I got told that there was no Uzaki-chan on Wattpad. Not sure how true that is as of 10/26/2020, but I'm here. Hi-hi. 

Let's get down to business. Hana deserves a lover who is more friendly and approachable. Let alone likeable. Sakurai is a standup guy, but let's take a little more friendly guy in there. I hope you like the OC here.

Enjoy.

~~~~~

There was a little bit of a slow at the café. Boss and Ami offered Sakurai and Hana for a cup of coffee before the rush came through for the day. The Boss and Ami sat on stools behind the counter as Sakurai and Hana sat on the customer side with fresh cups with plates underneath them. It was peaceful. And a quiet enough atmosphere to talk about a few things. Which includes a few random topics at that. 

Sakurai just picked up his phone to see if anyone had reached out to him. 

(FN)

Hey Shin, you working tomorrow?

(Short for Shinichi)

"Hmmm. I wonder how he's doing?" Pondered Sakurai.

"Who's that?" Asked Hana. 

"You remember (LN) from high school?" He asked.

"(LN)? I don't know. Who is it?"

"Ah. Then maybe its a little brief. He was on the swim team and stopped senior year."

"Well you didn't swim after high school." Replied Hana. 

"I wanted to focus on current areas in my life. (FN) got hurt." Nodded Sakurai as he took a sip of his coffee. 

"So what happened to the poor man?" Asked Boss.

"Trapezius tear. Lower neck and inner shoulder. He thought about rehab and rest but he had to end up going along with the surgery."

"Wow. I remember hearing about it a little, but I don't think I remember him clearly. (FN). Huh." Hana was trying to create an image of a certain face. "I can't visualize him."

Ami adjusted her glasses with a smirk. "Maybe you could invite him here. Get to know him. Have a chance to reconnect."

"I can leave him a text. Not sure what will happen from there. I don't know his schedule in that regard. Hold on."

Sakurai

I'm working today and tomorrow. Though any chance you're free right now?

(FN)

Yeah. What's up?

Sakurai

You know the cafe two streets over from the main building on campus?

(FN)

Yeah? You work there? No kidding. I'm actually just getting out of a class. I'm around the corner. See you in a minute.

Sakurai 

Walk right in.

"Ummm. That was rather unexpected." He put his phone in his pocket. "He should be here in just a few minutes. He's right by the school."

"I wonder if I know him. You never know. It gets interesting. Maybe he remembers you Hana." Winked Ami. 

"I have no idea." Hana shrugged. 

"Either way he is welcomed here. Happy to meet him." Said the Boss. 

It wasn't much longer until there was a ring from the bell on the door. An average height guy and a bright smile. Waving hello as he approached the counter. "One regular black coffee please." He put his bag down by his feet. "Hey Shin. Ladies. Sir. How's everyone?"

"One second (FN)." Ami went to pour him a cup of fresh, hot coffee and a dish. 

"Hey (FN). You wouldn't happen to remember Uzaki by any chance, would you?" Asked Sakurai. 

He took a look a Hana's face. It started to process. Then he noticed the hair being shorter. "Hana? Wow. Been some time."

"Wait a second..." Hana was starting to see it too. The face was starting to come back. "You wore the tinted goggles on the swim team."

He smiled with a nod. "That was me. Before my swimming days were done."

"Here you are." Ami put the cup and dish down. "(FN) and I actually take creative writing together."

"So this is the place you've talked about briefly. Got it." He picked up the cup. "Thank you." Nodding and taking a sip. "Splendid." Then he brought his attention back to Hana. "Uzaki-chan?"

"Yay." Smiled Hana. "You remember me?"

"Yeah. Briefly before I got hurt."

"You don't swim anymore?" Asked Hana.

"Not competitively at least. Had the surgery two years ago. The butterfly stroke is awkward. Regular free swimming stroke is fine. Still love the water. But prefer the ocean when I can. To get away from it all and relax. The pool still has that competitive thing that is a different energy. Similar to right here and outside on the street."

"Relaxing. Isn't it?" Sighed Ami.

"Little music, good coffee. The city it can be busy or just the hustle and bustle in different paces. In a busy place with so many people here you can just relax. You feel welcomed versus another drop of water in the ocean."

"That's very poetic." Smiled Hana. 

"Thanks Uzaki."

"Please, Hana."

"Thanks Hana. So you work here with Ami and Shin?"

"Shin?" She smirked over to Sakurai.

Sakurai shook his head. "Don't even try it."

"Okay Shin." Hana chimed. 

Sakurai boped her on top of the head. Hana closed her eyes and favored a nonexistent bump. "Senpai!"

(FN) flinched. "That always happen?" He asked Ami. 

"The friendship does gets interesting. On both sides actually." Ami giggled.

"Guess I'll find out with time. Though she seems more lively. Shin is more mellow and keeps to himself. He has a personality though. Just doesn't use it much."

"What the hell does that mean?" Sakurai looked over.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about. You keep to yourself mostly. So did she say hello first before you started hanging out or are you just co-workers?"

"Ironically we all go to the same school." Smiled Ami. "And it just happens to be a good place here where we all kick back and serve people. Grind down coffee, make new recipes, and occasionally go out for drinks after the day is over."

"Beer and fried chicken. Yesh!" Chimed Hana.

"Right... Let's not." Sakurai shook his head.

"What?" Guessed Hana.

"Control yourself please." He glared at her. 

"Sorry..."

"Got it. Oh well. You're all lucky. I work late shifts. About eight to midnight or so. Sometimes a little earlier. It just happened to be available and I took it."

"Nights?" Pondered Ami. "Stocking shelves?" 

"Stocking and inventory and a convenient store. It's not bad. Just sometimes its hard if you have a test the next day. That's all. It's always open but its quiet. I'll grab myself a tea and just organize things at my own pace."

"Night work though. How's sleep?"

"Well... inconsistent. That's fair right?" (FN) couldn't deny that. Anyone working in any night hours will not have perfect sleep. It's just how the lifestyle is.

"Any chance you want to have a study and gaming party sometime? You free tonight?" Asked Hana.

Yes. This is perfect. Is the new guy really going to take Hana away? Or will Sakurai get defensive and take her for himself? Ami was really enjoying the sight of this. All was falling into a heavy interest for her. Always stirring the pot of course.

"Sure thing. I'm free tonight. My place? Yours? His? What's up?" He asked.

"Senpai?" Hana looked over at Sakurai.

"Sure thing." Sakurai was a little hesitant in his facial expression, but agreed. 

"Yes! Now just to pick up ingredients to cook and we are all set." Hana was hyping up this night.

"Wow. You sure know a good time Hana." Wow. Wish I knew her before graduating. Might be a good time now. Maybe next time I'll bring Jessa around too. She might like it here.

~~~~~

Hope everyone is excited for this. 

And who is Jessa?

You'll see. Arigato. Stay healthy.

-Rel