The Black Cat Pavilion is quiet and empty before opening.

The long, spacious counter and many tables arranged throughout the cafe await the arrival of customers.

The tabletops have all been cleaned and polished so that they reflect light from the filament bulbs that adorn the walls.

Farther inside is a single lovely upright piano.

The reflective surface of polished cherry brown wood peeks out from under the velvet cover.

The soft clink of a teacup on its saucer.

Karasuba-san poured freshly brewed black tea from the pot.

The soft scene of apples wafted up from the cup.

"I'm sorry to impose on you...."

I glanced over at the kitchen.

I could just barely see Haizakura inside as she sliced bread from the loaves she'd brought back.

"Hahaha... you heard about that?"

"She's the same as me then."

I dropped 3 spoonfuls of sugar into the tea before tasting it.

"You don't have to worry about me."

She laughed and walked by with a swish of apron strings.

She went to the upright piano and then beyond it to a gramophone. She lifted the needle and then placed it onto the spinning record. After a few seconds the soft, melancholy sounds of flute music began to play.

"...Does anyone play the piano?"

"It must be fun to have live singing and music."

I waited, hoping that Karasuba-san would continue, but she stood with a difficult to read expression on her face.

As she looked at the piano, she seemed nostalgic and perhaps mournful.

"Now..?"

I remembered seeing a paper on the wall as I came in. So that had been a flyer advertising for a cook.

Haizakura: "Usa-saaaaan!"

Haizakura came bouncing out of the kitchen.

Haizakura: "Please have a sandwich!"

"No, no, I couldn't."

It was a simple ham and cheese sandwich.

Haizakura was standing off to the side smiling.

"Then... thank you."

I opened my mouth and took a bite.

"........"

Haizakura: "Myu! You're crying!"

I can't resist sweets, but when it comes to spice I am rather weak.

But that wasn't the only reason for my tears.

"But it's delicious. Truly."

The sweet scent of fruity tea and the sharp spice of the sandwich.

Soft, gentle music and smiles that warm the heart.

This cafe is so wonderfully comfortable.

"Um, Karasuba-san."

That's why I spoke to Haizakura's senpai once more.

"Would you consider hiring me?"