THE CHANGING OF SEASONS

Some days after helping Erika out with her assignment, I find myself back in Cafe Million.

It’s much more quiet and peaceful this time around. Erika is nowhere to be found, and Hana has classes to attend.

I have to make it clear that I am not creeping on their private schedule. I was just told they aren’t around by Hana’s father.

Also, it’s not like I’m hoping to meet them here today. It just so happens that I have a craving for the desserts served in this cafe, and went on an afternoon snacking quest.

Still, there’s not much to do when you’re sitting in a cafe with only your phone.

In the past I would’ve brought my laptop with me to work, but since I’m practically unemployed right now, that’s out of the question.

I do have a couple books I could bring with me, but I’ve already read everything that I have. Maybe it’s high time I go visit a bookstore.

Reading wasn’t popular where I’m from, so I usually order books online from overseas. But I’ve heard that it’s different here, with second hand book stores being common in commercial districts.

Maybe I could ask the cafe’s owner, Hana’s father, if he has any recommendations.

Judging solely from looks, he seems to be knowledgeable about these things.

“Owner, do you know of any book stores around here?”

“Book stores, huh? I don’t read that many books myself, so I don’t frequent such places. So while I know of a place, I don’t know how good a recommendation the place would be. I believe one of the waiters currently on shift might be able to help you.” he said, calling over a waiter idling by the door waiting for a customer.

“‘Tsup, owner?” asked the waiter.

“This young man here is asking for recommendations for a bookstore, and as I recall, you like reading, don’t you?”

“Ah, I’ve seen you around before, haven’t I, mister? You come here often?”

“Every once in a while I guess.”

“Well, thank you for your continued patronage. Now, for bookstores, I usually go to the one in the shopping district in this area. Most of the books sold there are in good condition, and they have a wide selection.”

“The shopping district would be 2 blocks down if you go left once exiting Cafe Million.” added the owner.

“Two blocks down to the left, alright. Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome, mister.”

“Happy to be of assistance.”

Before crossing from one block to the next, I was stopped by a pedestrian traffic light shining red. While I’m waiting for the lights to turn green, I noticed a familiar figure on the other side of the crosswalk. It’s Erika.

It’s quite a coincidence to meet her here.

Raising my hand to wave at her, I noticed that she hadn't noticed me at all.

She seems to be focusing her attention to the ground beneath her feet. Since she isn’t on her phone, nor is there anything particular on the ground in front of her, she might be avoiding eye contact with me.

I quickly decided against calling out to her, and just walked past her when the light turns green

Once on the other side, I took a quick glance towards the ground and found nothing of particular interest there. Seems she really is avoiding me.

Well, it’s dangerous to stop and talk in the middle of a crosswalk anyway. So, if she didn’t want to see me, I guess it is just what it is.

It might not be about me, though. Erika might just be having a bad day of sorts, which causes her to be literally looking down. In which case, someone who’s at best an acquaintance to her like me shouldn’t be bothering her right now.

It’s for the best that I didn’t call out to her.

Once two blocks over, I noticed that almost all buildings here are stores. It’s not called a shopping district for nothing.

I walked around, and inside the shopping district looking for the bookstore, and finally found it on the other side of the district.

Unfortunately, the store is closed for the day, and I had to go back empty handed, with the resolution to come back another day at an earlier time.

I can buy something from the bookstore before swinging by Cafe Million next time. Then I can enjoy the drink there while reading my new book.

That cafe does have a good reading atmosphere around afternoon time when it's quiet.

On my way back, after walking past Cafe Million, while waiting for the lights to turn green, I noticed another familiar figure on the other side of the crosswalk.

This time, the person on the other side had noticed me and was waving towards me, so I gave a wave back to her. It’s Hana.

“Wait there!” She shouted from across the crosswalk.

That girl is really something else. She didn’t even falter under the gaze of everyone around her after she just shouted out of nowhere.

On the other hand, I can’t help but shrivel now that I’ve been dragged along into the spotlight.

Well, I would’ve started crossing had she not told me to wait, and by doing so would cause us to inevitably meet in the middle of the road.

She could’ve been more subtle though.

I took a few steps back, and closer towards the building on my side of the crossroad, so that I won’t stand in the way of people trying to cross while waiting for Hana.

After the light had turned green, she ran along towards me. “Heya, mister! Stalking Erika again today, are you?”

“No! And don’t say that kind of thing out loud.”

“But you are!”

“I am not. I just ran into her several times before by chance.”

