Chapter 82 – The Angel, the Cat, and the White Beard



He did research on it to some extent, but when Amane entered the cat cafe personally, the space before him was more spacious than he imagined.

The duo paid, sanitized their hands with alcohol, entered the cafe, and saw cats everyone. Some were strolling around, some were curled, and some were playing with the customers.

"Woah...it's bigger than I thought, and prettier."

As the cafe provided food, cleanliness was a must. In spite of that, the cafe was much cleaner than he imagined.

The distinct stench of animals could not be detected. It was practically odorless.

This shop was very popular, but there were few seats, so that the kittens would not be pressurized.

The shop contained a rest area for cats, and the purpose appeared to be for people to share space with the cats, rather than just have fun.

The cat cafe charged by hour, and it was rather pricey. Despite that, one would think the price was worth it, given the pretty decorations and the comforting atmospheres.

"Phaaa...cats...please look, Amane-kun. This little one looks really cute."

Mahiru whispered as she tugged at Amane's sleeve, for there were other cats and customers around. However, her voice contained much excitement.

She looked around as she stared at the various cats, her eyes sparkling.

Mahiru hardly talked about animals, but it appeared she really loved these cats. Amane too unwittingly smiled as he saw how excited she was.

"Yeah, they're really cute."

"Nn. Ah, I think that one is called Silk-chan."

It appeared Mahiru did not understand which was the cute one Amane referred to. She had taken the book containing the photos, names and breed, and pointed at Siamese cat.

That cat had black fur on its tail and the area around the face. It had white fur all over its thin limbs.

It had distinct blue eyes, and carried a regal presence.

Mahiru's eyes faltered, and she had the urge to touch. However, the shop forbade sudden contact, so Mahiru knelt down to exchange looks with it, before she gently reached her finger to its nose.

The twitchy nose sniffed at Mahiru's hand.

It seemed this little gesture had Mahiru muttering "Cute". She probably was fond of cats.

Once Silk had a sniff of Mahiru's smell, it gracefully walked away.

And immediately, Mahiru looked completely despondent.

"I don't think it hates you. It just leaves after greeting you."

"Is that so..."

"Yeah. Just let it get familiar with you. Anyway, let's find a place to sit."

"B-because...it is a pity to ruin such a cute cat..."

"It's a pity not to drink it."

"Uu."

While he understood how Mahiru felt, he had a feeling that the latte art would be ruined if left be. The maker would be happy if she were to drink it before it cooled and was ruined.

Once he thoroughly appraised the photo, he casually brought the cup to his lips.

*Ahhhh...*he heard a sad groan next to him, and did his best not to ruin the art as he drank. The latte tasted good, and the richness of both the coffee and the milk were just right.

It was not sweet, but Amane was fine with black coffee. No worries for him here.

"Yep. It's good."

Mahiru mumbled away once she saw Amane sigh and express his comments, but she hesitated to bring the cup to her mouth.

She made sure not to ruin the cat on the latte, and cautiously lifted it. it was an amusing and adorable sight that left Amane smiling.

"Wh-why do I feel I am taken for a fool?"

"You're thinking too much. Is it good?"

"Yes. Of course."

Mahiru moved the cup away from her lips, and Amane started huffing his shoulders.

"Wh-why are you laughing?"

"Well, you have a white beard on your face."

There was a Santa-like white beard near her mouth, as she paid too much attention not to destroy the cat and failed to notice the milk foam.

She looked so adorable that Amane instinctively took his smartphone out to take photos.

"Ah! Y-you just took a photo!?"

"Sorry. Do I have to delete it?"

"A-are you keeping that embarrassing photo?"

"It's so cute, so I,"

Mahiru bit her lips when she heard his eyes, and her cheeks reddened slightly. "...just one." she muttered.

The white beard remained on her face as she said so. Amane felt his heart warm as he nodded, resisting the urge to laugh.

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