翻訳機に入れただけなので変だったらすみません……💦
Sorry if it sounds odd, I only ran it through a translator.

After closing, the bookstore was as silent as if the daytime bustle had never existed.
When Eric turned off the last light and closed the door, the night air brushed his cheek with a cool touch.
The moment he stepped outside, a cold raindrop hit his shoulder.
He paused, regretting slightly that he had left without an umbrella.
It had been perfectly clear that morning, and rushing out of the house to avoid being late had left him no time to check the weather.

The streetlights reflected on the wet asphalt, forming countless ripples, while the city was wrapped in the soft sound of rain.
As his gaze wandered, he noticed a single warm light glowing in the darkness.

Cafe Noir et Lune.
The shop should have been closed, yet a gentle light spilled from the back of the store.
Almost as if drawn to it, Eric’s steps carried him to the door.

Peering inside, he saw a young man working quietly in the dim light.
The urge to call his name escaped as a whisper.

“…Mr. Lee.”

The voice was so small it should have been lost in the rain, yet Lee paused, as if sensing it, and slowly raised his head.
Blue eyes caught Eric’s gaze directly, and he widened his eyes in surprise.

The door opened softly, releasing the warm aroma of coffee along with the night’s chill.
“…I’m afraid we’re closed for today. However—if you wish to stay until the rain stops, you are welcome.”

His low, calm voice carried no rejection, only a quiet warmth.
Eric hesitated, lowering his gaze for a moment.
“…Would it trouble you?”

Lee gave a brief shake of his head.
“Come in, before you get soaked.”

That quiet voice nudged him forward.
Eric smiled softly and nodded.
“Thank you… I’ll take you up on your offer.”

He bowed politely, shoulders slightly hunched as raindrops slid down.
His silver hair shimmered faintly under the glow of the night.


☾


“I was just testing a new recipe. …Would you like to try it?”
Lee’s voice was quiet, tinged with a hint of kindness.

“That would be an honor. I’d be delighted to.”
Eric smiled and took a seat as invited, accepting a towel with a small word of thanks.

Soon, a honey lemon tart was placed before him.
Its surface shone with a delicate glaze, topped with a thin slice of lemon.
When he cut into it, a sweet and tangy aroma rose softly, wrapped in the gentle sweetness of honey.
He took a bite—refreshing citrus and mellow sweetness melted together.
At a loss for words, he simply lifted his gaze.
Lee narrowed his eyes slightly, watching quietly.

After finishing the tart, Eric placed the cup down with a small sigh.
“…It was truly delicious. The balance of acidity and sweetness is perfect—it hardly seems like a test recipe.”

At the compliment, Lee lowered his gaze slightly and simply replied,
“Your feedback is noted.”

A comfortable silence followed—until it was broken by a small sound.

Grrr…

Eric blinked, his face turning red.
“…Pardon me, it seems I’m a bit hungry.”
He averted his eyes, embarrassed.

Lee tilted his head slightly and spoke calmly.
“I can make something warm right away. How about a croque-monsieur—ham and cheese on toasted bread?”

“I appreciate the offer, but… it’s late. I shouldn’t eat too much.”

“Feeling guilty? …Then how about we share? I’ll make it light.”
His lips curved faintly.
“I skipped dinner myself while working.”


☾☾



Before long, a warm croque-monsieur, neatly cut in half, was served.
A small bowl of green salad and yogurt drizzled with honey accompanied it.

“I prepared it light, as requested. Less cheese, and the béchamel is milkier for a softer finish. The salad and yogurt… to keep it balanced.”

“Thank you. I rarely take proper care of myself…”

“That much is clear. —You never change.”
His voice was calm, yet carried a note of nostalgia.

Eric tilted his head curiously.
“Have we… met somewhere before?”

Lee lowered his eyes gently.
“No—”

He said nothing more, and silence settled between them.
Only the rain’s gentle sound remained as they shared the warm meal.


After finishing, Eric hesitated before speaking.
“I only meant to try the new recipe, yet you’ve served me such a wonderful meal. I must pay—”

Lee interrupted smoothly.
“I had half of it as well, didn’t I?”
His lips curved in a faint, playful smile.

Eric looked down, faltering.
“But—”

“In that case, come back for another coffee.”
The words were delivered so lightly, yet they lingered in his chest like the night air.
Eric smiled faintly and nodded.

Lee picked up the cup from the table and stood.
His movements were precise yet gentle, and the white porcelain glowed faintly under the light.
Eric found himself quietly watching the way he handled it.

“Lastly, a warm latte. …Please wait a moment.”

He reached for a small jar and opened it.
“For the night, I’ll use decaf beans. It will help you rest well.”

A softer aroma filled the air as he ground the beans and set them carefully.
The espresso flowed slowly, while he steamed the milk to a fine microfoam, adjusting the temperature with care.
Eric watched silently as the milk was poured, blending with the espresso in the cup, white and brown slowly swirling into a pattern.

Taking a pick, Lee drew delicate lines across the foam.
A round face, long ears—soon, a charming rabbit appeared in the cup.

“…It’s done. I tried to make it resemble you. How is it?”

Eric smiled at the cup offered to him.
“…Fufu, I’m not nearly that cute. But… thank you.”

He wrapped his hands around the cup and inhaled the gentle aroma.
“It smells so soft… I almost don’t want to drink it.”

Lee narrowed his eyes quietly.
“Drink it while it’s warm. —If it cools, the sweetness will fade.”

Eric chuckled softly and took a sip.
“It’s wonderful. The sweetness is just right.”

“I enhanced the milk’s natural sweetness. A gentle taste, fitting for the night. And you wouldn’t enjoy it if it were bitter.”

Eric’s shoulders trembled slightly as he smiled shyly.
“…You’ve seen right through me.”

Lee’s lips curved faintly, his voice calm.
“Of course. I already know your preferences.”


☾☾☾


The rain had stopped, and the night had grown late.
Glancing at the clock, Eric’s shoulders fell slightly.
“…As much as I hate to leave, I should go. I’d only be troubling you if I stayed any longer.”

Though he said it, the reluctance was clear in his voice.
He sighed softly, adding with a faint smile,
“I wish I could stay longer, but I have a meeting with the publisher about the new book fair tomorrow morning. Thank you for the meal—it was truly wonderful.”

He stood, then turned back with a small hesitation.
“When will that lemon tart be on the menu? …I’ll come back to have it again.”

Lee’s eyes softened as he replied,
“Fortunately, it seems to have been well received—so very soon. I’ll be here, waiting.”

When Eric stepped outside, the night air was filled with the scent of rain-washed streets.
He turned back, gazing at the now-darkened café for a moment before walking away.
Behind the glass, blue eyes quietly watched his retreating figure.