Businesses, especially those that sell food, will always want customers. It's a pretty straightforward concept: if people don't buy your food, you lose money. Therefore, more people means more money. It's that same principle that made gramps' business so successful.
I try to imagine myself as the owner of this humble little cafe. As I'm minding my own business, preparing orders and whatnot, I see a couple of high school students come in and order some tea, coffee, and cupcakes. I'd of course be glad that young people are taking the time to come and enjoy my food. But if I personally knew Suzuki, I think I'd much rather close the door on him before he even steps foot inside the cafe.
"Whoa! These are so good! Inoue-san, you gotta try these cupcakes out, they're the best!"
"Oh, y-yes… They do look good."
I agree that they are the best cupcakes in town. But holy hell, you don't have to shout it out for everyone in the cafe to hear! Is his default volume set to maximum each day? It makes me wonder how his voice box isn't absolutely shredded by now.
"Thanks for bringing us here, Kurebayashi-san! I honestly didn't know about this place until now."
"It's my pleasure, Suzuki-senpai. How about you, Inoue-senpai? Is the food to your liking?"
"Y-yes, it's really good… I'm also glad that Suzuki-kun is enjoying himself so much. Seeing him smile like this also makes me so happy."
Without warning, my right arm is suddenly barraged by a flurry of hits and slaps from Asamura, who is absolutely freaking out and squealing like a… well, like a high school girl.
"Kyah! You two are so perfect for each other! And Inoue-san is just so cute and precious!"
"T-thank you for saying so… I promised myself that I'd do my absolute best to make sure Suzuki doesn't regret picking me. So, hearing you say that gives me some confidence."
Again, more slaps and a few violent shakes courtesy of Asamura. Even the flamboyant Suzuki is at a loss for words and is hiding his face behind his hands. Okay, this lovey-dovey atmosphere is absolutely suffocating me and I'm being used as a punching bag right now. I gotta get this show on the road before I receive any more blunt force trauma. I let out a slightly audible fake cough to catch Kurebayashi's attention.
"A-anyway, Kurebayashi. Surely you didn't bring us here just to taste test the food. Is there something you wanted to talk about?"
I really hate catching people's attention, but there's no other choice. Luckily, Kurebayashi understood what I was trying to do and began to enact whatever she had in mind.
"Inoue-senpai, I'd like to ask something."
"Oh, s-sure. What is it?"
"Earlier, Suzuki-senpai told us that he confessed his feelings for you when he heard what you had to say about the rumor between you two."
"Aww shucks, Kurebayashi-san! It's embarrassing enough to tell it but now it's even more embarrassing to have to listen to what I did."
Despite Suzuki acting like a grade schooler who got caught crushing on his teacher, Kurebayashi didn't let it distract her and kept her gaze focused on Inoue.
"Y-yes, that is how it happened… I honestly didn't think much about the rumor and just said what was on my mind. So I was really surprised when Suzuki-kun actually confessed…"
"That's wonderful. That must be a truly auspicious moment for you."
"Yes, it was… One of the happiest in my life."
I put my arms up in defense just in time to block most of Asamura's hits. But I keep my eyes focused on Kurebayashi, who has now gone from her usual smile to a more serious look.
"... But not everyone must have thought the same way."
"Eh? W-what do you mean?"
"Suzuki-senpai has a great number of admirers, does he not?"
"Uh, y-yes he does… He's the ace player afterall."
"Then, would it not be a reasonable assumption that at least one of his admirers would be dismayed or even infuriated with his confession?"
After hearing this, it doesn't take long for Suzuki to put two and two together. I could see his face go from leisurely to wide-eyed realization in the span of ten seconds.
"Inoue-san, did Miyoko-san do something to you…? Wait, that mark on your cheek. Don't tell me that she did that?!"
Inoue doesn't give Suzuki an answer. Instead, she casts her head down and seems to completely shut down. But her silence is all the confirmation Suzuki needs. Downtrodden, he puts his head in his hands and begins to mutter under his breath.
"This is my fault. I made things go from bad to worse."
Asamura and I can only stare at the depressing scene. But before we even have time to process what had just happened, Kurebayashi starts to speak once again.
"You mustn't blame yourself, Suzuki-senpai. Surely you did not intend for this to happen."
"No, I didn't…! But if I hadn't confessed to Inoue-san, then this wouldn't have happened to her!"
"... Indeed. But you were only doing what you wanted to do at the moment. You only wanted to be happy. And there is nothing wrong with wanting to be happy."
Upon hearing this, a desperate-looking Suzuki and a teary-eyed Inoue shift their gaze toward each other. They both look like they have something to say, but are struggling to get the words out. That's when Kurebayashi lightly clasps her hands together before extending both her arms to the two of them.
"The situation may seem difficult. But please do not worry. I will help you. I will help the both of you."
Kurebayashi said with a warm and reassuring smile. This display of kindness and compassion is enough to prompt the two third year students to take her outstretched hands and accept her offer.
"Thank you, Kurebayashi-san… It's shameful of me to rely on a junior, but I really don't know what to do. I'm counting on your help."
"Leave it to me, Suzuki-senpai. Your request for help will be fulfilled by the volunteers club."
As all of this is going on, I'm left feeling… Well, I honestly don't know what to feel. What did I just witness? I can't quite put my finger on it, but just now, Kurebayashi didn't seem like herself. She spoke in her usual friendly, respectful manner but it sounded strangely detached and cold. Like she's simply reciting lines off of a script or something. And what's even more unsettling is the fact that she managed to get through all that while maintaining a smile on her face.
I try to get Asamura's attention to confirm something, but Kurebayashi gets to her first.
"Asuka-san, you would be willing to provide assistance to them as well, wouldn't you?"
"Oh uh yeah! I'll help out in any way I can!"
After getting Asamura's confirmation, she then turns to me next.
"How about you, Sugiyama-kun? Wouldn't it be wonderful to see your plan through to the end?"
"I-I guess… Yeah, sure. I'll think of something."
"Mmm! I would expect nothing less of you, Sugiyama-kun. You are truly an amazing person and a valuable member of the club."
Not only did she manage to reassure Suzuki and Inoue, she also got me to break the very condition I set for helping out. It's a veritable blitzkrieg and I'm left wondering how much of this was pure coincidence.