(Tristan) This Girl Was Going To Be The Death Of Me

Once the competition was over, I was left to clean up the mess.

Honestly, I wasn’t as mad about cleaning up this time. There was a surprisingly small amount of trash in the main seating area as no drinks were being served during the show. People left pretty much as soon as the competition ended, which let me have a relaxing time putting everything back into place. Scanta helped me clean up, but he did not help me put the stage back. I had to do that all by myself while he watched and laughed, and he did the same thing when I had to set it up.

My favourite part of the competition was definitely when Maruto won. He gave me quite the wholesome thank you, and his parents even gave me a small tip. They explained that they didn’t know there was a fee, and they were very grateful for my generosity. I didn’t have the heart to tell them I wasn’t actually the one who paid, so I slipped the money they gave me into Coco’s prize. At first I was worried that someone would question it, but knowing Rika, she probably already used it.

The café was oddly quiet after the competition, as I sat behind the counter on my phone. No one was here, and it seemed like no one was coming anytime soon either. Even Scanta had left to “get some supplies.” He’s probably taking a nap at home or something.

The contrast in sound from earlier was kinda eerie.

I kept scrolling through my phone until I heard a small sound to the right of me. It sounded like someone knocking on the top of the counter.

I jumped. Did someone come in while I wasn’t looking? No, that’s not possible, the door would’ve made a noise. Is it broken?

When I turned to look up, I was almost relieved when I saw a familiar face that was not Scanta. Even better, it was Lolita.

I felt my face melt into a smile as my cheeks heated up. She really caught me off guard.

She gave me a cheeky smile and winked. “Slow shift?”

“Y-yeah… Everyone went home after the competition. Too bad you couldn’t come, though.”

“Who said I wasn’t there?” She gave me a quizzical look.

“But I never sold you a ticket? I mean, I was the only worker here who sold tickets… Sometimes it feels like I’m the only worker here in general, but that’s besides the point. I swear I don’t remember giving you a ticket? Maybe my memory is going back, hahahaha…. Maybe Scanta sold it to you while I was on break? Oh my god, I can’t believe I didn’t think of that. I’m so stupid, I’m so so-”

“Tristan, don’t apologize for that. If anything, apologize for mumbling in my ear,” she giggled. Although she was laughing at me, I couldn’t help but laugh with her. Damn, I must be so awkward.

This girl had me wrapped around her finger.

“Anyways, you looked lonely. So I decided to keep you company!” She suddenly got very shy and looked down.

I wanted to tuck her hair behind her ear. It was covering her face! Feeling bold, I reached out to fix her hair.

As my hand approached her face, her eyes got wide and she flinched back. Shoot, did I misread her?

Her shoulders untensed and she gave me an apologetic look. “Sorry about that. You know what they say, no sudden movements or you’ll scare them away!” She tried to joke, but the awkward tension only seemed to grow.

“No, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have been so bold.” Stupid Tristan.

Her eyes shifted down and the room filmed with an awkward silence.

“So-” I got cut off by the sound of the door opening. I turned to my left and saw the weird dude in black robes walk in. He looked determined. He marched straight up to me.

“Hello sir, how can I help you?”

“I would like to talk to someone who was here on the eve of Hallow, for the seance event.” He looked directly into my eyes. It was intimidating. Now that I have a better look, though, he’s actually pretty good-looking. He looks young, but the deep frowning lines on his face have aged him. I didn’t wanna talk to this man. He looks too intense.

“I worked that day, but I wasn’t here for the event. Maybe Lolita, you-”

I turned to talk to her but she was gone.

What? Where did she go? Did she run to the back while this man walked in? Was she scared of him?

The man eyed me, somewhat suspiciously. “Who are you talking to, son?”

Son? Oh wait, I guess that makes sense. Should I be calling him father? No no no, no more bold decisions for today, Tristan

Also, I should probably lie about Lolita being here. She clearly has a problem with this guy. Maybe it’s a personal thing? She seems to know him. I would have to ask her about it after.

“No one, sir. Sorry, I’m a bit tired. My boss was the only worker here for the event. If you want, I can give you my boss’ work hours or phone number.”

He paused for a moment. “Give him my phone number.”

“Sure. May I ask for your name and why you want to talk to him?”

“I am Father Keith. I am an exorcist and I have come to investigate your café. I have been visiting once in a while to check up, and I immediately sensed some sort of presence. I put this café on the bottom of my list, but a follower of mine told me that some dark energy made itself known on Hallow’s eve. Based on his descriptions, it has led me to believe that there is a demonic entity residing in your café. I must talk to your boss as soon as possible, for the safety of both the workers and the guests.”

Wow, that was a lot to take in. First of all, exorcism…? I wonder how he got into that. Second of all, from what Scanta told me, the Halloween event had been a flop. I remember him saying that his “magic was exposed,” or something dumb like that.

I mean, a demonic entity is a pretty good description of Scanta. I guess Father Keith has a pretty good energy radar.

“And your phone number?

“696-420-1738.”

“Great, I’ll give him the note asap!”

He nodded to me, and turned to leave. However, before he could fully turn around, he paused. He was staring at the back room. Like, very very intensely.

I needed to distract him. “Is there anything else I can help you with, sir?”

He stared for a couple seconds more before he looked back at me. “No, son. You stay safe, now. God bless,” he said and finally walked out of the door.

I immediately called out to Lolita. “He’s gone now!”

She came out from the back room, looking paler than normal. She must be really scared of him! Poor thing.

“Thank you, Tristan. Sorry for leaving you alone with that weirdo,” she smiled sheepishly.

“No problem. Do you guys have a problem or something?”

She didn’t respond right away. Oh my god, maybe it’s too personal! I’m really blowing it today, aren’t I?

“I’m sorry for prying. If it’s too personal, you don’t have to answer. I’m being annoying, I know. I’m sorry.”

She laughed at me. “Oh Tristan, you’re far from annoying, don’t worry about it! As for the priest… Let’s just say we come from two different worlds. Two worlds that do not want to coexist.”

“That was kinda poetic, is this guy my competition?”

She laughed harder and it made me smile. Her laugh was so beautiful, I could listen to it for eternity. “Competition? If there was a competition for my attention, you would be the winner, Tristan.”

I blushed furiously.

This girl was going to be the death of me.