Chapter Text
After quitting idol work years ago, Airi became a regular college student, picking up a philosophy degree (well, partly because she didn't know what else to take) and working part-time as a barista in a coffee shop.
It wasn't rare that she found herself in off-putting situations working at a café when she still held the title of an ex-idol, like that one time someone asked her to spit in their drink; or when someone almost jumped towards her but ended up hitting their head on the counter (she made sure that they were fine after) — but she also had nice costumers, one of them being Ena Shinonome.
Ena was amazing, but for the love of God there wasn't any great time where she could've had the chance to ask her out on a date or at least get her phone number, which was infuriating because all she could think of was her amazing fashion taste and the sketchbook that she always carried around! She was constantly on her mind!
"Hell-o?~ Earth to Airi?" Airi jumped, then let out a sigh of relief.
"I'm sorry Saki. What did you guys want for your order?"
"It's fine. Are you alright?.. You've been spacing out a lot lately.." Ichika added.
"Mhm," Saki agreed. "Is it about Ena? You should just talk to her already, you know?~"
Saki was Airi's friend, but she's a bit oblivious - don't get her wrong, Airi liked talking to Saki, but it's easy to say that for someone who is dating their childhood friend.
"Yeah, yeah, I will." Airi began taking their order and then quickly handed it over to them.
"You know, once you and Ena date, I'm always here for relationship advice!" Saki grinned then kissed her girlfriend on the cheek quickly.
Airi blinked slowly, forcing herself to not let out an eye roll, then sighed. "Just drink your coffee, lovebirds." she teased and added a smile.
"You know Saki won't stop preying until you talk to Ena, right?" Haruka said, putting a hand on Airi's shoulder.
"Yeah, I know - thanks. Just wished she wouldn't do it so often." Airi remarked, earning a hum of agreement from Haruka.
"It's just her way of showing that she wants the best for you, you know? Just like the rest of us." Haruka flashed a quick grin, then went back to taking orders.
Saki and Haruka were right, she should talk to Ena already, after all it has been weeks since she planned this and nothing, she hasn't progressed at all; which is very unusual for her, because she's usually careful and great at giving advice, yet can't take advice herself. But this time, she was determined and motivated to do it.
Airi was humming to herself peacefully, waiting at the counter for customers. Yep, definitely for customers and not a certain someone. Fridays were always boring and was the day where customers usually went scarce, but that was no problem because Ena was a regular. Except that this time, Ena was with someone else.
"Hello! I'm Mizuki Akiyama, nice to meet you~ we'll both get a strawberry matcha latte!"
Airi scanned Mizuki and looked in between them, before planting a smile to hide her questioning look. "Alright. You can go take a seat and I'll bring your order."
Was Mizuki her partner? she thought to herself. It'd make sense if they'd be a couple after all they do look kind of cute together..
"Airi? You alright?" Shizuku's voice snapped Airi back to reality.
"Hm? Oh.. Yeah, I'm fine, thank you." Airi gave a reassuring smile.
"Are you sure? You are kind of jumpy. I can make your order if you want to?.." Shizuku offered, grabbing a cup.
"I'm fine, really. I just got caught a bit off-guard, that's all.." Airi replied. "Thanks though." she began making the order, leaving Shizuku in thought.
"Alright, here's your order. Call me if you need anything or when you want to pay, alright?" Airi said, casting Mizuki side glances, then looking at Ena before smiling.
"Thank you for our order, Airi, it's as delicious as ever." Ena praised, making Airi's heart skip a beat before rushing off back to the counter.
"Minori, I'm a mess - I don't know what to do!" Airi was complaining to Minori for about an hour now, and all Minori could do was nod and listen to her. "I'm getting so many mixed signals, it's frustrating! What can I even do?!" she continued. "I saw the way they looked at each other.. they clearly have something going on but then why is Ena acting so hostile towards me?! Am I overthinking this?" she exhaled the breath she was holding in.
"I-I'm sure that you'll figure something out.. why don't you ask if they're dating?" Minori piqued her interest at the suggestion. "I'm sure they won't get mad..!" she offered a reassuring smile. "I'm sorry, Airi, but I really need to take orders now.. good luck though! I'm rooting for you!" she said, before rushing to take orders.
Hm, she has a point.
Airi made a mental note to herself to go out with Minori sometime as a thanks for listening to her rambling.
It was the end of Airi's shift. She said goodbye to her co-workers and walked outside, before hearing a voice behind her that was unfamiliar, screaming after her.
"Hey, wait!"
She turned behind, and looked surprised as she saw Mizuki standing right in front of her. Huh?
"Wait, aren't you Ena's.." Airi got cut off.
"I just wanted to say.. try talking to Ena more, okay? She likes you and I want to help her make new friends, and perhaps something more, okay?~" Mizuki said, accentuating the 'something more', which caused Airi's face to slightly blush.
"Ah.. excuse me but.. aren't you and Ena dating?"
Silence.
Mizuki blinked, before they started laughing, Airi looking at them dumbfounded. She felt like she's witnessing an inside joke that she was not made aware of.
"Ah, no - you got it wrong!" Mizuki insisted. "I am actually dating someone else," Airi's lips formed an 'o' shape, feeling a bit embarrassed while Mizuki continued laughing. "Hah.. o-oh my god.. maybe I can bring her next time so you can meet her~"
"Okay, first of all I am so sorry for assuming - I shouldn't have did that," Airi glared at them to stop laughing, and they surprisingly obeyed. "and I promise you a fresh crepe on the house next time you visit. Again, I'm sorry.. truly!" she shared an apologetic smile.
"Neh, it's fine~ you're cute, I can see why Ena took an interest on you, let's exchange numbers!"
Mizuki handed Airi their phone and she began typing her phone number into their contacts, before giving it back, and them doing the same with Airi's phone.
"It was nice talking to you. I look forward to seeing you again," Airi waved a quick goodbye and she started strolling the way to home.
NEW MESSAGE
mizuki 🎀: +81 (***)-***-**** ena's phone number :p