In Mori's café (1)

I grabbed a few things and went down the stairs. Putting my hand into my pockets, I felt inside for the amulet I had received before. Touching it, I could once again feel warmth emitted from it. ‘I sure hope it does work.’
Then at the entrance, I joined my mother. Together, we went out.
“I wish Satoshi could come with us.”
“When we all are off, we can go together next time.”
“Oh. I thought you were against the idea of us going there.”
“…” This conception was based on a misunderstanding. But I couldn’t correct her, as the actual reason was connected to magic. So I tried to gloss it over. “Not directly…”

From here on out, I knew the rough direction back. Once we drew close to the area where the café was located, I could feel something. It was as if there was a slight pull on me, or a soft push on the back, telling em the direction. Lucky to be able to count on this assistance, we found our way in no time.
Roughly fifteen minutes after we have left our home, we stood in front of the quaint building.
“Oh my, it is closer than I thought. I never heard the neighbors talk about this nice little place.”
“Same here. I only learned about it since I got invited.”
“Then, this can be like a secret hideout of sorts.”
Humming happily, mom moved to the outer gate. She let out a small gasp at the sight of the flowers surrounding the building. AS they had been obscured by the wall before, she couldn’t have seen them. I knew the small garden was good looking and taken care of, but her reaction might be a bit overkill.
“Let us go in.”
“Yes…” She still gazed at some of the flowers as we walked to the entrance.

Taking a short look to confirm the sign said ‘OPEN’, I pushed the door. And was greeted by an unexpected sight.
“Welcome.”
In front of me stood a maid. There was no other way to describe it, it was a maid. After the brief shock, I saw something else. Translucent wings sprouted from her back. Taking into account her smooth, almost childlike features, I guessed it was a fairy.
“What a cute waitress!” Mom exclaimed from behind me. Judging by her reaction, she couldn’t see the wings. So far, so good.
“Please follow me, I will take you to your seats.”
“That won’t be necessary.” With a timely arrival, Mori walked to us. She smiled at me, then turned to my mother. “Pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is Mori, I am the owner of this establishment.” She bowed gracefully.
My mother returned the gesture. “I am Yamazaki Yukiko. The pleasure is mine.”
After this exchange, Mori invited us inside. “Would you please follow me to the counter.” I had only met her once before, but to me it looked like she had something planned. The maid simply stood aside, seemingly vanishing into the background. When I took a look at her, she gave knowing smile, before disappearing from sight. ‘So really a spirit.’

Walking into the main hall, I felt a lot of heads turning our way. Not all of them, but many. Apparently satisfied with a quick look, they turned around again. At the counter, we took each a place on the stools. Once seated, Mori spoke to us again, from the other side. “I hope I did not overstep my bounds by inviting you two directly too me.”
“It’s fine. Actually, I had wanted to talk to you.” Now where was this coming from. Mom seemed all fired up. “I have a question regarding this coffee shop.”
“I will answer any question if it is within my capabilities.”
“Then!” ‘Here it comes.’ “About the flowers outside,” ‘Of course!’ “I would like to ask you about how you take care of them.”
“Mom, we are at a café.”
“I know! But these are all hard to grow kinds than usually don’t flourish in our climate.” Okay, I didn’t know that.
But aside form me, Mori’s interested seemed peeked. “To identify them, you sure must be knowledgeable.”
“Ah, not really.” She seemed slightly embarrassed. “It’s just that I tend to our garden as a hobby, and practiced flower arrangement in the past.”
“Is that so.” Mori smiled to herself. “Please excuse me for a moment.” And left through a door behind her. A minute later she returned. “While I know about the flora that grows in the garden, I do not have the time to tend to them myself. Currently, our gardener is taking care of the ones in the back of the building. Would you like to have a chat with them?”
“Is that alright?!” She looked really happy.
“Certainly. She will be waiting outside the front door.”
Mom nearly jumped out of her seat. But before she went out, she looked at me questioningly. I gave a small sigh. “I wanted to bring you to the café to make you happy. If taking a look at the garden is what you want to do, I have no objections.”
The reply I got was a fast nod, and then she disappeared.

Now, with her gone, I turned to Mori. Starring at her until got an answer.
“Just so you know, that was not planned.”
“And the gardener just happened to be here?”
“It is a fairy, just like the waitress that greeted you.”
“Is that so.” I rubbed the bridge of my nose. “More importantly.” I took a quick look around. Then, after leaning forward, spoke a bit more quietly “Is it alright for normal people to come here.”
“Of course.” Mori answered if it was the most natural thing in the world.
“But, wasn’t there this illusion or barrier or whatever that kept people away.”
“So that is what you mean. I can control it. Either I can let it keep people away, or draw them in.”
“But…” ‘Didn’t you make this café so youkai and the like could meet?’
“Look. Even if I have my customer base, most of them don’t carry money. I own the property, but still have to pay electricity and water bills like any other house.” ‘…That makes sense.’ “So, in order to pay those, from time to time I let people come here.”
“Okay.” I could have asked her how she buys ingredients, but the spirits probably had to pay for their food and drink somehow? So they might help her with the logistics or something? This looked to me like a rabbit hole I didn't want to get down, so I let it be. “Then, do you have any normal human customers today?”
“Yes, although they are in the minority. So, try to behave yourself.” She gave me a wink.
“Got it. And thank you for agreeing to let us in today.”
“It’s fine.”

