Her particular taste in coffee

A few days after the hospital incident, Hotaru was sitting in her room, studying for her upcoming exams, when her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and froze. The message was from an unknown number, but the content was unmistakably Midori. **Unknown Number:** *Tachibana-kun, it’s Midori. I hope you’re not still mad about the hospital. Coffee tomorrow? My treat.* Hotaru stared at the message, her mind racing. How did he get her number? And more importantly, why was he texting her like this was completely normal? She quickly typed back: *How did you get this number?!* Then she waited. And waited. And waited. Five minutes later, her phone finally buzzed again. **Midori:** *A good doctor never reveals his secrets.* Hotaru groaned, tossing her phone onto the bed. Of course Midori would do something like this. He was always one step ahead, always finding ways to get under her skin. Her phone buzzed again after another agonizingly long pause. She picked it up, glaring at the screen. **Midori:** *So, coffee?* Hotaru typed back quickly: *I didn’t say yes!* Another eternity passed before his reply came through. **Midori:** *But you didn’t say no either.* Hotaru rolled her eyes. *That doesn’t mean yes!* She waited, tapping her foot impatiently. Finally, her phone buzzed. **Midori:** *See you tomorrow, Tachibana-kun. Café Blanc. 3 PM. Don’t be late.* Hotaru stared at the screen, her frustration mounting. *I’m not coming!* She waited for his reply, but after ten minutes of silence, she gave up. Midori had clearly decided the conversation was over—or maybe he was still typing. Either way, she was stuck.   The next day, Hotaru found herself standing outside Café Blanc, her arms crossed and her expression stormy. She had told herself she wasn’t going to come, but somehow, here she was. Midori was already waiting for her, leaning casually against the wall with a cup of coffee in hand. He looked unfairly handsome in a simple button-up shirt and slacks, his emerald hair catching the sunlight. “You’re late,” he said, his smirk widening as she approached. “I’m not late,” Hotaru snapped. “And I’m only here because you wouldn’t stop texting me.” Midori chuckled, handing her a cup of coffee. “Sure, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night. Here, I got you your favorite.” Hotaru blinked, staring at the cup. “How do you know my favorite?” “I don't,” he said, his tone teasing. “But I am looking forward to know if I made the right choice.” She huffed, taking the cup. “Unbelievable!” They found a table outside, the warm summer breeze making the atmosphere feel almost… pleasant. Hotaru sipped her coffee, trying to ignore the way Midori was watching her with that infuriatingly amused expression. “So,” he said after a moment. “How’s school been? Still acing all your exams?” Hotaru shrugged. “It’s fine. I’ve been busy.” “Too busy to text me back?” he asked, his tone light but his eyes sharp. “I didn’t think you were serious,” she muttered, avoiding his gaze. Midori leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “I’m always serious when it comes to you, Tachibana-kun.” Hotaru’s cheeks flushed, and she quickly took another sip of her super bitter coffee (really her favourite) to hide her embarrassment. They sat in silence for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Hotaru’s heart raced, her mind struggling to process his words. She wanted to argue, to tell him he was being his teasing self, but the sincerity in his gaze left her speechless. Before she could respond, Midori’s phone buzzed. He glanced at it, then sighed. “Duty calls. I have to get back to the hospital.” Hotaru nodded, though she couldn’t deny the pang of disappointment she felt. “Right. Of course.” Midori stood, his smirk returning. “Don’t look so sad, Tachibana-kun. This isn’t goodbye. It’s just… until next time.” Hotaru’s face burned, and she quickly looked away. “I’m not sad, and there won't be any next time!.” “Of course not,” he said, his tone teasing. “But just in case, here’s something to remember me by.” Before she could react, he leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to her forehead. Hotaru’s eyes widened, and she instinctively pushed him away, her face burning. “M-Midori-san!” she exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and frustration. “What are you doing?!” “Just leaving a mark,” he replied with a smile as radiant as the Sun. “See you soon, Tachibana-kun.” With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Hotaru sitting there, her face flushed and her heart pounding. Later that evening, Hotaru found herself staring at her phone, a small smile tugging at her lips. Midori had texted her again: *Thanks for the coffee, Tachibana-kun. Next time, it’s your treat.* She rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t deny the warmth in her chest. And though she’d never admit it out loud, she found herself looking forward to next encounter with that crazy pediatrician.