4 Devils: Chapter 7.5 Broken rose-colored glasses

"Doliah my lovely...it's starting to get late are you sure you don't wanna try eating something? I can make you a salad or something light if you want." 

"Takano I'm really ok you don't need to make me anything I can cook for myself ya know." She puffs up her cheeks and points at him "Besides how am I supposed to get better at cooking if you're always trying to do it for me? " She chuckles and moves some of her hair out of her face

"Mm well I guess you are right about that I'll give it to you." He chuckles as well and turns toward her "But I wanna take care of you while you're visiting."

"You are honey trust me; I haven't felt this taken care of since I was in middle school. I really appreciate you doing all this for me but I'd really rather you not do so much. You haven't even been logging into your classes because your so worried about me. I told you I took off from work and used most of the PTO. " Doliah sighs and tilts her head back "Your life doesn't have to revolve around me Takano, I'm not going anywhere if that's what your worried about. I'm pretty tired of being cooped up in your apartment anyways." Takano turns away abit 

"Heh. You're right I'm sorry. So, what is it that you wanna do then? " It isn't that I don't wanna take you out I just don't want us to run into Shiki while were out, I can't face her yet. If I saw her now I'd have no idea what the hell to say.

"I wanna go shopping..." She crosses her arms "I've been here 2 weeks and I've barely gotten to enjoy any shops here-!! "

"Well that's fine and all but I really want you to eat something Doliah.."

"Then take me out to dinner." She says firmly "Your my boyfriend aren't you? I wanna go to a fancy restaurant and dress up all nice for you and stuff. " She twirls a bit of her hair between her fingers. "If it's a money issue I can cover myself, you won't have to worry about that."

"H-huh!? N-no no no! money isn't the issue it's just...I- uhh..." Doliah stands up and looks over at Takano frowning.

"...." Is something the matter? I haven't seen you act like this before. "Takano are you hiding something from me? You haven't been acting like yourself for almost 2 weeks now. Are you not feeling well? If you aren't then you're the one who needs to rest and eat."

"No Doliah it isn't-- "

"It isn't what? I really don't like what's going on. We always talked about all the fun stuff we'd do together when I finally got up the money to come and visit and this IS NOT what I imagined at all. " Takano sighs and covers his face. How can I explain all this without seeming like a two timer? I don't want Doliah to hate me.

"I just- I have alot on my mind. I didn't mean to keep you all cooped up inside, if you wanna go out don't mind me. " Doliah walks overs and leans down in front of Takano, touching his cheek with her hand softly.

"Takano just talk to me, whatever it is we'll get through it together. Unless it's something criminal then- I can't help you there. " She chuckles and Takano looks up and rubs his face against her hand a soft blush decorating his face

"Your so sweet Doliah, I love you so much. " Doliah smiles, blushing herself 

"I love you too but are you going to start spilling or not ?" She raises an eyebrow 

"I...really don't know where to start though." He looks up at her

"Just start from the beginning and go from there I'll be listening the entire time while I'm getting ready to go out for some dinner so c'mon into the bedroom with me." Takano nods and follows Doliah into his bedroom where she was currently keeping her clothes.

"Well it's about my best friend. " Doliah nods as she looks through her clothes, tossing the selected pieces onto the bed. "And well she-- "

"She? " She turns and looks over her shoulder at him before thinking for a moment "Actually go ahead, continue " She returns to the closet. Takano feels himself sweat 

"Y-yeah well I've known her for alittle under 5 years now. I met her in school during her freshman year and my 2nd year. She uhh looked up to me and all that because we had met in one of her advanced classes, she had decided to take her starting year. We found each other pretty funny and sort of hit it off from there. We hung out more and more on and off campus uhhh... Fast forward to a few months before We met. I was having a hard time deciding whether or not to go to your city for my work study and Shiki was the one who pushed me to go.  Looking back at it I'm glad she did if not we wouldn't have met. The stupid thing is at the time I didn't wanna be apart from her because-- I...I had feelings for her. I enjoyed how we could be so natural around each other, No tension, No awkwardness it was just us. I still didn't know what I wanted even then-- " He lets out a shaky breath "I saw you and You knocked the air right outta me. I didn't think that someone so beautiful could even be in a world like ours but there you were. I still remember it super vividly. You were in a park sitting on the edge of a fountain, strumming your guitar and humming like an angel. Your hair was tied up in a messy bun, you had your moon earrings, a Targeted' crop top paired with ripped jeans and topped off with a pair of strapped up boots." Takano closes his eyes and holds his hands. Doliah looks over at him before she starts getting undressed.

