The bell above the door jingles merrily, signaling the entrance of a customer. With the way the sunlight is slanting through the windows, Cass would estimate that it’s around three maybe four in the afternoon. It’s after the lunch rush, so the cafe is empty for the most part, only Gordon and Eiji–the two elderly gentlemen who play shogi in the corner booth–remain. She had just topped off their tea and coffee, respectively, and wiped down the counter twice already so if she greets the new customer with a little more eagerness than warranted well. Smiles and positive energy are always a plus in the service industry.
Ah, but she doesn’t see anyone?
“Can I have a green tea and a raspberry scone, please?” A thin, reedy voice says from waist height.
Oh! A child. It is about time for school to let out, and the backpack carried by the little girl is telling. But Cass doesn’t remember there being an elementary school in the area. A little more worrying, there doesn’t seem to be anyone accompanying the little girl.
“Of course, sweetie,” She responds belatedly. The child’s small pale fingers are tapping nervously against the straps of her bright green backpack. So cute! “Will that be for here?”
“Yes please, ma’am.” So polite!
“Okay, that’ll be four dollars and fifty cents,” Cass almost bites her tongue to stop herself from just giving the little girl her order for free. Maelynn would tease her for having poor business sense.
The little girl brings out her wallet, an oddly sensible black leather thing, and pulls out a single crisp five dollar bill. When Cass hands over her change, the two shining coins go into an even more conservative coin pouch the size of her palm, “Thank you,” the little girl murmurs after putting both items back into her bag.
“You can take a seat anywhere and I’ll bring your order over to you, okay?” Cass waves idly at the various empty tables.
The little girl nods in acknowledgement before heading towards the other corner table, directly opposite from where Gordon and Eiji are beginning to grumble in good-natured annoyance at each other.
The order is not too difficult, though Cass makes sure to use her brightest teapot and prettiest plate for the scone, and soon enough she carries it over to the little girl’s table. She has papers and what looks like a textbook spread out in front of her, so Cass is careful in her placement.
“Homework?” She asks politely, to make the girl feel a little more welcome. Until Cass actually looks at what’s on the paper–either elementary school has gotten more advanced or–“Is that calculus?” This time, honestly curious.
“Yes. I’m a little ahead at school,” The little girl says demurely, “Thank you,” she adds, when she brings her teacup towards her.
“A little ahead,” Cass repeats, a little shocked… before shaking her head. Genius children shouldn’t be a surprise, considering her nephews. But perhaps it’s because while they are intelligent, they are still kids. This little girl is more like a miniature adult–a poised and mature adult at that.
~
A/N: Ugh, I didn’t know where I was going with so I just stopped. Possible SI!OC into BH6? I dunno. Hiro Takachiho’s mother’s name is Maemi so I tried to find a similar enough name. No romance for OC (though maaaaybe with Honey Lemon) I honestly don’t know what I was doing.
JackSGreyson Says 