Chapter 2 Meeting another male?

Waking up to the dim light filtering through the cracks in the warehouse roof, I quickly got up and took a makeshift bath, splashing cold water from a rusty bucket onto myself. The chill helped shake off the remnants of sleep.

I dressed in the only set of everyday clothes I had stashed in my small wardrobe—plain jeans and a simple shirt, nothing that would stand out.

Before stepping outside, I took one last look back at the warehouse. The sight of the faded family photo on the wall caught my eye, bringing a faint smile to my face.

"...I'm heading out, bye Mom, Sis, and brother" I whispered softly to the empty space, a habit I'd developed since moving in here.

With that quiet farewell, I decided to take a stroll around the neighborhood.

Since there is still a day away from the time for my uniform and post, I decide to make myself comfortable and get to know the street since I am going to live around here for a while.

The warehouse was far away from any of the train stations and was also the housing area was quite far away as well now that I have noticed. Which means I have to wake up early just in order for me to go to work.

...Just thinking about it gives me headage, after all this time finding a job and a home now I have to face another problem...

On the bright side, I still had a bit of leftover cash—enough to last me for three days if I stretched it out.

My plan was simple today, find a part-time job that wouldn't interfere with my main job and earn just enough to cover the basics expenses like food and clothing.

The streets were already bustling with the morning rush. Office ladies in sharp suits hurried along the sidewalks, their heels clicking rhythmically on the pavement. Groups of students chatted animatedly as they made their way to school, some glancing curiously at me as they passed by.

Just like the usual morning, but with an extra gaze from the women.

The lingering gazes from women were something I'd gotten used to. When I first arrived, the attention made me uneasy, but after two weeks in this world, I'd adjusted—or at least, I'd learned to tolerate it.

Horayy to human adaptability...

As I walked towards a crosswalk, I glanced left and right, making sure there were no cars. But then something strange caught my eye in the distance.

At the far end of the distance, I noticed there were rows after rows of people, even though it was still morning. But I as Looked closer while walking slowly to the line of people in curios I noticed it was mostly girls and women Lining up in front of the cafe.

It was pretty common to see a long line just for the sake of entering one of the stores in Japan, and it seemed it still the same thing even if it was in a different Universe or world.

I can't help but get curious seeing the long line, and above the store to see what kind of place it was. And it was a cafe.

The Cafe was called... Catty Cafe...? With weird pink glowing colors on and every word of it.

What a catchy name and place, but it seems it's pretty effective with how long the line was. Even though it is mostly women. But that's not the only thing that catch my eye.

Discount 90% for male only?! Now this is the kind of privilege I want.

Fuck Gender equality! It's a matter of my survival so I will take every advantage I can get.

With curiosity taking over me and feeling my stomach grumble in hunger as well from not having breakfast yet. I want to see what kind of place this was and begin making my way behind the line

Besides it's a good way to kill time, since the moment I begin working as a Security guard I have a feeling there won't be much free time for me.

The women in line had already noticed me, some staring blatantly while others whispered to each other behind their hands. Their attention wasn't new, but it still felt uncomfortable, like I was some sort of rare animal on display. 

I couldn't help but think it was going to take forever it was a very very long line now that I think about it, about 5 meters long line or more! And it took me around half a minute to arrive at the very behind line!

And the moment I arrived at the very last line the line had not moved at all for the past 1 minute, Should I just stop right now considering I don't want to waste my time waiting?

I don't think I can wait for another minute considering my hunger state, as I was about to turn around and walk away one of the officer's ladies who was in front of me turned her back to me to see me and look at me for a few seconds before going back looking at the front until her eyes were wide and looked back to check again if what she saw was correct.

Since I was just standing in the line not doing anything waiting for my turn to enter I felt uncomfortable being gazed at so close I couldn't help but smile wryly and wave at her.

Instead of looking back at the front, or maybe playing back on her phone, there were looks of dumbstruck on her face. Like she was having a hard time believing what she was seeing.

