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Steeped in Mystery
The wandering barista once again finds himself in an odd location. His trip has brought him well outisde the hussle and bustle of the big city and to a small church. Kanda Church stood quietly as the night breeze swept through Ryoma's hair. A chapel? How quaint. I've never been a man of faith but I must admit I do adore the artistic side of faith. With a soft chuckle, the man would lock his bike in place with the kickstands before entering the rustic looking building. Upon entering there is little to see save for the priest tending to the candles. Ryoma would silently nod to the man and exchange smiles before moving to sit in a pew and close his eyes.
Saeko walked along the sidewalk, slightly chilled by the winds. On her way home, she carried a bag with her, and while walking, read from a small note with directions awkwardly scribbled on it. She put down her note to briefly sigh, feeling like she's been walking for an hour more than necessary, but as she did so she spotted a nearby bike locked up. "Hmm? Have I not seen this bike before?" Muttering to herself, she turned to glance at the nearest building. Kanda Church. Saeko briefly remembered someone mentioning this a while ago, though she never actually ended up visiting. On a whim she shrugged and decided to open the door and enter out of curiosity. "I suppose it would not hurt to rest here if nothing else..."
Alice paid no attention to the geared up bike standing outside of the church, heading up to the all-too familiar, at least to her, doors and heading inside. She'd be surprised to find that people other than the priest would be out and about in the church, thinking aloud in a hushed tone. No way... This place is typically dead right about now. Spotting the "wandering barista" seated in a pew, he'd be the first to strike her interest as she assumed he was actually in prayer. She'd glance at Saeko, giving her a sheepish smile but otherwise cutting the interaction short as she'd walk down the aisle and take a seat in the pew across from Ryoma's. She lowered her head but has yet to close her eyes and get lost in the quiet.
Ryoma would sit terribly still as he holds his eyes closed. What was only mere minutes felt like hours to the man as his eyes began to move behind his eyelids. His brow would begin to furrow as beads of sweat appear on his face. The reaction would have become far worse but luckily for him, the closing of the church door would be enough to rouse him. His eyes shoot open as he begins to calm himself. Hm? Oh, other patrons. The man notices the woman in the pew across from him before looking to Saeko. A warm smile is all he can muster while he continues to calm his nerves. Ah! Good evening, Miss Murakami! What brings you here? His voice is hushed as to not startle the other woman.
Saeko nods and quietly responds to Ryoma. "Good evening to you as well, Mr. Sakamichi. I had simply been walking home after shopping and noticed your bike outside. I.. met a woman once who mentioned this place to me, but I never actually visited, so I figured now would not hurt to gaze around. I hope I am not disturbing anything or anyone."
From a coiling mass of thick metal wiring that seemed to appear out of thin air, and vanish even more abruptly, came a man with strikingly white hair, and an odd getup. While a gentle smile coated his lips, his eyes held such a heavy look that it almost serves to make the aforementioned smile seem in-genuine to some degree. "My, this is quite a treat. It is not often I find myself visiting monuments of human faith such as this." He looked up at the building wistfully, before entering himself and seeing the people who have gathered. "Though, perhaps seeing people congregating here, showing faith for something they believe is even more wonderful."
Overhearing the exchange that was now going on between the two of them, Alice would close her eyes in order to present herself as if she's in prayer. She knew it was rude to eavesdrop and didn't particularly come here to do that so she'd try her best to drown the two of them out... But that's easier said than done. Mmmmf... focus. She was eventually able to recount the first few words of her most commonly whispered prayer, beginning to drown out her surroundings and do what she had come to do in the first place.
The man finally calms himself and grabs a handkerchief from his apron before dealing with the sweat. He stands and moves into the aisle to properly greet Saeko with a bow. Ah. I doubt you would cause an uproar for merely spectating. I know I was here for the same purpose. The priest would smile before excusing himself to the back of the chapel. Ryoma would smile and bow to the newcomer. Ah. Good evening sir. My name is Ryoma Sakamichi, the wandering barista! Pleased to make your acquaintance. The man tried to lower his voice as much as possible upon hearing the woman's whispering. He certainly didn't want to any trouble to start brewing.