“But here you are again, just in time for when Erika usually comes into the cafe.” She said, while grinning ear to ear.

Come to think of it, I did run into Erika earlier. “I ran into Erika earlier, but it was just a coincidence as I’m going back from Cafe Million.”

“What? Going back already?”

“I’ve been there for about an hour already.”

“But I wasn’t there.”

“I was in for the owner’s sweets and drinks, not for you. So, I don’t see why that’d be a problem.”

“Aw, come on! You can get more drinks, so let’s go back to the cafe!”

“I already drank there and would like to go home instead.”

“It's not like you have anything better to do anyway, right?”

“I- well, no, but-”

“Alright then, to Cafe Million.” She said whilst dragging me by the arm, back to the cafe.

“Erika! Dad! I’m home!” She exclaimed as soon as she walked inside the cafe, getting the attention of everyone inside. Including, ofcourse, Erika seated on her usual table. Who seems shocked upon laying her eyes on us. Or on me, to be exact.

Hana dragged me over to Erika’s table. “Erika, I’m gonna go change first, ok?” She said, finally letting me go, and heading towards the staff only door on the back.

“Back again so soon, young man? Have you forgotten something?” Asked the owner from behind the counter.

“Oh, no. I met Hana on the way back from here, and she just dragged me back here.”

“My, I do apologize for my daughter's rudeness. I’ll talk to her, so it's fine to head back now, young man.”

“Well, since I’m back here already, I might as well stay for one more glass.”

“Is that so? Well, if that’s the case. I thank you for your continued patronage. Please have a seat.” He said, while urging me to sit across from Erika, sharing her table.

The cafe isn’t packed yet around this time, so I didn’t get why he would urge me to sit on Erika’s table. I could see my seat from earlier, and it’s unoccupied.

Erika seems to dislike the idea too. She seems very troubled.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I wouldn’t want to disturb the time your daughter would share with her friend, so I’ll just take a seat elsewhere.”

“Is that so? If that’s the case, please.” He said, allowing me to take whichever seat I prefer.

I went over to my table from earlier and took a seat there. And while waiting for someone to take my order, Hana stepped out of the back door, and as soon as she spotted me, she immediately went over to my table.

I’ll put my order through her, then. I meant to, at least. Before Erika started complaining.

“Why are you sitting here?! I brought you to Erika’s table!”

“You brought me to another customer’s table! I can’t just sit there and disturb her.”

“I’m telling you to sit there with us! Gosh!” She exclaimed as once again, she grabbed my arm and dragged me over to Erika’s table.

“Wai- fine, fine. Just stop dragging me, will you?”

Despite my best effort, she dragged me all the way to Erika’s table and pushed me towards the seat across from Erika. I could only sigh after she did so.

“Hana, you can’t drag a customer around, just let him sit wherever he wants.” The owner intervened from behind the counter.

“He’s fine. He stayed and even came back after I did it last time, didn’t he?”

I did, and I definitely regret doing so.

“It seems I owe you another apology, young man. I’m sorry for my daughter’s continued rudeness.”

“No, it’s fine. I understand that she must be much of a headache for you too.” I said, while still keeping my eyes on Hana. Trying to say to her that it is not fine. To which she just shrugged. “And I’m sorry, Erika. But it seems that I will be intruding on you again today.”

She seemed surprised to me suddenly addressing her and jumped on the spot.

After regaining her composure, she quickly fished her phone from her backpack. Not long after, my phone rang with a new notification. A new message from Erika.

“I don’t mind. Please enjoy.”

“Ah, right. Thank You.” I said, after reading her message.

“Erika, you have his contact?”

Erika suddenly froze when Hana asked her. After a little, she began blushing feverishly, before moving her hands to cover her face.

She was the one that asked for my number yesterday, and I assumed she would commonly do this to communicate. So, I don’t get why she’s embarrassed.

Not long after their exchange, the owner had brought me my usual order of drink, and Hana’s. He’s really good at his job.

“Your usual, young man. On the house.”

“I can’t have that, your drink was on the house the other day, so I’ll pay for it this time, owner.”

“Please. Take it as an apology for my daughter’s rudeness.”

“Well, in that case, I will gratefully accept. Thank you, owner.”

“Daaad! He’s got money anyway, so no need to keep giving him stuff on the house.” Hana said, feeling the need to intrude on our conversation.

“You’re being rude again, Hana.”

“But it’s true, right?”

“And why would you think so?”

