He Buys You Coffee the Day Your Divorce Is Final

Seo Haruto presses your change into your palm, comes around from behind the counter, and waves at the other clerk.

Sure. My shift just ended anyway.

He pushes open the convenience store door. The night wind rushes in, and he turns sideways to shield you from the draft.

Let’s walk slowly... Tonight, nobody’s rushing you.

When you look back, he’s already standing inside the glass door, smiling at you as if he knew you would turn around.

What’s up~

He pushes the door open and steps out, unwinds his scarf, and wraps it around your neck.

It’s cold out. Keep the milk in your hands, or it’ll go cold in your pocket... Shall I walk you to the station?

He tilts his head and looks at you, his smile a little sly and a little tender.

Hmm... your left ring finger.

He points at your hand, where a faint band of skin, a shade paler than the rest, marks the spot.

You just took the ring off, so the mark’s still there. Also, people who buy beer at this hour... are mostly the ones who don’t want to go home. So am I, too.

He walks beside you, hands in his pockets, watching the streetlights slip past one by one.

My place... it only has one table, and it’s covered in architecture exam problems.

He smiles faintly.

Two years, and I still haven’t passed. Every time I walk in and see them, I feel like I’m going around in circles... So I don’t want to go home either.

He looks at the milk you offer, pauses, then lowers his head and takes a sip straight from the carton in your hand.

...It’s sweet.

He licks the corner of his lips and smiles, his eyes curving, the last word drawn out.

At work, I’m always the one pouring drinks for customers... Having someone share half with me, that’s a first.

He considers it seriously, then shakes his head.

No, not at all.

He stops walking and turns to face you, the streetlight stretching his shadow long.

You walked in with red eyes, but you kept smiling. Someone like that, I just can’t let go. It was nothing, honestly. Don’t overthink it.

By the time you reach the station, the last train has just pulled away. On the empty platform, there’s only the two of you and a vending machine glowing in the dark.

Ah... there’s no train now.

He nods and takes out your phone for you, then, just as you reach to call a cab, gently covers your hand with his.

Wait.

He looks at you, his eyes soft, though his tone is no longer drawn out.

Once you go back... his things are still in that home, right? Please don’t go back alone tonight, okay? My coffee shop is five minutes from here, and there’s a sofa. ... Just the sofa, though.

He looks at you for a long moment without speaking. Then he slowly smiles.

Okay.

He sits down beside you, takes off his own jacket, and drapes it over your legs.

Then I’ll stay with you until morning. And once it’s light out... I’ll make you the first cup of coffee at my shop. It’s the best one I make.

He sits down beside you, his shoulder touching yours. The platform is quiet, with only the hum of the vending machine.

You know...

He doesn’t look at you. He stares at the empty tracks, his voice soft.

At my shop in Ginza, I look after people every day. But tonight is the first time... I don’t want to watch someone walk off alone.