(Written in April 2023 and May 2024)

People, like birds, are fun to watch.

From the perspective of someone who hates to be observed, being on the other side of things is quite fun.

In the past few weeks, my life has been through a lot—not on the negative side, though. It’s only a lot. (As of May 2024, I can confirm that this hasn’t changed even a single bit.)

But enough of me, let’s discuss some things about being at a café. The light is on point, and the music is on point. Behind me, a Japanese lesson is being held. In Japan, cafés are prime spots for this kind of one-to-one class. It’s sufficiently cool and impersonal.

On the other hand, people are working with their notebooks and laptops – just like me – and in the larger free area, people are enjoying themselves or having what seems to be a job interview.

In the open kitchen, Yuzuka (a pseudonym for obvious reasons) is making latte art to be served with what seems to be a chocolate cake covered in whipped cream. She comes and asks what I am doing. “Writing a text,” I reply. “I see. I didn’t know you did such kind of things.”

Neither did I. I just happen to be typing words on a computer. If they make sense or not, that’s up to the reader.

I don’t really enjoy watching birds. Having to go to their habitat, the equipment, and the books on ornithology, one needs to memorize to make the best experience out of it. It seems like too much effort.

People in a café, however, that’s lovely.