“Well, you’re a foreigner, right? Since you keep coming back to our cafe, you’re not a tourist. They’re too busy to keep visiting the same place. So, you must be living here! And that’s while being unemployed. So, you must be loaded, right?”

Honestly, that was an amazing observation. Not something I’d expect from her.

That said, I have no intention of humoring her. “Well, who knows?”

“Whaaa-? You could at least tell me if I got it right or not!” She demands a response.

I closed my eyes to show her that I’m not interested in this conversation anymore and reached for my drink.

Though it seems like her observation has really gotten into my head. As I reached for the wrong glass. Which I could tell, even with my eyes closed.

Because instead of a glass, I ended up grabbing a hand instead. Erika’s hand, which is currently holding her glass.

I immediately pulled my hand back and started apologizing.

“Yooouuuu!!” Hana shouted while standing up in rage.

“Wait! Wait! I didn’t mean to, I meant to grab my glass, but-”

“Save your excuses!” She raised her hand, but Erika held it back, clutching it tight, while shaking her head vigorously. “Erika! This guy definitely did that on purpose, you know?!” Erika just shook her head even more vigorously.

“I- look, I’m sorry, Erika.” I said, bowing my head deeply to Erika.

Looking up while still bowing my head, I could see her arms let go of Hana’s arm. She then proceeded to waving it vigorously.

Hana sighed and fell back to her seat after seeing this. “Fine. I’ll let you off this time.”

“I’m truly sorry, Erika.”

“She said it’s fine, just raise your head already.” After she said this, I promptly raised my head and could see Erika blushing feverishly.

I’ve done a terrible thing.

Skinship is very reserved in this country, unlike in some places where people do it commonly.

“Erika, this might not be an appropriate compensation, but please. Let me pay for your bills today.”

Erika waved her hand vigorously again and fished her phone out of her pocket.

I’ve gone through this a couple times before, so I also fished mine out of my pocket. \

Sure enough, the notification from Erika’s chat came in not long after.

“Please don’t mind it. I understand that it was an accident, and you didn’t mean to do it.”

“But it still stands that I have done a terrible thing to a lady such as yourself, so please let me make up for it.”

In response to this, Erika hugged Hana tightly and buried her face into her arm, which confuses me. Specifically, I don’t understand what this means for me.

I looked at Hana for an explanation, but she seems just as confused as I am.

“Wha- What’s wrong, Erika?”

Erika just shook her head lightly, and let go of her hug, still burying her face on Hana’s arm. But with both her hands now free, she signed something to Erika.

I could only try to speculate what the conversation is about based on Hana’s response, but her response is just so vague that I couldn’t make anything out of it.

In the end, Hana sighed and patted her head.

After a while, Hana looks at me, and she seems ready to explain the current situation with Erika. “Mister, if you’re really sorry, and would like to make up for it, then come back here, and sit with Erika again when you do.”

Erika seemed surprised at this, as she pulled her head back, and stared at Hana, dumbfounded.

“Um, that doesn’t seem to sit well with the person in question, though.”

“I’m saying that you should!”

“But this is about Erika?!”

“I’m speaking on her behalf!”

“By the reaction she’s currently giving you, it doesn’t actually seem like it.”

“But I’m saying that you should, and that’s that! Okay, Erika?”

Erika cast her sight down for a while and nodded her head lightly.

“Um- okay, I guess, if that’s what you’d like, Erika.” though it really seems like that she’s been coerced into this.

It feels like I might be troubling Erika even more by intruding on her personal space after this. Though, since she had agreed to it, maybe it’s fine.

Hana might be very overbearing, but it’s unlikely that she’d hurt her friend.

Just then, I could hear someone clearing their throat.

It was the owner, getting our attention. “I understand that your youth might come with passion, but please do mind your voice.”

As he said that, I took a quick look around, and found that everyone, staff and customers alike were staring at us.

“I apologize.” I said, while shrinking myself to hide the blush on my face.

There’s really not much to talk about after the awkwardness that had just occurred. So, I just take that as my cue to leave, and head straight home after thanking the owner, Hana, and Erika.

On my way back home, once again today, I encountered another red light while trying to cross the road. And just like the couple times this had happened earlier today, I noticed another familiar figure on the other side of the crosswalk.

It’s my acquaintance that got me my apartment.

I saw him leaving a bar, lighting a cigarette, as he approached a flashy car parked on the side of the road.

As soon as he looked my way and noticed me, I waved my hand, and he did the same.

When the light turned green, I crossed over to him, approaching him as he leaned on his sports car.

