The bar master was doing what he always did—cleaning glasses while listening to the woes of his patrons.
But tonight's customer's troubles were… a little different than usual.
"So, it's a relationship problem, huh?"
"Yeah... I really don't know what to do anymore."
"Don't get so caught up in it."
The bar master gave a slightly stiff smile and handed the customer a special cocktail.
"A love issue, huh... I don't know the full details, but I can say just one thing."
"Please do."
"I don't think any normal person should be troubled by how to get two girls who see each other as rivals to sleep together with him under the same blanket."
Thud!
"But no matter how I try to talk them into it, it just doesn't work!"
Kamishiro's eyes rolled back slightly as he tearfully leaned against the counter. He had really tried everything for this dream of his, and in return, he got slapped by the two girls he liked least.
"…"
The bar master's mouth twitched. If he didn't know this guy personally, he'd think he was just messing with him.
This is modern society, after all. No matter how good-looking you are, there's no way two girls who dislike each other would willingly snuggle up with you. What kind of ridiculous underclassman does Kotobuki have!?
"Ughhh... Back in high school, the others all agreed to it... Why now...?"
"…"
Listening to Kamishiro's absurd tale, the bar master suddenly lost all hope in Japan's high school education system.
What kind of high school did this guy even attend? And did he even study?! How the hell did he get into college!?
The bar master didn't understand, really didn't understand, and he didn't want to listen anymore. He was too old to hear stories that would just make him die of envy.
His own high school days were nothing like this...
Too bad—
He couldn't leave...
There weren't any other customers around, and no other staff to take over.
(T_T)
God, please—someone save me!
Perhaps moved by his prayer, a savior really did arrive!
Smack!
"Hey, little Shiro, you're here too, huh!"
A heavy slap on the shoulder nearly made Kamishiro jump out of his skin. Without even looking back, he already knew—it was Azusa. Her head was leaning on his neck, arms wrapped around him.
"Ugh… That scared me, Azusa-nee."
Seeing it was her, Kamishiro glared in annoyance. He'd almost pulled off his karate move just now. You don't just sneak up and smack people like that—it's dangerous!
Especially when he was just in the middle of sharing his glorious tales.
Wait—
Where was I?
"Azusa, you came at just the right time. Help me watch the bar. I've got something to take care of—see ya!"
As Kamishiro seemed about to resume his tale of one man, two-three-four women, the bartender made a clean getaway.
A swift exit. Before either of them could react, he was gone, swallowed by the night.
"..."
Kamishiro and Azusa both stared, blank-eyed. Bean-sized eyes locked with each other.
…Were they really that scary?
Now, only two youthful souls remained in the bar—
—
"Angel's Kiss, enjoy~"
Bartender Kamishiro in action. He handed the beautiful girl a cocktail named "Angel's Kiss."
The brownish liquor topped with white cream created an irresistible temptation.
The bright red cherry added a gentle elegance, like a fallen angel lazily lying beneath an apple tree.
And true to its name, the drink tasted like a kiss from an angel.
"Looks good, little Shiro."
Azusa praised him with a dazed, dreamy look—seemed like the alcohol was already kicking in. (Impossible)
Dark brown liquor, white cream, and her seductive red lips twisted together—
Sweet.
She felt like she was floating through the clouds with an angel.
Seeing her enjoying it so much, Kamishiro smiled happily.
There was nothing more satisfying for a bartender than seeing a beauty smile after tasting your drink.
it made his smile widen even more.
Some time passed.
Once Azusa returned to herself, Kamishiro asked, "How is it?"
"Fantastic! I think I'm in love with this drink. Does it have some special meaning?"
Azusa picked the cherry off the glass, playfully looking at him.
Kamishiro chuckled, snatching the cherry and holding it to her lips.
"Does everything need a deep meaning? Most cocktail meanings are made up anyway, just to sell better."
"Chomp~"
Hearing this, Azusa rolled her eyes at him and bit into the cherry.
"Shiro, you really know how to ruin a mood. Even if there's no meaning, you should've made one up to impress a girl."
"Just telling the truth." Kamishiro shrugged and brushed away the bangs that fell across her face from the drink.
"This drink was made for ultimate sweetness. Its meaning? A kiss from an angel."
"A kiss from an angel, huh... Well, this angel's lips are sweet, I'll give you that."
Azusa swirled her glass and smiled, but she didn't seem as into it now.
She wasn't the pure-hearted type who wanted sweet kisses from angels.
She was passionate, bold, and craved excitement—definitely more suited to hanging with demons.
Just like Kamishiro, the little devil himself.
"Next time, make me a Devil's Kiss."
"Got it."
Kamishiro replied without missing a beat. He'd never heard of that cocktail before—but if a beautiful Onee-san requested it, he'd just make something up.
"So, beautiful lady, what's troubling you tonight?"
He smiled. Azusa had picked a sweet drink because she was troubled—needing something pleasant to lift her mood.
"Troubled? Ah, you saw through me, huh?"
Azusa laughed and scratched her head. She remembered what her adorable junior had told her earlier.
Ah, the troubles of youth.
She looked at Kamishiro—like an endless abyss she wanted to dive into.
She, Azusa Hamaoka, seemed to have found a youthful trouble of her own.
Gulp—
She stood, drained the rest of her drink in one go, then leaned her forehead against Kamishiro's.
Those seductive violet eyes stared into his dark, confused ones.
"Azusa…"
Kamishiro looked puzzled, but before he could say more, a slender finger pressed against his lips.
And her voice, soft and sultry, whispered:
"I'll tell you next time~"
Then, her soft red lips gently kissed the fingertip resting on his lips.
Hot breath mingled.
At that moment, only a single finger separated Kamishiro from her lips.
He stood there, dazed, not used to this kind of intimate cute love.
And in those few seconds, the devilish girl was already gone—leaving only a voice behind:
"Don't forget to watch the bar!"
Watching her retreating figure, Kamishiro chuckled softly.
She looked like a little kid running away after causing trouble.
Ding-dong~
The bar returned to its usual peace.
—