The patisserie. A place full of wondrous joys. The brick structure is aesthetically pleasing. A true blue place to go, if you want to relax and not give a damn about the world.
 
And yet, it haunts me.
 
It's the same place where... it all happened... hmph, there's no point in dwelling in the past now is there?
 
I walk up to the door and grip the rustic handle. It's been a year since and I've grown to love this place. They bake insanely delicious sweets and serve freshly brewed coffee. But that's not the best thing about this place...
 
"Ah, good afternoon!" A loud and warm greeting echoes across the room as I open the door. "Oh? If it isn't Hisao! Come, take a seat over there."
 
"Thanks, Erina." I reply as I casually make my way to my seat. As I do so, I notice that there aren't much people here. Actually, that's an understatement, there are literally no people here aside from me and Erina. But of course, it is just a small shop after all.
 
I pull the chair back take my seat as Erina pulls out a small yellow notepad and a pen.
 
"So, what will it be?" She says in a very soft-spoken tone.
 
"Hmmm." As I ponder upon what to request, I realize that in front of me stands an attractive young woman with brown hair in a green dress and an apron. But those aren't her most attractive traits, it's that goddamn smile that always melts my heart like a thousand suns. Was she always this attractive? Of course she is. I always think about the same thing every time I go here.
 
A finger pops into my sight and starts snapping loudly. "Uh, Hisao? A-are you alright?" she says in a worried voice. "You seem off today." I look towards her and notice her making a face mixed with confusion and worry.
 
"It's nothing..." My voice trails off in to silence and a rather awkward silence creeps up in the atmosphere. I flash her a warm hearted smile to break the ice. "..I'll just take the usual."
 
And with that, her eyes lit up and a flashy grin pops on her face. "Will do!" She says as she scrambles away towards the small counter fashioned with old oak wood carved with beautiful markings.
 
I look outside the window to see the rain stopped. A group of little children playing in the streets catch my attention. They're playing at the same spot where... Hanako and I kissed... Dammit, I told myself that there's no point in dwelling the past, right? But for some reason... I just can't..
 
"Here you go!~" Erina catches me by surprise as I snap back into reality.
 
"T-Thanks." I reply in a hushed voice.
 
She then tilts her head and puts her hands on her waist. "Hmph, are you sure you're alright Hisao?" she nags at me as she takes the seat right in front of me. "Honestly, what's wrong with you today?"
 
"I..." I think for a moment before I give her a proper answer. Should I tell her about it? Should I tell her how I really feel right now? In fact, I don't even know how I feel right now. I feel depressed because I can't forget the memories of my ex-girlfriend. And then I also feel relieved. Relieved that... I'm away from that...
 
...Silence fills the room yet again.
 
"I... I love you, Erina!" I shout at her while my emotions are filled to the brim. Damn, did I lose my mind? Why the hell did I even shout that? As I question my actions, I notice Erina standing there firm and steady, pushed back by my shout. Her hands relax to the sides, gives me that lovely smile and a flush of red works its way to her cheeks. She then leans in towards me and her arms envelop me in a soft hug. Her dainty arms rubbing my back as I return her hug.
 
"I know, you always say that... I love you too, Hisao," She whispers to me, giving a small chuckle afterwards. "I think I've put too much sugar in your coffee, honey. Oh, more customers!" She jumps in surprise. She backs away for a bit and leans back planting a small peck on my nose.
 
"Enjoy your meal dear! I have to attend to more customers." As she jets off back to the counter with the silver tray at hand.
 
God, she's so lovely.