“Alan, fancy meeting you here.”

“Oliver, how are you settling in?”

“Good, I’ve unpacked all my stuff on the second day, and it’s been fine ever since.”

“That’s good to hear. Seems you didn’t need much time to move in.”
“Thanks to you, for getting most of the furniture set for me.”
After I said that, I noticed a gorgeous lady leaving the restaurant Alan had just walked out of.

Considering her style, and get up, she must be here with Alan.

He is a somewhat popular actor here, so it’d make sense for him to go out with this lady.

“A friend of yours, Alan?” The lady asked him.

“An acquaintance, or at least that’s what he’d say if you ask him.”
I just shrugged my shoulders in response.

“Emma, meet Oliver. Oliver, Emma.”

“Glad to know you.” I said as I extended a hand towards her, which she grabbed in return.

“And you. But I’m afraid Alan and I don't have the time to stay and chat.”
“Sorry, Oliver. Got work to do after this.”

“It’s cool, I get you.”
“I’ll hit you up in a few days when I get some time off. Let’s do a little catching up.”
“Allright, just tell me whenever.”

With that, Oliver hopped into the driver’s seat of his sports car, and Emma went around to the passenger seat.

That man is really living the dream. Sports car, and beautiful ladies. Fame and money.

Can’t say I envy his working hours, though.

Early morning, another sluggish day for me.

I always wonder how people can wake up in the morning, and just go straight about their activity, making breakfast and stuff. I can’t even open my eyes right after waking up. As usual, I just sat on the side of my bed, staring at the wall for some time.

This day of the week, I usually go for a run in the morning, so I should do that soon.

It’ll be summer soon after all. Don’t want to get stuck in the heat when the sun is around its peak. I’d rather laze around in an air-conditioned room at that time.

About halfway through my usual route, my phone started ringing. I pulled it out to check who’s calling, and Alan’s name was displayed on my phone, staying true to his word.

I took the call through the earphone I already have in my ears.

“Hey. Got a day off so soon?”

“Would that be a problem?”

“Not at all, just wasn’t expecting you to call the same week.”

“Yeah, it seems there’s a little trouble on set, and I got an unexpected day off. You free for lunch today?”

“Yeah, sure. Where will we eat?”

“Well, since it’s so sudden, I haven’t got any place in mind yet. You have anywhere you want to eat at?”

“Not really. But there’s this cafe that I’ve been going to lately.”

“All right, let’s go there. Send me the location. I’ll be there around lunch time.”

“Okay, see you there.”

After ending the call, I took a quick stop to take my phone out and send the location of Cafe Million to Alan. Afterwards, I pocketed my phone and continued through my route.

At noon, I arrived at Cafe Million a little before the time Alan said he’d come in.

Once inside, the first person to notice me was Hana, and she immediately hurried over to me.

“Hey, mister! Erika won’t be in until the afternoon. She doesn’t like it when the place is crowded.”

“Sorry, I know I promised to come back to meet with Erika last time, but I’m actually expecting someone else today.”

“Oh, my. A date?”

“An acquaintance. Could you get me a table for two?”

“Ah, okay, mister. Please follow me.”

To my pleasant surprise, Hana is actually acting like a proper waitress for once.

I followed her to a table for two and sat there. When she brought me a glass of water, I asked her to show a man named Alan to my table if he’s looking for me.

“Sure. What’s your name, mister?”

“Wait, haven’t I already introduced myself before?”

“What? When?”

“The first time you dragged me to Erika’s table.”

“I don’t remember you doing that, no.”

I thought that she always called me “mister” because I’m older than she is, but apparently, she had just forgotten that I had ever introduced myself. She’s not even feeling sorry for it.

“The name’s Oliver.”

“Okay. Alan to Oliver. I’ll bring him to your table when he arrives.”

Not long after, I noticed Alan walking through the door, and Hana going up to him. After a brief exchange, she led him to my table.

“So. This is the kind of place you like, huh?”

“You can say that. Sorry if it’s not up to your standards.” I said sarcastically

“Come on. You know I wouldn’t be this successful if not for you. I’d go anywhere with you.”

“And I’ve told you before that I actually don’t. None of your success can be credited to me.”

After our initial greeting, Hana brought us a couple of menus to look at. After taking our orders, Hana left us on our own.

As I watched her leave, I noticed that the staff were all staring at us.

Though, it doesn’t seem like the other customers have noticed a celebrity is in this cafe with them.