"...." It definitely sounds like you were in love with her, but if you were why'd you even approach me?  Takano--

"I know it sounds really bad, but I promise me and Shiki never messed around or anything. She's a bit of a prude.  I'd tease her and make her blush the same way I do you it's just maybe more platonic with her well until she started to get too attached to me. It wasn't like she was clinging to me or anything, but she'd take most things about me pretty seriously and sometimes when she'd fall off, she'd always call on me which I of course accepted being her best friend but eventually it started to sort of weighed on me. "

"Takano...Nn...what if you sent her mixed signals, There are plenty of people who read into things and think there's something there that isn't and you not being clear or direct with her might have confused her. "

"Maybe but she eventually got a handful of other friends, started her job and settled into campus but We'd always find ourselves together.  I didn't hate or regret it but there was a small part of me that wanted to protect her and keep her safe, I was also afraid of what could have happened if things didn't work out. I didn't want to be the one that got rejected so...heh-- I sorta did it to her first before we even actually developed anything romantically." 

"...." Takano you...

"Doliah? I know it's alot to take in but-- "

"Wait- So this so the reason we haven't been outside? Because of her? You want to avoid her that badly? What would you have done if she decided to come here to check up on you? You would have tried to ignore her like you already have been, wouldn't you? "

"It- It's not that I'm ignoring her I just- "

"Then what do you call it!? I've heard your phone going off I started to get worried I thought someone was maybe trying to tell you something and I guessed right. But it seems like she eventually stopped trying. " She holds her hands "I really don't get how you can just sit here pretending as if she doesn't exist while trying to do the opposite with me. "

"Doliah I- " Takano shakes his head "No your totally right I'm sorry for all of this."

"I think I should go back home Takano." Doliah slides on her socks

"Huh? No y-you can't.."

"If I wanna go you can't stop me.." She looks over at him coldly "I think I may be having second thoughts about us."  Doliah you can't she. She isn't-

"......" This is the last fucking thing I wanted to happen, Doliah's pissed at me and she wants to leave

"I'm going out to clear my head I'm taking your spare keys, and don't worry I'll be alright if anything happens I'll call you. You need to fix this and your not gonna use me as an excuse anymore. " 

"Y-yeah." This can't...

"See you later Takano. " Doliah turns to leave the room and Takano reaches out toward her arm. I can't-- I don't wanna be alone 

Doliah leaves Takano's building guitar case strapped on her back and a head full of all sorts of thoughts. I have to find a place to clear my head. Doliah pulls out her phone and tries to find a place with a fountain.

I need to play, I have too many things on my mind right now. 

After a while of searching Doliah finds a nice spot to sit and play. Sure there's no fountain but it'll have to do. She sets up and makes herself comfortable, with a few deep breaths she begins strumming the strings of her guitar. 

Maybe I'm just fooling myself. He was trying to fill a void. My heart aches. I can't bring myself to hate him though, I've fallen too deep. What could he have said to her? Does she feel the same way I do? I can't pretend to be happy not after hearing all that. I am the one who asked but for it to be something like this? How long as he really been holding this in? Has this always been in the back of his mind? Does he fear being lonely that badly? 

Ya know love, you remind so much of someone I know. Thier laugh always makes me happy your does the same thing but it's adds so much more life into me. I can't wait to be able to hold you again and tell you all the ways I find you beautiful Doliah. Being apart from you really tears me up inside but it's only temporary right? I can't think of anyone else who makes me this happy. You're so warm, like a summer sun washing over me helping me drift off into bliss. 

Takano..Y-you idiot...How many of those things that you said to me- Were actually meant for her? I...I Don't wanna think about it.

You're my everything Doliah, promise me you'll never leave- Heh eheh I'm only joking. I sent you those flowers because I thought you deserved them, If I can't be there to help you smile they can in my stead.

There's no one I love more then you.

No. You liar, you love her too.