Even the schoolgirl standing further down the line, who had been chatting with friends, stopped mid-sentence to gawk at me. It wasn't just the schoolgirls; every girl in the line was now watching me with wide, curious eyes.

Feeling increasingly awkward, I did what I had done before and gave a stiff wave to all of them. My smile felt forced, but I hoped it would help diffuse the tension.

Suddenly, the crowd in front of me began to shift. I was unsure what was happening until I realized they were parting to make a path for me to enter the café.

Each girl stood on either side, still watching me with unabashed curiosity but their intention was pretty clear

Embarrassed and feeling overwhelmed, I mumbled, "Uh, no worries. I can wait in line."

Suddenly, one of the women collapsed, her hand pressed to her forehead.

"Alright, now that's too much," I thought to myself, feeling overwhelmed.

But despite the incident, the crowd remained where they were, their eyes still fixed on me as if expecting something more.

Slowly and awkwardly, I made my way towards the entrance of the café, every step feeling heavier under the weight of their gaze. By the time I reached the front of the line, I was mentally exhausted. 

I had certainly underestimated the toll a simple café visit could take. But for the sake of cheap food, it's a price I am willing to take.

The waitstaff, noticing my approach, parted to let me through, their expressions a mix of shock and curiosity.

I didn't bother to strike up a conversation with her and simply stepped inside the café.

The café was crowded, with people eating, drinking, and chatting in every corner.

It was an all-female crowd—almost no males in sight. I should have expected that after all, I rarely see other men outdoors. Most men seem to prefer staying indoors or ordering online rather than venturing out.

Meh, I should have expected it when I rarely even see other males outdoors.

But that was just my speculation since I rarely see any men at all.

It felt awkward being the center of attention as soon as I entered, the whole cafe for a few seconds before a murmur broke out. Was there something on my face that had everyone staring at me in disbelief?

But this place..it reeks something.

I feel extremely dizzy, and my vision begins to blur as I continue to inhale the weird smell that is contained in this room. Just what is this smell?

...I know this smell, but I can't quite remember.

I shook my head, trying to ignore the odd smell. I was determined to get some food; I had come this far and even been given a head start. There was no way I was going to back out now.

As I scanned the room, I spotted an empty seat in the corner of the café and made my way there.

When I got close, I noticed a girl sitting beside the empty seat. She looked like an office lady with a black ponytail and was clearly enjoying her meal, practically devouring each bite.

I approached her and said, "Excuse me, miss…"

She glanced up from her plate, initially showing a flicker of annoyance. But her expression quickly shifted to surprise, then to shock. Her eyes widened as she stared at me, and she dropped her fork and spoon, her mouth hanging open.

I tried to muster a friendly smile as I pointed to the empty seat beside her. "Can I sit here?"

"Y-yes!" she stammered, quickly moving her seat a bit farther away to give me some space. I took the seat and settled in, feeling her gaze on me.

As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but notice that the girl beside me continued to stare intently, as if trying to imprint my image on her memory. Despite how often this happened, it still made me feel uneasy.

I decided to break the silence and try a little small talk.

"Soo... do you know why this place is so crowded?" I asked, looking directly at her.

She blinked in surprise, clearly taken aback. "Eh? Y-You're talking to me?"

Who else if not you? "Yes, you."

"Um-umm..." Her face flushed, which I found kind of cute. "U-um, so you don't know, even though you waited in such a long line since 5 am?"

5 AM?! That's almost two hours! People waited outside even before it opened just to eat here?! What kind of place is this?

Wait a minute—if it was that long ago, what on earth is this office lady doing here and not working?

"So can you tell me the reason?"

Instead of answering She pointed towards something, so I followed her gaze. The moment my eyes landed on the person she indicated, I saw a very handsome man in butler attire, with a long white ponytail that drew everyone's attention in the room.