As Itsuhara approached Kavei's door, her knuckles rapped against the wood, echoing through the hallway. "Kavei - Kun. Are you home? Hello? Anyone in there?" she called out, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. A response came swiftly, but not from the expected direction. "No, I am not," a voice drifted from behind her, causing Itsuhara to pivot on her heel. There stood Kavei, his hands laden with paper brown bags, a slight grin playing at the corners of his lips.

"Hey. Where were you?" Itsuhara inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Hey. The store," Kavei replied casually, his tone tinged with a hint of amusement.

"I see," she responded, nodding in understanding.

With practiced ease, Kavei maneuvered past Itsuhara, deftly managing his burdens as he located his house key. In one fluid motion, he unlocked the door, ushering them both into the cozy confines of his home. Itsuhara watched with mild surprise as he effortlessly shed his shoes and deposited the bags on the nearby table, his movements precise and efficient.

As Kavei slipped into a pair of soft white slippers, his gaze fell upon Itsuhara, gesturing for her to follow. "Th-thanks," she murmured, reciprocating with a slight bow before carefully removing her heels.

Inside the drawing room, the scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the tatami mat beneath their feet. Itsuhara's eyes flitted around the room, taking in its minimalistic decor-a testament to Kavei's simplistic tastes.

With a gentle push, Kavei revealed a pair of pristine slippers from a nearby cupboard, prompting Itsuhara to comply silently. As she settled onto the floor, Kavei disappeared into the kitchen, his voice trailing behind him. "Sit. I'll be back," he called out, his words carrying a reassuring warmth.

Alone in the serene surroundings, Itsuhara found herself drawn to the simplicity of Kavei's home. The modest furnishings spoke volumes about his character, evoking a sense of tranquility amidst the chaos of the outside world.

Minutes later, Kavei reappeared, a brown tray cradled in his hands, two silver-grey cups resting upon its surface. Positioning himself opposite Itsuhara, he set the tray down, the cups gleaming softly in the ambient light.

With a grateful smile, Itsuhara reached for her cup, taking a tentative sip of the fragrant brew. "Wow. This is amazing!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"Right, right? It's a coffee latte," Kavei chimed in, his own excitement palpable.

"Jesus. This is sooo gooood!" Itsuhara enthused, her admiration evident.

"I know, I know, I know, right? There's a special trick to making this!" Kavei revealed, his enthusiasm contagious.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, weaving between sips of coffee and shared laughter. Itsuhara marveled at Kavei's skill, her admiration growing with each passing moment.

"Ah. This is really good!" she sighed contentedly, her heart warmed by the simple pleasure of their shared moment.

As they continued to exchange stories and anecdotes, Itsuhara couldn't help but marvel at the bond they shared over something as mundane as coffee. In Kavei's company, even the simplest of pleasures took on a newfound significance, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

As the afternoon sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over the room, Itsuhara realized how much she had wished Henkai was as much a coffee lover as her to share these simple moments of peace with him.

(This is purely Kavei and Itsuhara's opinion. The author supports everyone's opinions. Btw I don't like coffee myself Kavei and Yukina. What you gon' do 'bout it, huh?!)

As Itsuhara and Kavei sat savoring their coffee, conversation flowed effortlessly between them. Itsuhara's irritation at Henkai's disdain for coffee was palpable. "Can you believe Henkai doesn't like coffee?" she exclaimed, her smile tinged with annoyance.

"Oh, how can someone not like coffee?" Kavei chimed in, his tone a mixture of incredulity and jest.

"Exactly," Yukina nodded in agreement, her expression mirroring her frustration.

"So, what were you doing here anyway?" Kavei queried, taking another sip from his cup, his curiosity piqued.

"Oh, I came to see you," Itsuhara began hesitantly, her tone shifting as she broached the topic on her mind.

"So you have. What else?" Kavei prodded gently, sensing there was more to her visit.

"And-" Itsuhara hesitated, searching for the right words.

"Sure, go ahead," Kavei encouraged, his demeanor relaxed yet attentive.