Doliah, I'm so glad you're here I missed you. 

Did you actually? Or was it just a lie. 

Doliah hadn't realized it just yet in that moment she was covering her precious guitar with tears.

I love you too much Takano! I want to believe everything you've told me but how I can after hearing all this? You've given me so much. I wanted to shoot for higher stars because of you and your promises to always be there to catch me if I fall... but what if you aren't there like you promised-

Takano..

"Excuse me miss? You don't look well are you alright?" A man seemed to be passing by but decided to stop and see if Doliah needed help. She looks up tear tracks covering her cheeks, the cold air slightly burning her eyes. A tall man about Takano's height stood a little away from where I was sitting holding what looked like a bag full of groceries. His hair was slightly messy and dark, his eyes stood out the most to me though maybe they were just weird contacts, but they looked yellow and orange. 

"H-huh? " Doliah sniffles and wipes her face with her sleeve. "Oh..heh yeah I-I'm alright I just- I had a fight with my boyfriend. But I'll be okay. "

"Hmm well I hope things work out between the two of you for the better. You seemed deeply troubled by the matter but the truth will fix things for you so find solace in that. I can't stand to see beautiful ladies with tear-stained faces- oh sorry hmhm I don't want to say anything out of term toward you."

"N-No you're fine I appreciate you stopping at all to try and comfort me. It's actually helped me a good amount. I've been cooped up inside for alittle under two weeks so I'm slightly out of touch." Doliah chuckles slightly with a light blush on her cheeks 

"ah I see, well I'm always happy to help. I do truly hope things with your boyfriend work out. Speaking of working out I wonder when the last time she's gotten any exercise in is." 

"Mm? " Doliah blinks 

"Oh- sorry I was just talking to myself there; I was actually on my way to see someone rather special to me as well. I should get going before she starts to worry. Maybe you should head back as well, you'll have to face the truth eventually and the sooner the better." He gives Doliah a soft smile and she looks away nodding. This guy's voice it's so nice to listen to. 

"Thank you, sir. I really do appreciate it. I will. " She turns back and nods over at him 

"I bid you a good evening then miss." He waves with his free arm before turning back toward the path and making his way to wherever he needed to be. 

I needed that- I think I did need a small push. Takano I'm coming back.

"Another week? A-are you sure? Ok. I'm really sorry again heh I've been a bad best friend huh? ah alright talk to you the-- " They hung up, I guess I deserved that.

"I've returned! I hope your hungry I was able to find everything I needed to make this dish for you. You keep relaxing and I'll get to work on dinner, ok?  Mm? Is something the matter? It's... oh. I'm sorry but it'll be alright I promise. I'll make you this delicious spread and you'll forget all about it in no time." You won't have to worry about anything.

Shiki.

4 Devils: Chapter 7 His Precious Treasure

 "It seems like she just pushed her body too far so she's resting right now. Yeah, exactly I shouldn't have taken so long to stop by her job again to check in on her, this could have been avoided." Dante sighs "Well yeah I understand that it isn't exactly my fault but...I still feel responsible. Yes, sir I'll make sure she's back to her normal self once she's discharged." He looks over the door and feels something stir within him. She needs me and I won't leave her alone not ever again... "H-huh? ooh sorry I got lost in thought could you repeat yourself Mr.Kamijo? ahh yes of course I'll make sure she's taken care of, and you'll take care of everything with her university? I'll leave it to you then and I'll handle whatever's left on my end. Heh of course of course always Goodbye." He hangs up the phone and walks over to the door before knocking

"Nnn..Shiki I'm coming in~ " He grabs the doorknob and heads inside. " !!! " Dante gasps as he twists the knob only to find it ice cold. "The...hell? " As he enters the room, he doesn't see anyone aside from Shiki inside "Hnn..." He squints suspiciously as he paces around the room, closing the door behind him. 

