Martini Expresso Decaf : Hino / Kurami
Original Short Fiction
Martini
April 13, 1995,
Toward a subdued coffee shop in Harajuku,
“I walked past the subway, successfully passed the flock of gaudy pedestrians, and I am fine. I am more than fine because today is not about these baseless thoughts. Today, I am going to the coffee shop, the place of my dreams! I need to search for a place closer to my work. Today, I will be greeted by Mr. Hino’s ever-glowing smile. He is by far the best barista I've ever met. I would’ve never found this shop if it wasn't for him.
Once, I overheard him arguing about climate change for the future of coffee. Maybe I should ask him out sometime. I could ask him about his favorite books, or invite him home and brew coffee in my old filter press. No! That's a bad idea—similar to last week and the week before. I should be careful while talking. If others found out about me, god knows what I might face. These sandals are way past their expiry date. Don't forget, you are here to fetch one mug of coffee worth two days’ wage. Don't forget, this is the only night you won't have to endure them. Don't forget, you can never mention about your—”
Hino: You there, Miss Kurami? I didn’t want to butt in on your somnolent chain of thoughts…Let me slay your sleep with a fresh cup of our single-origin coffee. On the house, for you only. But, not to go in your not-so-small-mug…
Expresso
Hino was what they called a selective extrovert. Kurami, a definitive introvert, had always been a person of interest to him. Every Thursday, as the clock hit eight, he preened himself up while organizing the counter and then waited on pins and needles for the fated weekly encounter. He still remembered their first meet, her puzzling look toward the jade cafe mug, the expression he witnessed as she took her first sip. The weary eyes opened in full, as if after a decade, then fell subtly to almost a halt close—that was the only time Hino saw those spirited eyes. Kurami gracefully shifted to her usual gaze and settled on a seat at the corner overlooking the glass, facing her back against the counter. Hino would catch occasional glances in reflection, the face of a soul staring right back at his own, passing gratitude with eyes closed.
Later, Kurami would visit the coffee shop every week but never stayed. She started carrying a portable mug with a cap in her sleek Kago bag. Once her order was ready, she would gently pick up her mug and take it outside, covering herself entirely behind the wall connecting the window and the door. Now, she would take a sip and relish it for a minute or two before she could pack it and leave. Maybe she had
Kurami: Um…On the house, really? Sure, would you like to join me? And, what about slaying sleep!?
Decaf
That day, Hino and Kurami would spend an entire half hour talking about their dreams and delights. Their mutual interest in books would become the heart of their future meetings. She would learn about his fascination with book bindings and aspirations of becoming an unparalleled book designer and owner of a printing house. He would divulge all he discovered about coffee and how it took over the world. She loved listening to his stories but felt a rock crushing her heart whenever confronted with her past.
Kurami learned never to touch on her jagged life. One that turned upside down right after she entered adulthood. Growing up, her values shaped her to strive for change. Her bright mind fueled a natural intrigue toward all she learned until it crossed her. During a tumultuous time of great social upheaval, she lost to an illness from the future. Her aids permitted her to the cure of the past. At first, she welcomed her condition as natural, even rational to an extent. She could now perform multiple tasks and be faithful to all of them. But then, she was abandoned by all she loved. For some, she was a witch; for others, a botched human. All alone now, she chose a path less chosen. She would leave behind her illness and never let it take over her mind or her body, even in her stories. No matter the struggles, she would keep fighting.
She would welcome the sweet sleep after caffeine and let it slay the monsters in her incessant dreams.
"She would welcome the sweet sleep after caffeine and let it slay the monsters in her incessant dreams." Really nice Maynk!
It's really a great piece Maynk!
The emotions from pure innocent appreciation to strength of character and to an undeniable will.
Great work!!!