[center][b][u]4/7 Late Afternoon - The Silver Dragon Restaurant[/u][/b][/center]

[indent]Not only was the boy cute, but he was also very nice.  While some of the customers decided to kick up a fuss about the commotion with Ame, this customer was nice enough to just peacefully let it breeze over him. The waitress shifted from side to side as the boy looked over the menu and when he decided on a bowl of Shio Ramen Kaori smiled and nodded.

[color=Plum][b]“Coming right up!”[/b][/color] She responded cheerfully. Kaori was about to hand his order over to the kitchen when he commented on how her name suited her before she could stammer out a 'thank you' he suddenly looked consumed in thought. The lightbulb in his head went off as he connected the dots that she was Kaori Matsushida. That confirmed that they went to the same school then and he called her Senpai so Kaori knew she must be older than he was, but she still couldn’t help turn a little red at his comment.

[color=Plum][b]“I-I think champ might be too strong of a word. I just take part in competitions is all. Thank you though, it’s nice to be appreciated. So, since you know my name it’s only fair I get to know yours! I’ve seen you around once or twice. Doesn’t your family run the local dojo?”[/b][/color]

The topic turned to Ame and all Kaori could do was shake her head with concern. [color=Plum][b]“I’m afraid I don’t know either. Everything seemed normal until just now. She was acting a little weird, she said she was going to go to the city and start her own restaurant. She offered me a job. Of course, I’m not going to take it but it was so strange. She even gave me this lipgloss to remember her by but…we weren’t really all that close.”[/b][/color] Kaori caught herself as she realised she was starting to go off on a tangent.

[color=Plum][b]“Sorry! You probably don’t care about all that, huh?”[/b][/color] She apologised to the boy. Suddenly it felt like the heat of a thousand suns was drilling into the back of her head and as she looked back she noticed the other waitresses were staring – red hot envy apparent. 

[color=Plum][b]“I better get your order into the kitchen, you’ve got a bit of a fan club here. They’re nice girls, if you’re looking that is.”[/b][/color] She whispered and with a playful wink went to hand in his order. Of course, she didn’t make it further than the counter before she was bombarded by the two other girls looking for details.

[color=SpringGreen][b]“Well! You took a long time.”[/b][/color]

[color=Orange][b]“Did he give you his number? Did he ask for yours?”[/b][/color]

[color=SpringGreen][b]“Is he single? Does he have a girlfriend? He does, doesn’t he? All the cute ones do!”[/b][/color]

[color=Orange][b]“Does he have a crush on anyone?”[/b][/color]

[color=Plum][b]“Um, sorry I didn’t ask.”[/b][/color]

[color=Orange][b]“What do you mean you DIDN’T ask?”[/b][/color]

[color=SpringGreen][b]“If you weren't flirting then what WERE you doing.”[/b][/color]

[color=Plum][b]“Relax ladies, I was taking his order – y’know almost like a waitress. Then he asked what went on with Ame and I told him I don’t know. That’s it.”[/b][/color]

[color=Orange][b]“Are you sure? I’m serving him the next time he comes in!”[/b][/color]

[color=Plum][b]“Feel free.”[/b][/color]

[color=SpringGreen][b]“You better not be holding out on us Kaori if, if you start dating the cute customer boy we’re making you work all the weekend shifts!”[/b][/color]

[color=Plum][b]“That’s all! I promise. But he’s a pretty friendly guy, why not go over and talk to him yourselves?”[/b][/color]   

The two girls peered over Kaori’s shoulder and seemed to be eyeing the boy up and down; almost like he was a piece of meat. Kaori was almost shocked at her co-worker's lack of tact, they may as well just ask him to strip at this point. She mentally rolled her eyes at the fact neither even seemed to be interested enough to ask his name. But it didn’t take long for their gaze to shift from Akatsuki’s table to the doorway. Not another cute boy – there was no guarantee the girls would be able to function.

[color=SpringGreen][b]“Oh. My. God.” [/b][/color]

Turning around to see what the fuss was all about Kaori found herself equally shocked. A woman had come in with her daughter, which seemed ordinary enough, but the girl had a very…eye-catching sense of style. She was dressed in mostly black and the style of the dress wasn’t exactly modern – in fact, Kaori wasn’t sure that they even sold dresses like that in regular clothing stores. She was almost curious about how the girl came to obtain since Hinasho wasn’t exactly renowned for its choice of fashion outlets. None of them could quite break away their gaze as Itachi got them sat at a table and offered them both menus. The girls all stared for a moment before Kaori realised that nobody else was rushing to serve them. Making her way over with a friendly smile on her face and trusty notepad in hand – she refused to be deterred. Just because this girl dressed differently than she did was no assertion on her character. She didn’t look bad, she kind of looked like one of those ancient gothic queens found in literature – the ones who killed had their lovers killed if they displeased them. Judging from the girl's appearance she’d probably appreciate that comparison, but Kaori didn’t fancy being slapped across the face if she was wrong so she decided to keep the comment to herself.

[color=Plum][b]“Welcome to the Silver Dragon! We’re having an offer tonight; thirty percent off every menu item. It’s also half off for all the ramen bowls too, so if you’re looking to make a steal then start there. We also have our challenge bowl! A massive bowl of meat, noodles and dumplings – made with a special blend of spices and our secret sauce. Finish the whole thing within an hour and it’s free. What can I get the two of you?”[/b][/color] Turning to the young woman she decided she would attempt to engage in some friendly conversation. [color=Plum][b]“Cool dress, by the way.”[/b][/color] [/indent]