It feels like someone else is here but were the only ones in here. He sits down beside the bed and gently grabs Shiki's hand. Good she isn't cold at least, what was that weird feeling then. I can't think of why the door handle would be so cold. "You've really grown into a beautiful young women Shiki. I'm just sorry I've missed so many years of this journey. How many times have you been hurt or gone through unnecessary troubles without me being there to help?" He begins stroking her hand softly "Even if I have to work my way back up, I won't let you be alone anymore." Wait what am I thinking? What if she has a boyfriend? Pff no there's no way-- If he did he's doing a fairly shit job. Shiki wouldn't have needed me to walk her home if she had someone else, she would have mentioned them. Yeah, be realistic. A woman like her walking home alone to the building she lives in. She walks through a large park as a short cut for God sakes! No. Stop thinking of the negatives. Shiki is alive, she isn't dying. Think of the positives. Before she fell, she seemed to be comforted by the fact that someone or maybe just me was willing to cook her something. Who knows how long it's been since she actually cooked for herself? Maybe after she fully recovers, I can ask her out on a proper date if she isn't already seeing someone it should fare well for me. 

"Nn...Hh..." Shiki stirs slightly in her sleep "G... get away from me..." Dante moves his other hand ontop of the one he was already holding. She's talking in her sleep.  Should I wake her?  "hh..Please...h..lea..leave me alone..." Shiki weakly grips Dante's hand in her sleep.

"Shiki...It's gonna be okay I'm right here, and I'm not going anywhere." He looks over her face, she's starting to sweat this definitely isn't good. I have experience I won't need to call any of the nurses. Dante reaches up and touches her cheek stroking it with his thumb. "Shiki..." 

Tch who are you to interfere. 

Shiki's eyes spring open and she moves away from Dante. " !!! " 

"Oh. Shiki I'm sorry I didn't mean to startle you. It's Dante. " Oh right her glasses. "Here these should help." He reaches over to the small table beside the bed and grabs her glasses before gently placing them into her hands "Should be better right? I remember you not being too fond of being touched if you can't see hmhm.." She sniffles "Are you alright? It seemed like you were having a bad dream."

"H-huh? " She takes her glasses and puts them on "Yeah I'm- I'm alright just over did it I think." She chuckles and wipes at her eyes.

"Hmph I'll say, you had me worried half to death I'll have you know." Shiki looks down 

"I'm sorry Dante, I know we sorta just reconnected and then I get you caught up in my mess. Probably makes me seem super irresponsible. "

"Hmhm maybe alittle but the fact of the matter is, is that your alright. The Dr said you had a bad fit of fatigue, the larger issue being the lack of food or drink in your system. I know it'll seem abit pushy, but I think for a situation like this I'll need to put my foot down. "

"W-what do you mean?" Shiki leans back against the bed attempting to get comfortable again.

"While your here in the hospital I'm going to make sure all your meals are proper, and I'll do the same once your discharged so that this DOESN'T happen again okay? " He looks over at her with a soft smile. 

"ah- right..." Dante's always been so soft with me, and with Takano still being gone I just, I dunno what to think anymore. Does he hate me? I've tried calling him or texting him but he hasn't answered at all. I haven't even seen him around campus either, I hope he's okay. "Hey Dante did you happen to grab my phone on the way here? There's someone I have to check up on. "

"Mm? Yeah I was holding onto it until you woke up again. I made sure to let your dad know as well." He pulls her phone out of his jacket pocket and hands it over to her.

"aa- why'd you go and do that? Now he's gonna be bothering me..." Shiki puffs up her cheeks softly as she takes her phone. "Jeez and you say I'm the one making trouble." She unlocks her phone and opens her texts to check her message log with Takano and of course there's still nothing there. "Ugh..."

"What's the matter? Is something wrong?" Dante perks up as Shiki groans in frustration 

"No. Not really, I just- haven't heard from or seen my best friend Takano in almost a month. Sometimes he does just kinda drop off of the face of the earth for a week or two, but he always comes back. This is the longest it's ever been and I'm starting to get really worried. " Dante crosses his arms 

"Well I'm sure he may have some matters he's attending to no his end so try not to worry too much ok? I'm sure you'll hear from him soon enough and if not, you still got me..." He smiles again and I can't help but blush. Dante has grown into a really good-looking guy, even when we were younger, I couldn't help but gawk at him every now and then. Like why would someone like him wanna be around someone like me? "Regardless of what happens it'll be alright ok? " I trust Dante he's never once lied to me so...