The man would turn his attention to Ryoma, whom's kindness he replied to with a friendly wave. Ah, hello, Ryoma Sakamichi. The pleasure is all mine, I assure you. You are a barista? Interesting. Could I perhaps...indulge in a bit of coffee? I happen to be quite a fan.
Saeko awkwardly nods at the arrival of the man with white hair. Before perking up a bit at his last words, still attempting to be quiet to not disturb the other girl. "Ah, speaking of coffee... I was actually on my way home from purchasing some of what you requested. I figured it would not hurt to begin planting sometime soon." She steps closer to Ryoma, opening her bag so Ryoma can inspect the contents. "I am not sure of brands and their quality of these things, but I hope these ones are acceptable for what you need? Well... I suppose it does not much matter, as you said it depends on how it is prepared."
The man beams at Saeko and her bag of seeds. An almost childlike giddiness overflowing from the man. Amazing! Magnifique! And that is correct, Miss Murakami. I'll be sure to bring the beans to their ultimate potential! He'd then go red as he realizes how loud he just was. This gentleman has the right idea. Why don't we step outside and I can make us all a cup, hmm? The man would quickly turn in the direction of Arisu and offer a quick bow of apology before leaving the church. Back in the cool night air he'd quickly begin to open the latches on the two compartments fastened to his bike. Within moments, the stall is erected and he stands behind the counter with a smile. What can I get you Miss Murakami, and Mister....I never got your name...
The man followed Ryoma out the door, floating casually above the ground like it's completely normal. Ah, you may call me Saiduq. Al Saiduq. I would like whatever you recommend as your best, I trust your judgement.
Saeko nods at the suggestion and follows the other two outside, a bit perplexed at the strange mans movement, or seemingly lack thereof. "I suppose a serving would not hurt, but I have only had the one variety, so I could not easily make a request, could I?"
The man smiles warmly as he puts on the kettle. Let's see here... The man pulls out two containers, one labeled with a small blue mountain and the other with the words "Bike Blend". For Miss Murakami I have another fan favorite, the Blue Mountain. And for Mister Saiduq I have my own recipe, the Bike Blend! The man would toss a scoop of each into their own grinders and begin cranking away. So, Mister Saiduq, what's your story? I love learning more about my customers and one with an aura like yourself must have fantastic tales to recount!
Saiduq presses a hand to his chin, as if recalling an old story. My tale is nothing of note. I simply love humanity, and wish to experience all facets of it for myself. A very special man once told me that to live...is to make choices. A such, I made the choice to travel to this realm and interact with humanity for myself. It is...something of a hobby. More a fascination, actually.
Saeko listens to Saiduq as she stares at the coffee's production. "I see... Is that all there is to it? Given your rather odd demeanor, I though there would be more to it. Not to be rude of course. Though I understand your sentiments in a way. About humanity."
Ryoma's eyes gleam as he reaches out and grabs Al's hands eagerly. Ah! I completely agree! Although some of humanity is corrupt, as a whole however, we have such a vast array of cultures! Travelling and experiencing it all for myself is the raison d'être of the wandering barista! He then releases the man's hands with a shy laugh before preparing two percolators. My apologies Mister Saiduq. I just got a touch too excited to meet someone who also loves to experience the world. He'd then fill the two percolators with the grounds before fetching the kettle. He'd smile as he slowly pours the boiling liquid over the grounds. The soft acidic backdrop is overshadowed by the cocoa notes that permeate the air. Within minutes the pair are greeted with piping hot cups of coffee. Ah! Please be cautious! The contents are hot!
He chuckles a bit, waving Saeko's worry off. Oh, no offense taken. I am aware that my appearance is rather...odd. Saiduq cautiously grabs the cup, sipping the contents gently, as a look of content spreads across his face. This is quite good. I can see why you pursue this as a profession, you are truly gifted, Ryoma Sakamichi. I am glad to meet two like-minded individuals, as well. There is more to my tale, but I believe it is best left to another night. I must be departing soon. It was a pleasure, both of you. With that, he vanishes in a flurry of blue-colored particles.