42.
chapter forty-two
the café and
his barista

"This is the café you always talk about?" Dawn dragged, visibly drooling. Paul grimaced, muttering something derogatory under his breath.

"Yup!" May affirmed, popping the 'p'. "This one's got a fancy suite too! We've been in there once with Max! You bet he loved it!" She almost collided into Dawn's bubble with her palpable enthusiasm. As usual, it bounced off, setting the two off balance.

"Handle yourself," Paul reprimanded, steadying her. "We're in public, and unless you wish to look like a band of baboons handed coffee, behave yourself."

Dawn swiped at him, closing and opening—a weird action, if you ask—with her hands to make them look like they were talking. "Blah, blah, blah!"

"How lovely," I quipped, tying my hands behind my back and following Drew into the café. "Everything and everyone is so happy to be here, isn't it?"

Ash frowned from behind, still mumbling incoherently. "You're really pot lucky that I have hots for you."

We settled at a table for six, with me sitting between Ash and Drew. The café's ambient lights above enveloped us in a cozy feeling. The entire place gave a rustic vibe with its woody scent, lingering chatter, and lumber furniture. All in all, it was very relaxing.

I leaned against the wooden seat, stretching and stifling a yawn. "What do you guys wish to order?" Drew asked, passing the menu card to Dawn first.

"What do you recommend?" Paul probed, watching Dawn rummage through the menu.

"Depends on how you like your drink," he answered, motioning for the menu. Dawn gave it back to him. "If you want something cold and strong, I recommend the iced version of espresso tonic. If you're more into energetic drinks, it's definitely the Mango Matcha Fizz."

"For something that's... mild?" Ash asked, leaning on the table. Drew flipped through the pages.

"Maybe a vanilla plus any-flavour latte."

"And something grounding?"

"An autumn blend?"

The menu was passed to me, and I set it between Ash and me, scanning the various flavours that accompanied the vanilla latte—from caramel to strawberry.

Paul cleared his throat. "I'll just take your first suggestion."

"And gimme the Mango Fizz!" Dawn piped in, jumping in her seat excitedly, gaining Paul's weary attention. I briefly thought they fit the grumpy-and-sunshine trope of the novels you would read for time pass and some cheesiness.

Drew nodded, beckoning for a waiter. Ash leaned closer, his finger pointing at something. "How about this chilled, spiced hot cocoa?"

"You're so plain," I teased, jabbing my elbow into his side. Guilt rushed to my insides when he winced in pain. Reaching for him, I let my fingers delicately run down the bruised part. "I'm so sorry!"

"What are you getting?" he interrupted, motioning to the waiter taking orders. I shrugged, pausing my caress. "How about you go with what I recommend?"

I smiled, gathering everything I felt for him and letting it pulse through the bond. "Anything if it pacifies you."

"What would you guys like?" Drew asked, turning to us. The waiter regarded us with a keen eye, as if he despised soulmates.

"Ah, a chilled and spiced hot cocoa along with a vanilla and lavender latte," Ash replied, his hands sliding to my waist casually. The waiter's frown deepened, much to Ash's obliviousness.

"You got it down?" Drew asked, his voice sharp but not impolite. The waiter bowed and left.

Dawn leaned against the table, propping herself on her elbows. "Was it just me or was something up with the waiter?"

"You are definitely not the only one," Paul muttered, narrowing his eyes at the retreating form of the waiter. "He looked like he wanted to throw something on us."

May nodded, mirroring Dawn's posture. "Maybe because he's jealous of Ash."

Ash blinked, straightening in his seat. "Me? What did I do?"

Dawn rolled her eyes, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Because of how cuddly-cuddly you are with Serena."

He stiffened, withdrawing his hand gingerly. However, the gap between us still remained minimal. Scowling, he turned to me. "Why would that make him jealous...?"

His reaction didn't help Dawn and May. The girls burst out laughing, turning heads with their exaggerated hand actions. Paul mumbled something about dining with people with no table manners while Drew merely smirked, crossing his limbs.

Ash, now desperate, reached out to place his hand on mine. "But why?"

"They're just teasing you," I consoled, rubbing my thumb against his wrist. Ash rolled his eyes, groaning and looking like a sullen kid denied ice cream.

"My foot thought it was something else."

I pinched the bridge of my nose, making sure to channel the disgust I felt. "Relax."

"Or maybe not," Drew interjected, leaning forward. He clutched his phone in his hand, his eyes staring at the screen as if it were showing something really offensive.

May tried peeking over his shoulder. "What's wrong, Drew?"

"The Ministry has announced a tip from someone that the organisation Ash and Serena informed us about is now dealt with."

My heart skipped a beat, and I turned to Ash, my hair hitting my face with the force with which I wheeled on my spot. Ash was frowning, his eyes glinting with unease.

"The news is flashing headlines," Dawn exclaimed, tapping at her phone. She then produced it forward, showing a photo of two men shaking hands: the prime minister and the minister for Soulbond Protection Dep.

Paul mused, scratching his chin and sending us a pointed look. "Wonder who tipped them?"

"Beats me," Ash managed lowly, his voice but a mere breath. Under the table, I caught his hand. Was this Lusamine's doing? Or had someone turned her in? I couldn't imagine the complications that would arise against Lillie and Gladion if their name was out in the public.

My thoughts were broken when the waiter came back with a tray. He set each cup to their respective person in a polite manner. However, his expression faltered when he pushed Ash's mug.

I narrowed my eyes at him. It wasn't like we were holding hands in the open or showing any PDA. Then why was he so perturbed?

After he left, there was a simultaneous ding from mine and Ash's phone. It was no surprise when we saw the sender requesting us to meet them in the fancy suite of the same café. Nevertheless, the thought of doing so turned on my nerves that had dampened after the incident.

What could Lusamine be up to now?

— 🫧 —

Hey guys!
I posted a new
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birthday! It's
an identity kinda
trope one,
high school,
amourshipping au!

If it piques your
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do check it
our on my
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Played By A Lie!

Thank you for reading!

Miyoko x