"Yeah your right. I'm not gonna dwell on it anymore. " I look down and grab at the blankets on the bed. Fuck Takano, I did my part. I've reached out left lots of messages, called the whole nine and he hasn't even returned a single message at least to tell me that he's okay. I-I don't care anymore... 

"Shiki." I look over at Dante. "What is it Dante? " He tilts his head to the side at me "Were you dating this Takano by chance? " I feel the blood rush to my cheeks, and I wave my hands around "W-whaaaa!! H-Hell no! T-takano's not...H-he isn't...we aren't...N-no..." Dante studies my face

"Ahuh." I grip my hands and shake my head 

"I mean it!! There's nothing between us-!  I'm so mad at him right now that I don't even wanna see his face!! " Dante sighs 

"I understand no need to get so flustered, I'm sorry for poking at you Shiki. Please forgive me~" I blush  and nod at him 

"I'd really just rather not talk about him right now if that's okay with you Dante. Feel free to change the subject now." I pick at my fingers nervously and Dante smiles abit 

"Hmhm fair enough. I'll do my best to tell you everything's that's happened up until now and once I'm done I'll bring you something good to eat sound like a plan? " 

"Y-yeah..I'm looking forward to it..." Dante....

I'll protect you...no matter what-- because you're the most precious person to me. 

4 Devils: Chapter 6.5 Someone's watching

 She's no fun when she doesn't fight back or curse at me like she normally does. I don't think the fires gone out just yet but my little kitten was definitely out of it just now. 

"Why don't we just take a look here..." Ryuya does leave the cafe but only walks around toward the back entrance. He starts directly in front of the wall right beside the door and his vision opens up revealing the outlining of all sorts of objects from various sizes of cardboard boxes to metal machinery. "Tch, I'm not interested in any of that shit where did she go? " He takes another look around deeper into the backroom before he sees her standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom.

"Gh..hh....haa...get it together Shiki...just alittle bit longer..." Ryuya's mouth begins to water as he watches Shiki stare at herself in the mirror. The water dripping from her soft facial features, past her lips and down her chin. It was a personal little present to himself, maybe with a little extra patience I can make something similar, but it won't be water covering that lovely face of hers. It'll be sweat and the aftermath of my onslaught on her cute little body. He can't help but try and reach out for just a small touch.

"Huuh~" Shiki turns around almost dropping the paper towel she was holding "Huh? Mika? Are you out there? " She's so cute...I wish I could wrap my hands around her neck and squeeze it until she begs me to stop. 

"Nnn..Shiiikii your so fucking cute...Mmm~" Ryuya licks his lips. I can't help myself. He reaches into his pants and begins touching himself, his forehead pressed against the rough brick of the cafe's back wall. "Nn..heh yeah...I can't wait to see all the faces you'll make when I finally take you to be mine personally." He begins to pant as his motions get more aggressive. "Y-you WILL become mine....Shiiikiii~"

"I-I guess it was just my imagination. " 

Something or someone's eye scans the surrounding area. "Hnn...interesting. I'm getting a strange feeling about that red haired man. I'm positive I've seen him around before he's never had the sack to step foot in my shop until now. What exactly is it that your planning boy? Whatever it is it won't affect my employees they are my precious treasures, and I won't let you lay a finger on them. " The figure in the alley eventually begins moving again and the eye follows until the figure stops and turns toward it. 

The eye cannot hear only see but I could make out what the man said. "Did you enjoy the show?" Followed by some strange looking grin and him leaving the area beyond where the eyes could see. 

"Tch...I'll send some cleaners to spray down the building tomorrow morning. Like hell I'll just let some some werido spray his seed on my building and walk off with such a smug expression. I'll-- " There suddenly a knock on a door

"K honey you've been in here for hours will you at least come and sit to have dinner with me? I know your works important but wasn't there a reason you decided not to go in today? " A woman speaks softly and the man from his chair turns to face her.

"Of course, my love. I'm sorry time got away from me." He smiles at her before standing up and moving to join the women "How's about I serve you instead as an apology. I may have been working but you've been on your feet all day I'd rather you rest too." 

"Hmph- unlike my husband I know when you take a proper break when I need it." She looks up at him with a small pouting expression as her husband takes her hands and leads her out of the room

"Now now, I did promise this year that I'd try to be home more, didn't I? " He smiles down at her

"Well, you have kept good on your promise, but I still think you're working a little too much, majority of today you were locked away in your office..."

