After seeing that young man at the bakery, I couldn't keep him out of my mind. Every time I think about things I have to do, he just appears in mind and disrupts everything on his way. I don't know why he's been on my mind for this long, but because of this, my daily routine has collapsed. Mom has taken note that my routine rhythm has been going off; she didn't ask why, but her smile says she knows everything is just infuriating.
I know that I'm attracted to that young man, and even though I don't know about his name or what he does other than being at the bakery, I'm slightly attracted to him. Maybe it's his charisma or his quirk; I don't know. Maybe it's something else. Anyway, I'll need to go to the Night Bakery again for the cakes and cookies, not to see him or learn more about him.
From that day on, Fuyumi went to the night bakery every day after school was finished. Even though she'll graduate from high school this year and go to college, she decided that she'd visit this bakery at least once a week.
Today Fuyumi mustered up her courage and went to the bakery to learn more about the young man; even though she's been going there on a daily basis, she doesn't know his name. As she reached the order area she tried to ask his name but before she could say anything he asked her "I know this is sudden, but can you say what your name is? It's for listing out the regular customer's."
"Sure. My name is Fuyumi. Fuyumi Todoroki."
"Thank you. So what would you like for today?"
"I'll have the fruit tart today and a coffee." 'Come on, Fuyumi, ask him about his name'.
"Alright, you can find a seat, and your order will be served."
"Alright" 'Great. Now I can ask him when he serves me my order.' Thinking that Fuyumi went to find a seat and sat down and took out a book and started to read.
A couple of minutes later, a little girl came near her table and said, "Your order."
At first, Fuyumi was a bit pissed that the young man didn't come but instead sent a girl to serve her, but all of that melted away as soon as she saw the little girl. She has a cute face with grey eyes and black hair; she's only three feet tall and looks adorable in her dress. Looking at her, Fuyumi asked her with a lot of curiosity, "What's a little girl like you doing this?"
"I'm helping my big brother."
"Really, and where is this big brother of yours?"
"That's him." She pointed at the young man Fuyumi has been trying to know about.
"Him. Why does he need your help?"
"Brother doesn't want my help, but I annoy him so much until he gives in." She said it with a small, mischievous smile. Seeing this, Fuyumi smiled a little and asked her, "Can this big sister know what your name is?"
"My name is Hana."
"Ooh, my name is Fuyumi. Let's be friends, okay?"
"Really???"
"Yes"
"Yay. Thank you. You are so sweet."
"Oh, thank you." Fuyumi paused a bit and asked Hana, "Hana-chan, what's your brother's name?"
"Haruto. Why?"
"mmm. Nothing; I just wanted to know. Anyway.... "
And they started to speak about little things.
As they were conversing Haruto called out to Hana and said "Hana, mom is calling."
"Coming. Bye sis. I'll see you later."
"See you later."
Saying that Hana went to the kitchen with her mom. Since she got the name Fuyumi, she has also started to leave her home. But before that, she looked at Haruto and said, "Thanks for the service."
"You're welcome."
Then she left the bakery and went to the bus stop.
On her way to the bus stop she was happy that she found out about his name and she knew that he's a kind soul from the conversation between her and Hana.
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After Fuyumi left the bakery, Haruto just stood there, watching her leave. Even though he knows she's older than him by seven years he can't be helped to be attracted to her, and he knows she's also in the same position without knowing about his real age. As he was in his thoughts about Fuyumi, he felt a pull on his pants, looking down he saw his sister standing there looking at him with her big round eyes "What's up Hana?"
"Mama is calling."
"Alright let me close the shop."
After turning the sign to closed he locked the door and went to the back with his sister in his hand.
As they were walking towards the back hand in a hand suddenly Haruto felt pain from his backside, but before he could think about anything else he lost his conscious. The last thing he heard was the frantic cry of his little sister calling out for mom and dad.
.
.
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----------- Chapter 8: End ----------