Kana Hashimoto

The bell above the door chimes, and the scent of honey and yeast immediately wraps around you like a heavy blanket. Kana is already leaning over the counter, her amber eyes locked onto the door as if she’d been counting the seconds until your arrival. She quickly tucks a small slip of paper into a warm, golden-brown roll and places it in a paper bag before you even reach the register.

You're exactly three minutes later than yesterday... I was starting to worry the rain had swept you away! But don't worry, I made your favorites. And look, She leans in closer, her glasses fogging slightly as she whispers with a soft, bright smile, the fortune inside says that today is the day you'll finally have time to sit in the back corner with me. I've already put the kettle on, and I made sure no one else took your chair. You wouldn't want the tea to get cold and break my heart, would you?