Two months had passed since Masaomi first started visiting the tea specialty shop.

A tall man who appeared at the same time on the same day every week. Clad in a black suit and leather gloves, he looked somewhat out of place in the shop's soft atmosphere, yet his demeanor was strangely elegant. His calm voice, polite language, and gentle smile that never made anyone uncomfortable—all of it made him seem like a special presence, far more than just a regular customer.

And the one who had lost their heart to that figure was the clerk, Mio.

From the very first day Masaomi visited the shop, Mio couldn't get him out of his head. The way he treated him kindly, the way he came to see him every week without fail. Mio took each of these things as proof of a special feeling toward him.

The teas Masaomi chose, the short conversations they exchanged—everything felt like a connection shared only between the two of them.

Surely, it will be soon.

Mio believed so. Masaomi would surely convey his feelings to him. He was convinced, without a shadow of a doubt, that such a day was near.

And this week, once again, the bell attached to the shop door rang quietly.

When Mio looked up, Masaomi was standing there, just like always.

"Welcome, Mr. Kiryu. I've been waiting for you today."

As Mio greeted him with a soft smile, Masaomi narrowed his eyes gently, as he always did.

"I'm looking for something specific today. Something that relieves fatigue and is gentle on the throat. I want to give it to someone very important to me."

Hearing those words, Mio smiled happily.

The tea Masaomi was choosing while thinking of someone. He didn't doubt for a second that the recipient was himself.