After opening the door and entering the café, Maru greeted the owner who welcomed him warmly. The owner told him that she wished they’d do the shoot for longer because she had more customers now.

“I’ll put your coffee on the house. It’s a secret from the others.”

“Can’t you give some to the other people doing the shoot?”

“I’d love to, but if I give a free cup to everyone, I’d have a glaring hole in my accounting book.”

The owner made a dejected expression before smirking.

“Or what, should I do it? I’m actually known to be a big spender around here.”

“I was kidding, you know that. I’ll be here to buy 40 cups of black coffee around 3. I’ll bring it out in a large container like last time, so please be prepared for it.”

“I have it in the fridge already. I used some good coffee beans for it, so I’m sure it’ll taste good.”

“Thanks every time.”

“Don’t thank me. I’m getting paid for it. I’m grateful that you’re buying.”

But still, try out a latte from time to time – the owner added.

“Since you mentioned it, I should get a latte this time.”

“Isn’t your manager here today?”

“He had some work to do. But you asked me that last time too. Are you perhaps interested?”

“I wouldn’t go as far as to say interested,...