Right now, I had the chance to ask her almost anything I could think of. So, I tried my luck. “Speaking about people, are there many like me around. You know, that can see magical things?”
“Hmm. Not that many. Albeit not that rare. There may be a few in this town, though most of them are the elderly. They start to see spirits as they approach their end. Many only a few days before they pass away, but some even years before. For more details on this, you might want to ask Suzune. You won’t get many details out of me.”
‘Looks like she caught up to me.’ “Then, is there a way to tell who can?”
“For you or them, not really. Which is actually for the best. Even if you realize someone can, it is consider polite not to mention it. Only if they tell you themselves should you talk about it.”
“Sounds needlessly complicated.”
“It might look that way, but in reality, things tend to work themselves out. Just believe in it.”
“Huh…”
There was one more thing I wished to ask. It was about the past Mori had mentioned the first time I came here. There was something that happened to her, and something that had happened to Suzune. But I didn’t belief we were close enough yet to talk about it, so I put it aside for now.

Not much later, mom came back in, looking defeated. She sat down besides me, and let her head sink to the counter. “Did something happen?” Naturally I was surprised by this. She should have had a talk with someone about something she liked. So how did it turn out like this?
“I am not good enough.”
“…Huh?”
“I am not good enough!”
‘What does that mean?’ “You already said that. Can you give me some details?”
“Well. The girl started talking about taking care of the flowers. In the beginning, I could follow her, when we could about weather, exposure to sun and watering. But then, she started going into details. Specific fertilizers. Interaction between pollens that each plant releases. Chemical compounds to add the soil in addition to measured out minerals. It is just…” She gave up.
I looked over to Mori, who gave me a shrug. But that didn’t mean she was without solutions. “I will try talking to her, and see if I can get her to give it to me in an easier to explain form. It might take a while, but would that be sufficient?”
“Yes! That would be very much appreciated! But why? Isn’t that a lot of trouble?”
“I open this café to make people happy. So if I can do this for you, it is only a natural part of service.”
“Thank you! Thank you very much!”
‘Glad to see them getting along.’

“Now then. Please give me your order, and I will see to it.”
“Yes! Uhm, please give me a second.” Mom started perusing the menu. Then, she waved me over. “You have been here before. Help me choose something.”
“Even if you say that…” ‘I have only been here once before. Let’s see…’
We both checked the menu, looking for things to order, when-
“Welcome.” The door opened, and new customers came in. I could not see them, but once I heard them, knew who it was.
“Good day. I have called before. A reservation under the name of Saitou.”
‘…You gotta be kidding me!’ Voice and name matched, there was no way about it. But why?!
I peeked around the corner, and saw the guests come in. It was indeed Suzune, and she walked in accompanied by… Dad?!
“Oh.” “Ah.”
Hearing their exclamations, mom turned around, and saw the new guests. Once she recognized her husband, she went to him.
“What a coincidence! What are you doing here Satoshi?”
“A business meeting.” He tensed up. While mom’s voice was warm, her eyes were probably not. So, confronted with this situation, of course he would cramp up.
But, someone came to his rescue. “Pleased to make your acquaintance. My name is Saitou Suzune, and I work as a shrine maiden at the local shrine. Today called for a business meeting, so I invited the company representative to a café. I take it you are his wife?”
“Yes. Nice to meet you.” What followed were introductions. “So you are the girl he had mentioned before?”
“I think so. …Since you two met here, how about I give some time to you?”

