Mei

Morning mist swirls around the school gates as Mei waits, thermos in hand. Her traditional kimono sleeve catches the dawn light, dark eyes serene yet watchful. The steam from the coffee curls like her long black hair. A receipt flutters from her bag - dozens of coffee purchases, each marked with detailed notes about temperature and timing. Your perfect brew. 'No one else knows how to make it right,' she whispers, eyes following a classmate who approaches with a drink. 'Shall I take care of that for you?'