“Are you fine without anything to cover your face?” I asked Alan, since I know that it’s not unusual for him to go around with sunglasses, a mask, and a low hood.

“There aren't that many people here, so it should be fine. Besides, I don’t want to meet you while looking like a stalker.”

The word ‘stalker’ just somehow reminds me of my earlier interactions with Hana and Erika, which caused me to momentarily grimace.

We talked while waiting for our food, and when we were eating. Catching up to what he’s been doing these days, what I’m doing these days. Small talks.

After finishing our meal, Alan went to the toilet and left me for a bit. As soon as he did, Hana went up to me and tugged my arm.

“Hey! You didn’t tell me you are friends with THE Alan.”

“Acquaintance with. And I told you his name.”

“Well, I didn’t think it’d be THE Alan. Do you know how common of a name Alan is?”

“Not really, no. And besides, what would you do if I told you?”

“Well, I could’ve prepared better!”

“Prepared what?”

“Just-” as she’s about to say something, she noticed Alan walking back to our table, and she left the scene immediately.

“That waitress seemed very close to you. What happened?” He asked as he went back to his seat.

“I told you I’ve been coming here lately, right? Well, we often talk when I come in every now and then.”

“Whoa. I was talking about how she was really up your face just now, but you two are close like that? You two going out?”

“With that girl? No way.”

“That sounds a little suspicious.”

“She’s too overbearing for me.”

“That so? Maybe I should come back here some other time, just to make sure.”

“I’m sure she’d be happy to have you here.”

The problem with being famous, you can’t have much time for yourself when in public. People would swarm around you when they recognize you.

As if on cue, a customer then recognized Alan seated across from me. “Hey! Isn’t that Alan? Like the one from the movies?”

“Whoa, you’re right. You should get a picture with him.”

“Well, that’s my cue.” Alan said as he started to get up to leave. “Can you text me the bill later?”

“Sure. Have a good day.”

“You too.”

He hastily left the cafe, got into his car parked on the side of the road, in front of the cafe, and took off.

After paying for both our meals, I took a picture of the bill and sent it to Alan. He’ll figure out his amount on his own.

But now comes the problem. Being the ‘friend of a famous person’.

“Hey, mister. Are you friends with Alan?”

“Mister, do you know Alan?”

“How do the two of you know each other?”

And in these dire times, the last person I expect to help has stepped in to help me.

Hana stepped in between me and the curious starstruck fan to stop them from getting any closer.

Just like earlier when I just came in, I guess Hana could act professional when she wants to. She even served Alan just as she would any other customer when he came in.

Or so I thought, until she grabbed me by the arm and dragged me through the staff only door.

I should’ve known this was going to happen, based on our previous encounters.

Behind the staff only door, Hana interrogated me thoroughly about how I came to know Alan, why he’s with me today, etc.

I answered as vaguely as I could, since I can’t disclose Alan’s personal information to her.

“Okay, Whatever. Just tell me in advance the next time you’re going to eat here with him, okay?”

“Alright. If we are to eat here again, I’ll tell you in advance.”

Finally finished with her questions, she went back to the cafe, and I followed behind her.

As we went through the staff only door, Erika walked into the cafe. Before she could even take a seat, Hana was already in her face, telling her about how I had brought this big shot celebrity into this cafe.

At least Erika still gets to be led to her usual seat by Hana. I would’ve been just dragged around by her. Which she did, after seating Erika.

Forcibly brought to Erika’s table, once again I find myself seated across her, apologizing for the intrusion.

I’m starting to get used to this, and maybe Erika is too, since she doesn’t seem to be startled or visibly shaking this time around.

Hana kept telling Erika about Alan who had just eaten here, and her story seems to have extremely glorified Alan as a person.

In order to prevent misunderstandings on Erika’s part I had to interrupt every now and then to get the facts straight when I can, without dipping into Alan’s personal life.

I actually meant to leave after wrapping up lunch with Alan. But it seems it will be a while still before I can go back to my apartment.

I ordered another drink, and listened to Hana rambling about Alan to Erika, while trying to keep her in line to the best of my ability.

After some time rambling about it, Hana finally ran out of things about Alan to talk about, and went to other topics, mostly about her and Erika’s daily life.

I’m somewhat out of place here, but Hana kept shifting the conversation to ask me questions.

Later in the afternoon, Erika took her leave as she said she didn’t want to be part of the dinner rush. It seems like she enjoys the quieter atmosphere of the cafe, just like me.

I took my leave as she did, having no further purpose to stay in the cafe.

Once outside, we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.