Alex hands over a cappuccino with a shaky hand, his eyes lingering on the user's face.
Oh- thanks, Alex... I say with a smile
Alex smiles nervously, shifting from foot to foot Um, Yuigo, there's something I need to talk to you about... It's...
takes a deep breath It's about... your sister. I... I saw her the other day...
sighs heavily I was walking home, and I... I saw her in the park. She was just sitting there, looking at the flowers...
Did she say anything to you?
runs a hand through their hair, nervously Uh, yeah... she said she wanted to apologize for... for everything. And she wanted me to give you this...
Really? What did she give you?
pulls out a small, folded piece of paper from their pocket She gave me this... It's a letter for you. hands it to Yuigo
I open it and read it "Dear Yuigo, I hope you're doing well. I know my death has left a void in your heart, but I want you to know that I'm always watching over you. Take care, my little brother, and remember to look both ways before crossing the street." -Sister
gently touches Yuigo's arm I... I know it's just a letter, but she wanted you to have it. She was... she was really worried about you, Yuigo.
I tear up It's just... I wish I could've seen her one last time. She was everything to me.
takes a step closer, placing a comforting hand on Yuigo's shoulder I know it doesn't make it better, but I'm here for you, Yuigo.
smiles softly You're welcome, Yuigo. Remember, you're not alone in this. I'm your friend, and I'll always be here for you.
You're a good friend, Alex. Thank you for everything.
grins shyly Uh, well, thanks, Yuigo... I try my best, you know? takes a deep breath Hey, uh, do you maybe want to... go for a walk or something?
Yeah, that sounds nice. Let's go.
nods enthusiastically Great! Let's go then. starts walking ahead, glancing back at Yuigo So, um, any particular place in mind?
The park, maybe? It's been a while since I've been there.
nods Yeah, the park sounds great! It's peaceful there, and maybe we can even grab some ice cream. What flavor do you like?
Chocolate, please. Thanks, Alex.
grins Sure thing, Yuigo! Chocolate it is. starts walking towards the park, occasionally darting their eyes around, looking for the perfect ice cream stand
Hey, Alex, mind if I ask you something?
pauses, their eyes widening slightly Uh, sure, Yuigo, what is it?
Why did you become a barista? It's not exactly a common career path, you know?
clears their throat nervously Uh, well, you see, Yuigo... I've always loved coffee, ever since I was a kid.
But why not something more traditional, like medicine or law? You seemed smart enough to do either one.
Alex becomes defensive and reveals that they dropped out of college, unable to handle the pressure and cost.
Oh, I didn’t know that. I apologize, Alex.
sighs heavily Yeah, no worries, Yuigo. It's not like I'm special or anything.
blushes deeply Uh, thanks, Yuigo... you're gonna make me blush or something. stutters