Kyo told Sakiko to follow Yuu out through the bookstore's front entrance and head to the café next door. Meanwhile, she mysteriously slipped through a door behind the cashier's counter, calling out, "See you in a bit," before disappearing inside.
From where the door was positioned, it probably connected directly to the café's backroom.
"Let's go too," Yuu said, watching Kyo vanish with obvious amusement.
She led Sakiko out of the bookstore, and with just a glance to the side, Sakiko immediately spotted the café's sign:
VA-11 HALL-A.
What a strange name.
Yuu must have anticipated her confusion because she offered an explanation before Sakiko could ask.
"It's pronounced 'Valhalla.' It's the name of a bar in one of Kyo's favorite games."
"I see."
Sakiko nodded. She wasn't very familiar with games.
Pushing open the door to VA-11 HALL-A, she was immediately struck with a strong sense of déjà vu.
It only took a moment to realize why.
This place looks like an expanded version of Kyo's bedroom.
Flowing water motifs decorated the entire space—wave-patterned lampshades, framed artwork of oceans and lakes, and soft background music layered with the gentle sounds of waves.
The most eye-catching feature was the bar counter itself.
It had been repurposed from a massive water tank.
The side facing the customers was transparent glass, showcasing the flowing water inside, complete with swaying aquatic plants and decorative coral.
It's so… Kyo.
"Good day, Miss Yuu. And welcome, little miss cutie."
Behind the bar stood a young woman who looked like a high school student, dressed in a classic black-and-white bartender uniform—the kind that instantly evoked the stereotypical image of a bartender.
Now that Sakiko thought about it, wasn't this just a more refined version of Kyo's usual attire? A white button-up paired with a dark vest…
Wait—so Kyo's been mimicking bartender outfits this whole time?
"The young shop owner just went into the backroom. She's probably still getting changed."
"Young shop owner?"
She must be talking about Kyo.
So Kyo even changed outfits just for mixing drinks?
"Thanks, Izumo." Yuu greeted the bartender casually. "This is the new hire at our bookstore."
"Hello, Miss Izumo. Please, just call me Sakiko."
Sakiko introduced herself, though she couldn't help but linger on that first greeting—Good day.
It had a refined, upper-class feel to it.
Could Izumo be a student from Tsukinomori's high school division?
For a brief moment, Sakiko tensed.
But she quickly reminded herself—high schoolers wouldn't recognize a junior high graduate like her.
"Let's take a seat. Kyo will probably take a while."
Yuu guided Sakiko to the bar, settling onto a stool.
"She has this whole ritual when it comes to mixing drinks. It takes time."
Sakiko nodded knowingly.
"Kyo really does seem like a different person when she's making drinks. You can feel how much she loves it."
Yuu chuckled.
"You know my little sister pretty well, huh?"
"Not really," Sakiko admitted. "Honestly, even though we've known each other for a month, I feel like I've only truly understood her for a single day."
"Is that so?"
Yuu leaned forward slightly.
"Then, Sakiko—what do you think of Kyo?"
"Huh?"
Sakiko blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
Why does this sound like a parent checking out their younger sibling's date?
"Just wondering what kind of impression she's left on you. Do you think she's easy to get along with? I do worry about whether she can make friends normally."
Sakiko thought back to her interactions with Kyo.
In truth, the only moment that had truly stood out in her memory was that rainy day.
"Free-spirited… yet a little reckless."
She hesitated, then added, "It might sound strange, since Kyo usually seems so laid-back—like today. But if I had to describe the strongest impression she left on me… those would be the words I'd choose."
Yuu was surprised for a moment, then smiled—relieved.
So that's how it is…
Her biggest concern about Kyo had never been her difficulty in understanding emotions.
What truly worried her was the way Kyo restricted herself because of it.
In order to blend into social situations, Kyo had once shocked their entire family by forcing herself to mimic what she believed to be normal behavior.
And the truth was—she had succeeded.
Her sharp observational and deductive skills allowed her to seamlessly adjust her behavior, becoming whatever made the person in front of her feel most comfortable.
But in doing so, she had buried her own personality.
Free-spirited, unrestrained, deeply passionate—yet effortlessly approachable.
That was the real Kyo, flowing like water, drawing people in with her quiet allure.
And now, someone had managed to see that side of her.
Whether Kyo had chosen to reveal it or Sakiko had been perceptive enough to notice it on her own, either way—it was a good thing.
Click, click.
A series of sharp footsteps echoed from behind the bar, cutting off their conversation.
The sound was soon followed by Kyo, now in a completely different outfit.
She still wore a white button-up, but unlike her usual loose-fitting, casual style, this one was tailored at the waist, accentuating her slender frame.
The sleeves were neatly rolled up, leaving her hands and wrists fully visible.
Over the shirt, she wore a deep blue vest, fastened down the front with a row of light gold rope closures—like small islands dotting a vast ocean. The fitted cut emphasized her waistline even further.
Between the vest and the shirt's collar sat a bright red tie, adding a striking contrast. It gave this young bartender an extra air of professionalism.
Her pants were light gray, slim-fitting yet not restrictive, creating a sharp visual contrast with the dark vest.
The outfit's design naturally highlighted Kyo's proportions—her long legs in particular.
Though she wasn't especially tall, she carried herself in a way that made her seem statuesque.
And the source of that crisp clicking sound?
A pair of polished, low-heeled leather shoes.
Their glossy surface reflected the café's warm lighting as she moved with effortless grace.
Even her hairstyle was different.
Instead of her usual bun, her hair had been redone into a neat, low ponytail.
A small change, but enough to make her feel completely different.
Like a real bartender.
That was Sakiko's first impression.
Her second?
She looked really good.
Kyo's naturally cool, composed features were only enhanced by the monochrome outfit, lending her an air of restrained elegance.
But at the same time, she wore a warm, inviting smile.
That contrast—between polished detachment and open friendliness—was what drew people in.
It made you want to know her better, yet kept you at just enough distance to never fully grasp her.
"So?" Kyo leaned against the bar with both hands.
"How do I look?"
"You look great," Sakiko said honestly. "This style really suits you—not just visually, but in terms of presence, too."
Pleased with the response she had been fishing for, Kyo looked rather smug—until she suddenly let out a dramatic sigh.
"But what a shame. I have the bartender outfit, but all I can run is a café."
"Well, selling alcohol requires a separate license," Yuu reminded her, reaching over to flick her on the forehead.
"And there is no way I'm letting you run a bar before you're even legally an adult."
"I still remember what happened the last time I let you have one sip of beer."
"Tch…"
Yuu didn't elaborate.
But Sakiko had a pretty good guess.
Kyo was already prone to getting "tipsy" just from drinking too much tea.
And she was always on the lookout for new water sources to heighten her sensory experiences.
Right now, she wasn't legally allowed to drink.
But if she was…
Wouldn't she just immediately get drunk and go completely out of control?
…Honestly, Sakiko was a little curious.