"I'm sorry love but I had to keep an eye on the girls, I had a strange feeling, and It was warranted some strange man came by but it seems they handled it fine enough on their own. So, I suppose I can leave the rest to them the shift is almost after all. How's about some wine with dinner tonight my love?" The women smiles softly before leaning into the man's embrace.

"Honey you know I can't...." He looks over his wife to see what a very large and round stomach that can only be home to a growing child. He taps a knuckle against his head and chuckles lowly. "Oh, of course! I'm so sorry how could they slip my mind?" He gently places a hand on her stomach and strokes it slowly "I'm sorry little one daddy's a bit tired today but he promises he'll go to bed early tomorrow and do better."

"You say that now but-- " He begins walking with her and closes to the door to his office 

"No no I mean really mean it... I'll do better tomorrow. I promise." He glances back at the door one more time before returning his gaze to his wife. 

Whoever you are. I'm watching you....

4 Devils: Chapter 6 The Devil and the encounter

 "Goddamn...I'm fuuucking tired...." Of course I am I've been being pulling doubles for K for almost two whole weeks now, Plus all this cramming for my exams and attempting to keep food in me. I just feel too tired to go on anymore...

Mika looks over at me as she dries her hands. "Hey Shiki, I know you really like being here at the cafe and everything being an effective second manager right under K buuut....Don't get pissed at me or anything but you look like shit..."

"Yeah, thanks I definitely didn't think that when I looked at my reflection in the mirror after dragging myself out of bed this morning. Thanks for reiterating that Mika exactly what I needed to hear when I'm running on what's probably half a handful of cucumber slices, salmon and 3 hours of sleep...." I wasn't in the best mood; I've felt so stressed out that I haven't touched my viola in alittle under a month. So much for wanting to help those in need. Hell, I'm in need WHY isn't anyone fucking helping me!? 

"Shhhiki? " I looked back over at Mika with a slightly annoyed expression on my face "What is it now Mika? " I straighten myself and rub my temples with my fingers only to look over to the opposite side of the serving counter to what was effectively my living nightmare.... It was Ryuya..that werido that happens to work at The Witch Beatz music shop...and now he's in my maid cafe...my job...and I had no way of getting out of the situation....

"......." His face curled up into the worse type of smile a human could probably make. It just seemed to be oozing everything 'Predator'. Of course, I'm of age but this guy has always been a creep...Ever since my 1st encounter with him a few weeks after the Music shop opened. It's been open for a little of shy of four years I believe. I remember seeing bits and pieces of the construction when I was visiting the area while my paperwork was being moved to the school I'm currently attending. Which of course he also happens to attend as well...When I saw him in school, he seemed to ignore me at first until I meet him officially as Witch Beatz's 1st employee outside of the owner. 

"Well, isn't this a delightful surprise? I was craving something sweet~ " His lip raises on one side to show his teeth slightly, not that I ever made it a habit to do but looking at his mouth in that moment his teeth seemed oddly shaped. Not like they were broken up or rotten they just seemed- strange sharp and pretty off putting if I was being completely honest. "How much would it cost to have you served up on a platter with some syrup and fresh fruits Kitten~?" I felt something churn inside my stomach like I had something terrible.

"Uh excuse me, but SHIKI isn't on the menu she just serves what's on it." Mika says rather firmly. I look over at her still sort of out of it at the moment before I blink and try to get my thoughts together properly. "If you aren't going to order anything from our sizeable menu, I think maybe you should find a different shop to fill your need for something sweet " Ryuya looks over at Mika with that same look he had given me and I think she did flinch, but she still stood there strong. It was strange to see her act like that toward a guy, from what I hear most girls around our age would be tossing themselves like Ryuya and she was one of those girls, but she was effectively rejecting him which is seriously seriously out of the norm for her. I will admit that she did seem pretty cool in that moment standing up for me even after I snapped at her. "I dunno who the hell you think you are coming in here and trying to mess around with my coworker but I'm not gonna let whatever your plans are come to pass got it?" She points him rather aggressively, threateningly even. 

Ryuya lets out a small chuckle before he encloses his hands and tilts his head to the side slightly "Does that mean you'd take her place then? " Mika inhales before pulling out her phone and almost instantly snaps a picture of Ryuya before taking a step back from the counter.