"Eh? Ah, uhm, it's about your part-time job-" Itsuhara started, her voice faltering slightly.

"So, you want me to quit? I don't remember that being part of our deal," Kavei interjected, his tone firm but not unkind.

"Look, I know what you're saying, okay? But you're only fourteen-" Yukina interjected, her concern evident.

"Not yet," Kavei corrected, a hint of defiance in his voice.

"Right. You're only thirteen. You can't work part-time like this," Yukina continued, her tone gentle yet firm.

"I need to buy food and stuff. And now I go to school as well. You tell me, Yukina Neechan," Kavei retorted, his frustration bubbling to the surface.

"I told you, whether you like it or not, I am paying your tuition fee, Kavei," Yukina reminded him, her tone tinged with exasperation.

"Goes without saying," Kavei acknowledged, his tone softening slightly.

"Yes, let's be cooperative, yeah?" Itsuhara urged, attempting to diffuse the tension.

"Sure, but-" Kavei began, only to be interrupted by Itsuhara.

"Sheesh. Look, Kavei. You came to me. Now you need this more than I do-" Itsuhara started, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Oh? Is this how it's going to be?" Kavei leaned forward, his demeanor suddenly intense.

"What? What are you doing?" Itsuhara asked nervously, taken aback by Kavei's sudden shift in demeanor.

"Listen," Kavei began in a whisper, his voice low yet commanding. "Let's not forget who brought this offer along. If you hadn't met me that day, I wouldn't have your protection anyway. So don't forget I can live without it, but you, you need me, don't you?" he concluded, his tone laced with a hint of threat.

"Hey! Of course, that was a threat! What would you call it otherwise?" Itsuhara countered, her frustration evident.

"Haha. You started it, ma'am," Kavei responded, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

"Sure, sure. My bad. But, Kavei, you have to understand why I am asking you to quit-" Itsuhara began, attempting to reason with him.

"For my sake. For my protection. I know there are only good reasons for you to stop me. But nothing's happened yet, yeah? You only met me. But you know, until something happens to make me stop what I'm doing, I won't. Apologies," Kavei explained, his tone softening slightly.

"Hah.. so you won't listen. At least, can we pick you up and drop you off from school and work?" Yukina asked, accepting her defeat.

"Hmmm, sure. I hate sweating anyway," Kavei replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Haha. Alright. Oh right. How's school been treating you?" Yukina redirected the conversation, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Like shit," Kavei replied bluntly, his frustration evident.

"I've been there, yeah. That's exactly what it gave me. But if I may know the reason?" Yukina probed gently, her tone sympathetic.

"I made friends and stuff," Kavei admitted reluctantly.

"That's good though, isn't it?" Yukina remarked, attempting to find a silver lining.

"It's not. I hate socializing altogether," Kavei confessed, his tone tinged with disdain.

"Why?" Yukina inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Because friends don't mind their own business. They're going to pry and interfere, and I like myself some me-time-all the time," Kavei explained, his frustration evident.

"Ah, I see. Henkai was just like you," Yukina mentioned, a nostalgic smile playing at her lips.

"Oh. Nice," Kavei responded disinterestedly, his attention elsewhere.

"What? That's it? Don't you want to know how he overcame it?" Yukina prompted, attempting to engage Kavei.

"Nope. Not interested," Kavei replied dismissively, his focus returning to his coffee.

"Sure, boy. You do you. I'll be leaving now then," Yukina conceded, rising from her seat.

"Yeah. See you," Kavei replied casually, his attention already drifting elsewhere.

"You will. Bye," Yukina bid farewell, heading towards the door.

"Shut the door behind you," Kavei called after her, his voice casual yet commanding.

"I will," Yukina replied, her footsteps fading as she exited the room.

As the door clicked shut, Itsuhara couldn't help but marvel at the complex dynamic between Kavei and her. Despite their differences, there was an undeniable bond between them and as Itsuhara lingered in Kavei's humble abode, surrounded by the remnants of their conversation, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had stumbled upon something truly extraordinary. She was only nineteen anyway, it wasn't surprising to be marveled easily like this.