[Koko] Blends and Friends

The moment Koko opens the door to the Paradise Café, she is greeted with the wonderful smell of coffee beans, pulling her to the counter without so much as glancing around on who or what else was around. Well, it is not like this was her first visit–Koko has been visiting regularly ever since the farm she works in signed the business contract with the café owner, Beanny, and she is the one in charge of making regular check ups. Things like, making sure that the beans are delivered on time and that they are of good quality, as well as any feedback the Cherubun has for them or additional orders for the month.

Koko has been a fan of coffee ever since they first tasted it. When that was, she couldn’t quite recall. Was she able to swipe some as a wee little bun while she was under the care of a demon? Or was it when she had already arrived at Burrowgatory, and it was a comforting drink as she tried to find her place in the wide cavern? It has been some years since then, and she likes to think that she has settled quite nicely into a routine that changes in routes sometimes and in Succubuns, depending on who she needs to talk to. Only recently she has had the pleasure of interacting with a Cherubun, but it is not like they are all that different.

“And how’s my little choco bean doing?” Beanny asks after a warm greeting, gesturing her to the wooden counter. The Cherubun handles the cups and measuring tools with ease, pouring some coffee grounds into the maker.

Koko laughs lightly as she takes her seat on one of the high chairs. “Good, so far. How about you, Beanny?”

“Pleasant, as it often is. I was told that next month would be the start of summer here in Burrowgatory. Iced drinks are likely to be more popular, yes? Any fruits you think would catch a Succubun’s eyes?”

“Not other than the usual. If you’ll have me drink some of your experiments again…”

“Haha! No need to worry so much. I know where your preferences lie.” Beanny smoothly serves Koko’s order without even asking: a coffee strongly imbued with a strong chocolate aroma. It is a wonder how she does it, for when Koko drinks the concoction, it still tastes mostly like coffee, but the chocolate adds a little something else that she hasn’t tasted in other places before. It is served in a pristine pink and white cup, with only a touch of cream to depict a gentle swirl on top.

“But I’m sure that you have been thinking of something.”

“I can only hold onto my novelty as a Cherubun for so long. There’ll be others here soon, to set up their own shops and enjoy what Burrowgatory has to offer.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.” she says with a wink. “Even if it takes a while. I wasn’t the only one who wanted to live a little more.” she then lets out a wistful sigh. “Though I wouldn’t be surprised either if others came here thinking something else.”

“Like what?” Koko is not exactly privy to these matters–she never really pried about Beanny’s past, but it was not like the barista was secretive about it either. This just seemed like a conversation where she is being prompted to ask for more.

“Hm, not that it is hard to put into words, mind, but…” she glances around as if worried that someone will hear her. To be fair, it is not like her café is purely populated with Succubuns, but as of the moment, there seems to be no way for any of the Cherubuns to go back to the Heavenly Meadow. Whatever she will say here will not reach the eyes and ears of those she may offend. Thinking that, she shows Koko a smile. “Wouldn’t be surprised if their reasons are patronizing more than anything else.”

The Succubun feels like there is something more to that smile, but she cannot wrap her mind around the patronizing comment. She thinks on this a little bit in silence, yet not without taking a few sips of her wonderful drink. She then gives up. “I’m not sure what you mean, to be honest.”

Beanny laughs. “It’s not something you have to worry about.”

“It makes me curious though.”

“Hm, well, I think you’ll get it if you talk to more Cherubuns. There’s not a lot of us right now, but I’m sure you’ve seen a few in the Heavenly Embassy.”

“Haven’t talked to any besides you though, Beanny. Are they all as nice as you?”

“You’ll have to find out. I think it’ll be worth your time.”

Koko swishes her tail slightly, deep in thought. “I guess while I’m already here, I should know the locals better.”

“You make it sound like a chore.” Beanny chuckles. “We’re all nice folk, promise. But there’s also no need to rush. Another cup?”

Koko peers into her almost empty chocolate-smelling coffee. Usually, she only drinks one, since she knows that too much coffee will make it either much harder to sleep at night, or suddenly make her energy crash in the middle of the day. However, she thinks that she does not want to leave the cozy atmosphere yet, and she is curious if Beanny will talk about some other things. Or maybe she doesn’t feel too keen about putting herself out there, not at the moment. “Maybe just a hot chocolate would do."