Little Things are More Important

Only someone stupid or an idiot would come back after experiencing a bunch of weird, cryptic things and I started thinking I was both.

It's been two weeks since and I've gotten used to the daily cleaning and stuff at the cafe, but honestly, I'm wondering how Kiyoko managed all that when she never called Senna to help even during the speed dating events. Well, her answer was a simple yet vague, “I just trust everyone to be honest!” as if labeling prices won't stop people from pillaging.

“It's the fear of misfortune,” Was Senna's opinion on the matter. Makes sense though. I wouldn't want to anger the gods of love for some ill-gotten charm. But later on, she also admitted they had a bunch of security cameras installed.

“Eh? Lying was useless then.”

“It gave you a job and easy access to the event so I'd say it's not all that bad. Besides, I think she doesn't know. Keep your guard up regardless.”

“Don't have to tell me twice.”

In the meantime, I'm safe. Who knows what she'd cook up in the future though.

I caught glimpse of her neck. Since she's fair-skinned, the persisting red mark around was so jarringly out of place it made me wince. “By the way, does it still hurt?” I pointed at my own neck.

“Well, my head's not gonna fall off any time soon so it's fine, I guess...?”

While at first it seemed we're on a leisurely stroll, I'm still on the clock. I don't mind the looks I'm getting though, being with a stunner.

“Oh, should I get you something?” I asked. “Like shaved ice or soft-serve?”

She poked a finger at her cheek, thinking of her choices. I turned away before my mind wandered off. These little actions of hers were dangerous for my heart.

Soon after, she gave a tug at my sleeve in urgency. “Ah! Akito, please check that corner and quickly.”

I jogged to the direction she pointed and saw our target for today's errand: a lost cat.

Perhaps because we'd do a lot of moving around that Senna was in straight pants and a turtleneck sleeveless top. Her shawl made sure to keep her mid-length hair from flying around and exposing her neck, but it's mostly against the sun as the air barely stirred.

The feline was a tough one to catch for something so plump and fluffy, but with our secret weapon—its favorite catnip, I had little to no trouble securing it. The owner should be extra careful with this one. I'm no expert but I think this'll fetch a handsome price.

Still, it's a pretty tiring chase before it recognized the toy. I decided to rest a bit on a bench. We're currently on one of the small parks in the neighborhood and seeing children enjoy some free time was not a bad sight. I didn't even notice today was a holiday.

Suddenly, an ice cream cone blocked my view. Senna finally caught up and brought refreshments.

“You don't have to,” I didn't mind if she'd be offended and took a bite first before taking it off her hands when all of a sudden, she retracted it.

“She reminded me to give you something cold,” she said… and bit the ice cream I just…

Seriously, what's happening!?

Meanwhile, she's looking at the cones on each hand probably wondering how she'd finish both before it melting. I can just take one, you know… geez…

“Senna… I… how should I out this,” I scratched my head out of embarrassment. “Did Kiyoko also tell you to… bite on something you're supposed to give?”

“Oh, so you wanted it? I thought you're asking me what I want earlier...”

“Yes, I still want it thank you,” I snatched the thing before she could take another bite and gobbled it straight. The coldness burned my throat and stomach yet the awkwardness of the situation quelled any other sensation.

It might be a bit late for this, but Senna was too sheltered for her own good. Kiyoko also needed to address this as the girl wasn't a child anymore.

Well, I'm partly to blame. I already knew she took most things literally and I said that she didn't have to go through the trouble except for the last couple of words. Stupid me.

“I did something uncalled for, it seems,” She clutched her half-eaten ice cream as if she just committed the most heinous of crimes.

“Senna,” I faced her. “If you don't mind me asking, before I came, what do you usually do?”

“Help out. The house visits were always done at nightfall. The rest, including this, may be done during the day. It's not an everyday thing though.”

“And if you aren't running errands?”

She shook her head.

Apparently, with modern clothes and minimal makeup, nobody recognized her as Yuugure further proving her point. Given her personality, she wouldn't unnecessarily go out. At the very least she's not loathe to the outside, rather she only found it as some feature she rarely used. Asking about her hobbies and whatnot might also prove useless.

“By the way, it's melting.”

It might be inappropriate to say, but the way she whimpered from brain freeze was actually pretty cute. It's like seeing glimpses of that Senna who's nothing like the calm one I've been working with.

We enjoyed the moment in silence.

“Your five minutes is up,” She checked her wristwatch. “Time to change partners.”

I was surprised she's actually timing me. Wait, was that a simulation? “Seriously?”

“If you wanted people's attention, you needed to give them a reason. That's why people dress to impress on the first meeting.”

“So, what you're saying is...?”

“I've forgotten who you are already. The next guy looks far more interesting.”

“Uh, Senna? That's a child though.”

“What's important is leaving a strong impression. Cheap shock value may accomplish it,” She stood up and, cane in hand, walked to the child in question.

The little guy paid no heed to his surroundings and continued playing with a soccer ball. Seeing him balance and control it made me a little envious; he might've already found what he wanted to do with his life.

But he still needed lots of practice. In a careless move, he lost control and the ball came dribbling and rolling. The kid gave chase, but it conveniently headed to where an already crouching Senna was ready to receive it. She happily handed the ball—another expression I've never seen until now.

Seeing that small scene answered some questions I've had. Romance for adults became too complicated when a simple kind remark or a friendly gesture made us friends when we were little. Most had no qualms declaring their love when they're younger and it's often found to be cute, yet such boldness wouldn't be rewarded during, say, adolescence. If anything, it'd most likely attract bullies or scare off the person being confessed to.

I'm not good-looking nor do I possess an interesting personality. But if that's the case, then perhaps ‘that’ might be the only choice.

Yep. The so-called element of surprise.

The screeching sound of tires filled the rather tranquil atmosphere. Two motorbikes sped through the narrow path making the children curious. Even I found something like that a rare occurrence. Racing in broad daylight? Did the law take a lunch break letting dangerous individuals tear through the streets of a quiet residential area nonetheless?

I looked at Senna and found her doing the same. I ran to her, compelled by a sense of danger and checked if she's alright. After all, she was nearest at the road in order to intercept the ball.

She smiled. “See? It worked…”

And, as if the surprise didn't there—

—she suddenly lost consciousness straight into my arms.