Quinn's Treat

The next week, Yukito went to work as usual, and went back home as usual. Everything kept going on as usual, until Monday, when Quinn Williams, one of Yukito's co-workers, suggested a trip to a small cafe.

"We all work pretty hard, so I think we deserve it!" They said with a grin.
'A cafe,' Yukito thought. 'This could be a way to get to know everyone!'

"Who's paying?" Xian Fei Ling － the chef girl Yukito saw on the first day － asked.
"Well, I was guessing that everyone pays for themselves," Quinn said casually.
"Okie-dokie!!" Ling replied, hopping around a bit.

***

They went to the cafe "Starry Hills", a branch popular for it's muffins. It was a small building with cedar tables and chairs. It kinda smelled like a forest with coffee and cake.
"Oh my gosh, this place is so CUTE!!" Ling squealed.

After everyone had ordered, they found tables and sat down.
And Ishigami sat at the same table as Yukito.

What a coincidence.

'I wanna talk to him,' Yukito thought when the coffees got there, 'but what if he just says "I don't want to talk"?'
Ishigami opened the coffee cup flap, but didn't drink it yet. He was evidently waiting for it to cool down.
Yukito cleared his throat.
"Hm?" Ishigami looked up from his coffee. "Do you–?"
"So like do you have a favorite food?" Yukito blurted out.
'GAAAAAAH I MUST'VE SOUNDED SO STUPID AAAARRRGGG' Yukito internally screamed.
"... Yes," Ishigami said slowly. "It might seem strange, but... It's pasta."
Yukito looked at Ishigami, a bit surprised. "... Pasta?"
"Mhm," Ishigami nodded. "Ravioli."
"Oh," Yukito said, shifting in his seat. "I like burgers," he said with a silly grin.
"Mm, cool," Ishigami said somewhat dryly.

✨Awkward silence~✨

***

After leaving the cafe, Yukito looked behind him and noticed Ishigami walking in the same direction.
'Well he did say he took the same bus home, so it's not like he's following  me or anything,' Yukito thought to himself.
Then he got a text from Maria.

<Hey Yuki!!>
<When r u getting home?>
<I was thinking we could watch a show on a group call :D>

'Oh, it's Maria!' Yukito thought.

<Probably in abt 30mins :D>
<Walking to the bus station rn>

"So," Ishigami suddenly spoke, breaking the silence, "I noticed you act different around me. Why?"
'AAAAAAAAAA HOW DID HE NOTICE???'  Yukito thought nervously.
"Uhh, well," Yukito stammered, "I just— I don't wanna make you uncomfortable by talking to much."
Ishigami looked at the street. "Mm," he nodded.
"Well," he said, "the talking isn't bad; all humans need communication. Just don't get ahead of yourself and think we're friends."

Yukito turned around to look at Ishigami. His face was nearly unreadable as he looked at the passing cars.
"Oh, OK then," Yukito said, turning back around. "I don't have a problem with that! Co-workers is just fine~"
But that wasn't what he was thinking.

'I knew if I said anything he'd say no,' Yukito thought.

But for Ishigami, it was a bit different.
'He seems disappointed,' he thought curiously. 'Hm, well, good thing I said it right away; after all...

It may have gotten awkward if he had, maybe, asked me out or something, and I say I don't want any romance anymore... Though I wouldn't say that.'