Dumped by One, Chased by Another? My Ex's Sister Is a Gal and She's Coming for Me - Episode 61

We stepped into a café just next to the station.

Since it was a Sunday morning, the place was relatively quiet.

“This place has a really nice vibe.”

“Yeah, I’m glad we picked it.”

The café had a retro aesthetic, making full use of wooden textures. The chairs, the counter, the walls—even the sign—were all made of wood. Everything had a weathered, timeworn feel to it.

It felt like a kissaten straight out of the Showa era, still alive and well today. I like modern, stylish cafés too, but there’s something irreplaceable about this kind of nostalgic atmosphere.

After all, cafés aren’t just about drinking coffee—they’re about savoring the space itself.

“You really like cafés, huh, Kengorou? Have you been here before?”

“No, actually. I just looked it up beforehand and thought it seemed nice.”

“Wow, classic Kengorou—always reliable.”

Haruki’s eyes sparkled as she looked at me.

Being complimented never feels bad.

Actually, it feels ridiculously good.

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We were led to a four-person table by what looked to be the owner of the café.

“Hmm, what should I get… So many options.”

“Did you eat breakfast?”

“Nope. But you know how they say there’s always room for dessert!”

“Can’t argue with that.”

Probably not the healthiest lifestyle choice, but hey—no need to overthink things.

“…Wait, were you just thinking something weird?”

“I wasn’t thinking anything at all!”

Exactly. That’s the key—just answer without hesitation. Fortunately, she didn’t seem to notice.

“Hmm, okay. Then I think I’ll go with the pudding.”

“Good choice. I think I’ll have the coffee jelly. Oh, they have two types of coffee here. Which one should I get…”

The owner explained one blend had a stronger acidity, the other a bolder bitterness. After a moment of deliberation, I chose the bitter blend. Haruki ordered a café latte.

“This place really has a great atmosphere, doesn’t it?”

“Is this your first time in a place like this?”

“I don’t come to spots like this often. When I go out with friends, we usually just end up at Starbucks.”

“Same here. If I’m with friends, it’s usually Starbucks too.”

The walls were decorated with Showa-era posters, and the lighting was designed like vintage lanterns. The whole interior radiated a nostalgic, retro vibe.

“Even just waiting for our coffee while listening to classical music feels relaxing, doesn’t it?”

“Wait, this is classical?”

“Yup! You’re not into music, Kengorou?”

“Not really. You like it though?”

“Yeah, I often listen to it while studying.”

“What kind of music do you usually listen to?”

“Hmm… rather than explaining, how about we just listen to something together?”

“Together?”

We were in a public café, so I didn’t think she meant playing music out loud, but before I could say anything, Haruki pulled out her phone and a pair of earbuds.

“Here, this one’s for you.”

She offered me one earbud.

“Thanks.”

A bit flustered, I accepted it and placed it in my left ear.

When I glanced beside me, Haruki was right there—really close. She was scrolling through her phone, completely unfazed by the distance between us.

Wait a minute.

Of course, using shared earbuds meant we had to sit close… but this was way too close. I could clearly see each individual eyelash. Her skin was so flawless it made me nervous just looking at it.

“Hey, isn’t this song nice?”

“Ah, um…”

Crap.

All I could hear was the sound of my own heartbeat pounding in my ears.

I couldn’t hear the music at all.

Haruki blinked those clear blue eyes, noticing something, then flashed me a sly grin.

“Wait… are you blushing?”

“Ugh.”

My reaction only made her grin deepen.

“Wow, so being this close to me makes you shy, huh? Kengorou, you’re so cute.”

“Grr…”

As an emergency escape, I pulled out the earbud, wiped it down with a napkin, and handed it back to her.

Haruki put her phone away and started poking me with a teasing smile.

What is this adorable yet annoyingly mischievous creature?

“Here’s your blend coffee, café au lait, coffee jelly, and pudding. Sorry for the wait!”

“Ah, thank you very much!”

“Thanks!”

We both quickly thanked the owner and took our drinks and desserts.

“Looks delicious…”

“Yeah, really nice presentation.”

Thank goodness—I escaped.

Or so I thought.

“Please, take your time and enjoy your date.”

The café owner caught my eye. He was visibly trying not to laugh, shoulders trembling from the effort.

“…Hey, Haruki.”

“Yeah, Kengorou?”

“How do you think we looked to other people just now?”

“Hmm… probably like a couple of total lovebirds, even if I say so myself.”

“Yeah… figures.”

I buried my face in my hands, overwhelmed with embarrassment.

This is what they mean by “I wish the ground would swallow me up.”

When I glanced over at Haruki, I noticed something unexpected—she had her head in her hands too.

One of her visible ears was bright red.

“What are you doing?”

“I… well, now that I think about it calmly, it’s kind of super embarrassing.”

“I get that.”

Just for a little while—just long enough that the coffee didn’t cool down—we stayed like that, both of us hiding our faces in mutual embarrassment.