Despite how things had changed outside of school, Kaede and Mirei's friendship seemed to stay intact during their time together at school. They still laughed and chatted, but Kaede noticed that almost every conversation revolved around Kouki now. Mirei looked radiant whenever she spoke about him, her eyes sparkling with a joy that Kaede found both heartwarming and painful. She couldn't deny it—Mirei was in love. And that love was directed entirely at someone else.
It had been a week since Kaede had started her part-time job at the café, and she had already settled into the rhythm of the work. Her natural calmness and her sharp, handsome features had earned her a bit of a reputation, particularly among the young girls who frequented the café. She hadn't expected it, but she had become somewhat of a local celebrity, with customers lining up outside the café, especially during the busy after-school hours, just for a chance to be served by her.
"That's her!" Kaede overheard one girl whisper excitedly as she handed her a coffee. "She's the one they're all talking about—the handsome waitress."
Kaede only smiled politely, used to the attention by now. It was strange to think that something as simple as her looks could cause such a buzz. She had always thought of herself as plain, but the way the customers kept coming back said otherwise. At this rate, the café's popularity had skyrocketed, and Kaede found herself busier than ever. Often, she wouldn't leave until after 10 PM, her mother starting to express concern over how late she stayed out.
But the pay was good, and it gave her something to focus on besides the lingering ache in her chest from her situation with Mirei. Kaede threw herself into the job, trying to forget the growing distance between her and her best friend. After all, Mirei seemed perfectly happy with Kouki.
One day after school, Mirei brought up something that surprised Kaede. "Have you heard about that popular café in town? There's this rumor going around about a super handsome waitress who works there. All the girls are talking about it."
Kaede froze for a moment, but tried to play it cool. "Oh yeah? Sounds interesting," she said, keeping her tone casual.
"Yeah!" Mirei continued, her eyes lighting up. "Kouki and I were thinking of checking it out after school today. You know, just to see what all the fuss is about."
Kaede didn't say anything, hoping the conversation would move on. But inside, she felt a knot of tension building. She didn't want Mirei to know she was the one everyone was talking about—not yet, at least. Not like this.
Later that day, when Mirei and Kouki arrived at the café, it was packed as usual. There was a line out the door, and the buzz of excited customers filled the air. As they entered, Mirei looked around, trying to catch a glimpse of this "handsome waitress" everyone was so eager to see.
And then she spotted her.
Kaede was behind the counter, gracefully moving between customers, her sharp features framed by the soft lighting of the café. She wore the café's signature uniform, but somehow it only emphasized her naturally striking appearance. As she handed drinks to a group of young girls, they giggled and asked if they could take a picture with her. Kaede smiled politely and nodded, posing for the quick snap before returning to work.
Mirei blinked in surprise. Kaede? She couldn't believe it. The "handsome waitress" everyone had been talking about was her best friend all along.
A strange feeling stirred in Mirei's chest, something she couldn't quite place. Was it… jealousy? She shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought. Why would she feel jealous? Kaede was just being Kaede—calm, cool, and effortlessly attractive. Of course she'd become popular in a place like this.
Kouki's voice broke through her thoughts. "Looks like it's finally our turn."
They were ushered to a table, and Mirei kept glancing at Kaede as they sat down. Kaede approached them with a professional smile, but Mirei could see the brief flicker of surprise in her friend's eyes when she realized who her new customers were.
"Welcome," Kaede said smoothly, handing them the menus. "What can I get you two today?"
Mirei was too curious to stay silent. "Kaede, I didn't know you were working here! Why didn't you tell me?"
Kaede tried to act nonchalant, giving a small shrug. "It's nothing big. The pay's good, and it's pretty relaxing for me."
"When did you start?" Mirei pressed, a frown creasing her brow. "You never mentioned it."
"About a week ago," Kaede replied, trying to keep things professional. She could feel Kouki's eyes on her, but he didn't seem particularly interested in the conversation.
Kouki smirked slightly, leaning back in his chair. "So I guess the handsome waitress is actually just a plain high school girl, I hope I was wrong."
His tone was teasing, but it had an edge of mockery to it. Mirei shot him a warning glance. "Kouki, don't tease her. She's my friend."
Kaede, ever calm and composed, only gave a small smile. "It's fine. Just doing my job. But you two shouldn't argue here—it might disturb the other customers."
Her words were polite, but firm, and Kouki seemed taken aback by her cool professionalism. He muttered something under his breath, and the conversation fell into an awkward silence.
For the rest of their time at the café, Mirei and Kouki sat in relative quiet, each nursing their drinks. Kaede continued to work, moving between tables and keeping an eye on the growing crowd. But every so often, she'd steal a glance at Mirei.
Mirei, for her part, was lost in thought. Why had she felt that twinge of jealousy earlier? Why did it bother her to see Kaede being admired by other girls? It was silly, really. Kouki was her boyfriend now, not Kaede. She shouldn't care so much about Kaede's popularity.
And yet… she did.
Kaede noticed the tension between Mirei and Kouki, even if neither of them said anything outright. It was clear that something was bothering them both, and Kaede couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. She didn't want to come between Mirei and her relationship, but it seemed like her presence had caused a rift, however small.
As the café bustled around them, the silence at Mirei and Kouki's table was palpable. Kaede continued her work, but the weight of their unspoken conflict lingered in the air. She could only hope that whatever tension existed between them would pass.
After all, there was no room for her in the equation. Kaede… well, she would continue to play her role. The handsome waitress. The supportive friend. And nothing more.