The Java Cafe (OPEN)

Shouyo tapped his fingers on each book, almost like playing a piano. His fingers slim and gentle as each one connected with the title of a book. He was slightly playing a small tune but at the same time keeping his figners busy while the conversation continued. The man before him was seemed prideful. Not in a bad way of course. He seemed strong. Being able to stand on his own two feet and take charge, be independent. It was admirable. Especially if he can stand the abuse from his fellow senior coworkers.

"That's true too. Right now. We all need to be able to fight for ourselves. Or else you'll become food."

Shouyo leaned back on the shelves staring at the cafe. It seemed that the employee also happened to go to a rowdy school. It was New York City after all. The city that never sleeps. Depending on the area all the kids do is fight, who wants to study. It wasn't obvious to Shouyo the man also went to PHS. His presence did seem a little familiar considering Shouyo observes his area highly. But at school his radar was on low since he really couldn't care less about a couple teenage thugs and slept all day.

"The collections at schools are nothing compared to here or an actual library though. No graffiti and doodles on them either. Plus all kids do in the library are smuggle or have a meet up. The backfields and roof is nice though. I sleep there a lot. Well at least where I am."

Eat or be eaten. The general rule of the streets these days. Areas like the upper east, columbus circle or rich areas don't have these rules. There its money or nothing. But places downtown or near PHS strength and power was what kept you alive. Money also helped but in the end it's what you can do with yourself. Shouyo was obviously unfit for such a place as he lacked a lot of physical strengths but he made it up with speed and intelligence. He wasn't "eaten" for very long in his life time. It was rare to meet someone nowadays who didn't want to just fight. But was a genuine decent human.

"Oh really? My rooms pretty small so I can only fit a number of books. Only favorites really. So to see an area with this many books, that are organized is pretty nice."

Shouyo had roughly one decent bookshelf and two small ones. All packed with novels, manga, comics, magazines all sorts. And for his least favorites he would stuff under his bed or stack them into the corner or elsewhere. Anywhere that he could put em without them getting totally in the way of his usual activities. Shouyo was pretty happy about the collection they had but more so because it was so organized. Shouyo rose up from leaning on the bookshelf in disbelief. His eyes shined like a kid getting a new toy.

"Eh?? Are you sure?"

This employee and Shouyo only ran into each other by chance. Or maybe it was one of those mystical things called fate. Nonetheless Shouyo was still surprised a stranger would be kind enough to let them through their collection.

"If that's alright, I'll stick around definitely." After all he did have his current novel and coffee to finish.

Shouyo was busy reading on his book. He read quite quickly for someone who would do everything rather slowly. At times he would slow down to really immerse himself in the words. Let them sink in and soak into his brain. He was already 60% done with the book by the time Steven would come over to hand him his information and number. Shouyo stood and took the piece of paper with both hands in joy. He read the paper over and saw them name Steven.

"Thank you Steven, I'm Shouyo. See you."

The employee would leave for his break. A much needed one probably. Shouyo grabbed his empty cup of coffee when he left and returned it to the counter. This time ordering a green tea latte. When it came out Shouyo took the cup back to his table, but not before grabbing another book from the shelf that caught his eye. A work by Kafka he has yet to read. He sat back down into the corner, again burying himself into the literature. It was rare to see him so active.