“Eh, is that alright?”
“Yes. The discussions shouldn’t take long, so we can delay them a bit. And since your husband has to work during golden week, it is a rare chance for you two to go out like this. Please, take your time.” Suzune could suddenly act all professional and friendly.
“Then.” Mom got excited. “Maybe you can spend some time with our son. He is a good kid, so you don’t need to worry.” She turned to me. Until know, I didn’t know what to make of this situation, or even which expression to display, so I had kept silent.
“Sure. I guess I can keep him company. Right Minoru?” She gave me a smug grin.
‘What are you planning?’ But mom got in between, her eyes glittering. “You already know each-other?” ‘Oh no.’ It was the same as this morning. It could only get worse now.
“Yes. My friend Ayame introduced him to me.”
“Oh, another girl.” She turned to me. I had to stop this!
“Dad, don’t you want to give your order with mom?”
“Yes.” He walked over to her. Standing very close so he could see the menu as well, he drew mom’s attention.
Now freed, I looked over to the supposed owner who didn’t interfere when her customer felt uncomfortable. …She was laughing. Sure, she suppressed it, but I could see she was laughing about my situation.
My next stop was Suzune. Checking on her… she had vanished. “Hey!” After that call out, I turned to the back of the hall, seeing her sit at a table. With one more glance to my parents, I left them alone and headed over to her.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Was my first question.
“Didn’t you hear? This is a business meeting.”
“Yes. But why here of all places?”
“I feel comfortable here, and it isn’t that far away.” She looked at me for a moment. Then, it dawned upon her why I was asking. “Oh. Yeah, I had forgotten you were here today. This wasn’t intended, alright?”
“…” Somehow, I believed her. Because I couldn’t feel any malicious intent coming from her. “Alright. But is it really okay to stop the meeting like?”
“Hm? Sure it is. Inviting someone out is more formality than anything. WE could have done it at the shrine, or even a small business room, but this seems more official. You will learn about it once you grow up.”
‘I don’t want to hear that from you.’ Since her looks probably betrayed her true age, I couldn't actually say anything to her.
“Rather, I should ask you is it alright?”
“How come?”
“Didn’t you come here to visit with your mother?” Her question was entirely innocent. NO mocking or teasing undertone. It looked like she understood the importance of a family getting along. ‘How do ayakashi families even work? I can ask another time.’
“Partially. I wanted to visit with her to make her happy. Actually, she wanted dad to come along too. But since he had work, it wasn’t possible. So, you bringing him here actually works in our favor. So, even if it was unintended, thank you very much for this.”
“…You are welcome.” She replied a beat late.
“What? Is it that weird for me to thank you?”
“Not quite. It’s just…” She pondered for a moment. “I wouldn’t say we are on bad terms, but not on the best either. So, you know?”
“Yes, I kind of get it.” We could talk freely between each other, but hadn't reached a mutual understanding. She respected my choice, and I respected her opinion against it. It would take a while for the gap to close, but I was confident it could work out in the future. We just had to spend time together.

Having come to a conclusion, the arrival of my parents didn’t disturb either of us. “Do you mind if we take a seat next to you?”
“Not particularly.” I looked to Suzune. She shrugged. So it was an okay.
“Then, please pardon the intrusion.” They both sat down. Dad was situated next to me, with mom sitting opposite of him.
‘…Now what?’ I didn’t know how to open a conversation with the assembled people. Thank god my mother gladly took over that duty. “So, Suzune, are you helping your family out with the official duties, or?” She gave her a one over, taking in the obvious attire that gave her occupation away.
“Not really helping out, it is my job.”
“Job?”
“Yes, my job. I work at the shrine.”
“But shouldn’t you go to school?”
“Not really. I am an adult, after all.”
“Eh!” ‘Yes, I understand that reaction.’ Dad may not have said anything, but I cold see in his face that he was shocked too.
“…Is it really that surprising?” Suzune actually looked concerned. Was she really bothered by it when people mistook her for a child?
“Well, a bit maybe?” Mom reflected shortly on her recent behavior. “Please excuse my over-familiarity, Miss Saitou.”
But Suzune waved her hand to dismiss it. “It’s fine. You can call me by my first name. But, shouldn’t your husband have told you-”
“Here you are.” Right on cue to save dad, Mori appeared carrying a tray. She set drinks before mom and dad. “Thank you very much, Miss Mori.”
“You are welcome.”
To my surprise, she had drinks for Suzune and me too. “Thank you.”
“I thought Suzune would take her usual. And since you didn’t get to order in the chaos, I prepared the same as last time. I hope I didn’t overstep my bounds.”
“No, not at all.”
“That is good to hear. Also, just a small thing on my side.” She leaned closer, as to keep private discussions away from the other customers. “Do you mind if I call you by your first name? With your parents now coming too, using your last name might lead to confusion if I call for you and you are all here.”
‘I guess she has a point.’ “I don’t mind at all, feel free to do so.”
“Thank you very much, Minoru.” Giving a smile, she left us to ourselves once more.

“Now, where have we been? Oh yes. Say Suzune, you mentioned that someone introduced our son to you. Could you tell me more about that?”
‘Why do you have to insist on going there?’ It looked like she would continue to pursue that point.
“Are you sure that is what you want to talk about?” ‘Thank god!’ It looked like I could count on Suzune to keep this topic away.
“Well, you know how boys are. He is at the age where he won’t tell me anything about certain things. So I hoped I could learn about it by asking you. Is that a no?” She tried to use puppy-eyes.
And apparently, it was effective enough. “I do not mind talking about it. I just wasn’t sure if it would be alright with the other two here.” ‘Don’t falter so easily.’
Mom passed dad and me a glance. “Oh, I am sure they do not mind. Right.” She didn’t even form it was a question. When mom got like this, dad and I could only nod. “See, they do not mind. So let’s go!”
“Hmm.” Suzune closed her eyes. “I do not think that will be necessary anymore.” ‘What?’ She opened her eyes again, and looked at the door.
‘I have a bad feeling about this.’ We all followed her line of sight. And less than five seconds later, the door opened. Another customer entered, announcing her presence. “I am here!”
‘Oh no.’ The worst had yet to pass, as I would recognize that cheerful voice instantly. And not only that, I could see her. Ayame had appeared in the café, right on cue.
Before mom and dad turned their attention back from the entrance, I quickly turned to Suzune. She shook her head. ‘So it wasn’t her doing. I may believe Suzune to have come here by coincidence, but I do not believe for one second that Ayame hadn’t planned her arrival.’ And my thoughts were going to turn out true…