"I'm into REAL men not creeps. If you don't get out of our shop, I'm gonna call the fucking cops." Ryuya sucks his teeth 

"Really? " He smiles again "Alright fine, but now that I know you work here Kitten I'll be back. " He backs away from the counter and turns to leave "Oh- and by the way Grien misses you, come by the shop more often yeah? " He blows me a kiss before leaving out making the doors bell chime as the door closes behind him. I hadn't even realized that I had been holding in a breath for that long and I released it. Mika softly touched my shoulder.

"Hey you, ok? I know you said you were tired, but you really seem out of it. You should maybe take your break now? You haven't sat down in a while either go take a load of I'll handle things out here and only call you if I really need help, ok?" She smiles at me and runs a hand down the front of her apron, I nod and smile back at her softly 

"T-thanks Mika I just- I really can't think too straight at the moment I think I will go sit in the back for a bit call out any desserts you need, and I'll set them in the window for you, ok? It's the least I can do for you sticking up for me like that-- "

"Don't mention it" She waves her hand "Normally when guys come in with an attitude like that you stop them on the spot. With that guy I actually saw you freeze up and that made ME uncomfortable, so I decided to step if. Even if we have our differences at times Shiki were still friends and I do care about you and your health and I definitely wouldn't want some dude creeping on you, plus you have other people aside from me that care about you and want you to be safe too right? Like that really cute guy that stopped by during Valentine's day to bring you something? He seemed to know you pretty well and when you were talking you seemed pretty at ease, he was also a pretty fun to talk to as well." She smiles "You gotta bring him back for a visit sometime~" Mika giggles to herself before grabbing my shoulders and lightly ushering me toward the backroom. "Go on go on already relax Shiki I got it seriously..." I sigh and chuckle abit myself

"Alright alright. I'm going I'm going sheesh." I walk into the backroom and through it to the bathroom to splash some whatever on my face. Why of all places for Ryuya to show up did it have to be here at my job, He doesn't even seem like the type of guy to show his face around a cafe. But then again maid cafe's tend to have all sorts of girls of different shapes and sizes and even though our employee count is rather low we make up for it with hard work and the vouching our returning customers do for us. I suppose the special events we hold every now and then do help in boosting popularity as well...

Regardless of all that, That jackass knows where I work  Takano's been Mia and barely answering my texts or calls and I haven't seen or heard from Dante since V-day....I don't have my support system so I'll have to be careful so that he doesn't find out where I live...I really like my apartment and the rent is at a very comfortable rate....

"Huuh~" I Feel myself shudder as I grab some paper towels to dry my face. "Huh? Mika? Are you out there? " There's no answer. But I felt a strange chill down my spine just now like someone was nearby. I leave the bathroom and look around "Mika? " I sigh and rub my face "Guess it was just my imagination."

Mika was in the front of the cafe still cleaning up as it was maybe 2 hours before closing, not too many customers were left and was just daydreaming when her thoughts were interrupted by a strange oddly cold feeling that seemed to appear out of nowhere. "ugh what was that feeling just now?" She looks around and only sees the few customers left and no one else. "weird."  After maybe another half an hour Shiki returns back out front to help begin closing down the store. "Hey feeling any better Shiki?"

"Yeah actually I think I did need that break, Thanks again for covering for me. What's going on out here? I look over at her as I grab some cloths and a bin to collect cups

"Mhm...We'll we don't have much longer until closing so I'll clean behind the counter if you wanna get the lobby?" She looks over at me before getting the spray "Yeah I can do that Mika." We both begin cleaning up until the front of the cafe before doors bell chimes and we look over toward the shop. 

"Good evening Ladies, Hope I'm not too late to get a warm drink " I feel my face lightly up slightly when I recognize the figure that just walked through the door. Medium length soft looking black hair that had been tied up into a ponytail, striking grey eyes adorned with a eyebrow piercing and wearing quite a nice slimming 3-piece suit. 

