The cafe was quiet, the wide space cool, sun shining through the pristine glass of the windows he wipes daily. It was an hour and a half more to opening the cafe, the sun still not up yet. Blade was still stocking up the dispensers, setting up the blenders, and wiping down the counters.

The kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of rich pastries and cold desserts, some still in the oven, some freshly baked and placed into the display case. He arranged tables, chairs, and silverware, placed the menus in each table, and checked everything meticulously, making sure they were all flawless, clean, and neat.

Fifteen minutes more till the last batch is done baking. He stands in the kitchen silently, but just as he moves to grab his apron, he hears the door bell ringing, signalling the entrance of a customer.

A customer? Is this fool blind?

“The cafe’s not open yet, please leave!” Blade shouts from the kitchen, dropping his apron and shuffling out, but the uninvited guest turns out to be the sweet regular customer who frequented his cafe every day, whom he quietly pines for — standing there looking surprised and confused. His harsh expression softens a tiny bit, and he opens his mouth to speak. “Apologies, the..cafe is not open yet,” he murmurs, soft enough for her to hear.

The poor girl gestures to the signage hanging on the door, that read to their direction, “CLOSED. COME BACK TOMORROW.”

Oh. “That’s my mistake,” he says gruffly, approaching the door and turning the sign over. “Would you like to take a seat? I can serve you a dessert of your choice on the house.”