The longer you stay at Tracen, the more you'll notice that the rain here always comes suddenly and leaves just as suddenly, much like a moody girlfriend meeting her relatives.
Although I don't have a girlfriend, and never have.
Looking at the drizzling street outside the window, Gold Legend, who had taken shelter in a cafe to escape the rain, sighed.
Today was a gloomy day, the sky was grey, a perfect day for sleeping in. Lying on a comfortable bed, enjoying a quiet and peaceful Sunday morning, is beneficial for both body and mind.
But alas, the damn biological clock was so precise; the habit formed over several months made her wake up on time, full of energy. She had no choice but to continue the habit and go for her morning run.
Then it started to rain.
Gold Legend, who hadn't brought a raincoat or umbrella, was in trouble. Although buying an umbrella was an option, there were no convenience stores around Tracen. Helpless, Legend could only run to a nearby cafe to take shelter from the rain.
This cafe, named after an angel, had surprisingly good decor. The warm yellow lighting created a cozy atmosphere, with details that were warm and beautiful, elegant and romantic. Outside the clear floor-to-ceiling windows, the pattering rain was sparse but clear, and the music inside the cafe was soothing and low. Feeling this rare leisure, Gold Legend relaxed.
"It seems it's been a long time since I've had this."
Not thinking about tasks, not considering people, emptying her mind and body, and enjoying the tranquility.
"If that's the case, then I should enjoy it now."
A calm voice sounded beside her ear, and a steaming cup of coffee was placed in front of Legend. Legend looked up and saw black hair and golden eyes.
"Manhattan Cafe Senior?"
Why are you here?
"Good morning, Legend."
Manhattan Cafe nodded, greeted Gold Legend, and sat across from her.
Only then did Gold Legend notice Manhattan Cafe's staff uniform.
"Manhattan Cafe Senior, are you here to work part-time?"
"The Shop Owner of this store is my friend and provides me with coffee ingredients, so I occasionally fill in."
Manhattan Cafe shook her head and explained.
"I see."
Legend nodded.
"Aren't you going to drink it?"
Manhattan Cafe looked at the coffee in front of Legend and said.
"I'm quite confident in my blended coffee."
"Eh?"
I actually don't drink coffee.
But looking at Manhattan Cafe's gaze, Gold Legend still couldn't bring herself to say that.
She gently picked up the cup and took a small sip.
"…Delicious."
There was no expected bitterness, only a faint aroma lingering.
Hearing Legend's evaluation, Manhattan Cafe's lips curved into a tiny arc.
"Every time it rains, I brew a cup of coffee, then sit by the window, listening to the rain and savoring it."
Manhattan Cafe got up and walked to the counter, took out coffee beans, and began grinding them, her movements light and skilled, a pleasure to watch.
"That sounds so romantic."
Even just imagining it, one could feel its beauty.
"If you want to learn, I can teach you."
Manhattan Cafe said softly, her emotions unreadable.
"You can?"
Legend was a little flattered, after all, Manhattan Cafe always seemed so cold.
"Mm, and she likes you very much too."
She? Is she referring to Tachyon?
Gold Legend thought for a moment, then changed the subject.
"Speaking of which, Manhattan Cafe Senior, do you really like coffee? Why?"
"…Why do you ask that question?"
Manhattan Cafe stopped what she was doing and looked at Gold Legend strangely.
"Because, when you mention coffee, you can't help but associate it with romance, love, life, and such things, right?"
This could be considered a stereotype.
"…Yes." Manhattan Cafe looked up, thought for a moment, and then smiled.
The rare sight caused Gold Legend to lose herself for a moment.
"However, I don't have such a reason."
Manhattan Cafe lowered her head and continued what she was doing.
"At first, it was just out of curiosity because of my name."
Later, she grew to like it.
"Heh, that's a good reason."
Isn't this result also good?
Coming back to her senses, Gold Legend leaned back against the sofa, relaxing herself.
Manhattan Cafe brewed another cup of coffee, then sat back opposite Legend with the cup.
The two looked out the window together. On the rainy street, pedestrians with umbrellas hurried past, and a sky-obscuring curtain of water stretched across the concrete, glass windows, and road signs.
"It's beautiful!"
Gold Legend exclaimed.
"Indeed."
Manhattan Cafe responded.
The two sat quietly like this, enjoying a moment of peace.
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