"Welcome to our Shop-- Eeeee!! It's hiiiim!! SHIKI SHIKI it's hiiim!! " I found myself gawking if only alittle at him. "D-dante...It's you..." He smiles over at me holding up his hand to show off his prized ring

"In the flesh...I had a lot to do today so I couldn't stop by earlier, but I did want to try and stop by because I forgot to exchange phone numbers with you when I was here last. While we were catching up it completely slipped my mind. " He chuckled some before walking over to me and taking his hair down. He smelled really nice like something wood related I couldn't put my finger on it but it was smelled warmed and It really made me wanna hug him. I felt my cheeks begin to get hot as he got closer. "Mind giving me your phone number Shiki? " He smiled softly while holding out his phone it definitely looked like one of those newer ones, I've seen on tv lately. 

"H-Huh? o..ooh sure...I've been wanting to catch up properly anyway, but I've been so swamped with everything going on at the moment that I just.... hadn't thought about us reconnecting really, so I'm sorry. " I shouldn't feel bad or anything, life happens people get busy and all sorts of things happen all the time. "Shiiiikiii what about me? " Mika whines in the background

"Sorry Mika I'm a one lady man. " He smiles innocently as I take his phone and begin putting in my number. "We can still be friends though if you like, I am new to the area so I could use a nice guide when Shiki isn't able if you're willing~ " Mika blushes cutely before looking over at Dante

"Do you really mean it? " She starts to bounce around abit seeming to have gained a bit of energy. "Yeah, I don't mind at all." I hand Dante back his phone

"You really shouldn't do that; I'm warning you if you give her your number, she'll never leave you alone." I go back to clearing off the remaining tables in the lobby "Aww do you really not trust her that much? or is it me you don't trust? Granted it has been a few years so I could understand since you have no idea what type of man I've grown into..." I stop for a moment to look over at him

"N-no I didn't mean it like that of course I trust you...I just- " Mika puffs up her cheeks before returning to wiping down the counter and cleaning the coffee machines. "I'm still here ya know." Mika says before groaning and continuing her cleaning. Dante smiles as I sigh before turning away from him and he takes a seat nearby.

"We didn't forget about you Mika, I was just teasing Shiki- is everything alright? " He turns toward me and adjusts his jacket to get more comfortable.

"Y-yeah I just...I haven't been...getting too much sleep lately the end of the senior year is coming, and this is probably the busiest I've been since enrolling." Dante looks over me with a serious look 

"You have been eating properly right? You say you haven't been sleeping but have you at least been eating?" I stand still for a moment trying to think of a good lie but I guess I took too long. "Shiki, answer me...Have you been eating proper meals? " He said abit more firmly he almost sounded angry, and I just can't turn to face him because it'll give away whatever I say next.

"Y-yeah....I've been eating fine. Sure they haven't been full course meals or anything, but I've been getting my nutrients. You don't have to worry.." I go to pick up a glass before it I feel my grip sort of fade and I suddenly feel light headed. I attempt to shake off the feeling and look around at the cafe.

"Well you don't look too well, I know it might seem abit pushy but I'm taking you home tonight and making you a real meal to eat, you looks like your wasting away..." A small part of me was actually looking to Dante's cooking, it was something he was passionate about even when we were younger. 

"Mm...A home..cooked...meal-- " My body suddenly feels heavy and the world around starts spinning

"Shiki? " Dante had noticed the small smile appear on my face before the cup I was holding crashed to the ground " SHIKI-! " 

Someone was calling my name...I can't think of who it might have been though...everything felt so cold for a moment but...not I feel warm again and it's that same warm scent from before...

"Oh my god what happened i-is Shiki ok?? " Dante touches my forehead after he lifts me from the floor and feels for a steady pulse 

"She's alright she just passed out but she's burning up we need to get her a hospital.."

"O-ooh okay...I Can't exactly leave the shop but I'll call someone right away so that they can come and pick her up, you'll stay here right? "

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now.." He feels around my face and head for any bleeding luckily there only seemed to be a bump. Mika was in the background pacing as she was on the phone was emergency services. "Y_yes my friend just collapsed s-she mentioned being tired and didn't look very good at all throughout most of her shift today and she's burning up- " Dante strokes my cheek and looks over my face carefully.

"Don't worry Shiki...you're going to make a full recovery I'll make sure of that..." He holds me close to his chest as the flashing lights of approaching ambulances can be seen in the distance through the shop windows.