede. We’ll all have the new parfait drink.”
“Is it as good as it looks?”
“It’s really good, and I’m not just advertising.”
“I trust your judgment Kaede.”
She clutched her hand into a fist and nodded.
“I’ll do my best.”
Yuki giggled and turned to join Rika and Kiko at the table they reserved.
“Mary is lucky.”
Kiko was scrolling on Twitter.
“Yes she is.”
“She’s so sincere... The care she even puts into being a barista. I imagine being in a relationship with her is nice.”
“Ahem.”
Yuki blushed, just realizing what she was saying.
“Don’t worry! You’re just as wonderful!”
Rika was also browsing her timeline, and refused to look up at Yuki. Who, now frowned and began twiddling her thumbs.
“Oh no, it’s the cold shoulder.”
A smile appeared in corner of Rika’s lip.
“I’m joking. She is really sweet, I think she’ll be good for Mary.”
She paused and locked her phone.
“Mary is very much the same. Or. Compatible.”
She blushed, realizing her own words.
She suddenly felt a kiss on her cheek, and Yuki spoke quietly into her ear.
“I’m not the jealous type either. Let go of feeling guilty.”
Rika turned her head so they looked into each other’s eyes.
“Okay?”
She smiled.
“Okay.”
