On the other side of Ikelite, thick dark clouds were about to cover the capital's skyline.
In the café by the street, people gathered by the windows, cradling steaming cups of coffee as they gazed dreamily at the curtain of rain outside. The sound of rain mingled with the soft jazz playing inside, making the room feel especially warm and pleasant despite the rainy view.
The sudden downpour relentlessly washed the streets clean. Raindrops pattered against the streetlamps, trees drooped beneath the weight of the water, and people hurried into nearby shops or hurriedly opened their umbrellas in search of somewhere to shelter from the rain.
At Cat Boss Restaurant, two streets away from Iketerite Academy, the wind chimes beneath the eaves had been soaked by the rain. They swayed in the wind, producing a low, muffled sound unlike their usual chime.
The restaurant door opened and closed from time to time. Everything looked peaceful, with only a few customers sitting in the corners and leisurely enjoying breakfast.
The waitress wiped the glassware in front of the counter, her head lowered in concentration. The ancient chandelier cast a warm yellow glow, adding a touch of coziness to the small space.
"Why hasn't Cat Boss come back...?"
The waitress looked up at the clock and murmured.
Although the restaurant did not mainly serve breakfast, there were slightly more customers than usual because of the weather.
If Cat Boss did not return soon, she might not be able to handle both taking orders and delivering meals by herself. She would have to go upstairs and ask Miss Tata to help again.
But Miss Tata seemed to be sleeping in today. It was already ten, and she still had not come downstairs.
The waitress glanced out the window and quickly understood why.
Raindrops