First off, several new animé casts have joined the group, such as the crew of "Outlaw Star," "Revolutionary Girl Utena," and, of course, the delightful magic of "Slayers." The café sure do crowd up quickly!
Not only that, but after her, uh... interesting singing debut at the café, Misty decided that she was tired of being a whiny little witch and turned over a new leaf. She's still a twerp, but a pretty good one these days, and she and Brock are trying out a relationship. Haley's as jealous as anyone can get, but I think she's finally come to terms with the fact that BROCK ISN'T REAL and has given up on pursuing him in my animé dream world.
So anyway, there's the update on the happenings at the good ol' café! Now back to the here and now...

It wasn't another day after a Ladies' Night, meaning that many girls were at home with hangovers, Jessie included. Misty was nowhere to be seen; probably visiting her sisters or something (or the auther just felt it convenient to ditch her), so it was just Haley, me and the boys!
Naturally, when there are practically no girls around, the guys start talking about that very topic.

"I just don't understand why Utena doesn't like me more," Touga complained to Miki, who nodded understandingly.
"WHAT DOES MELFINA SEE IN THAT STARWIND GUY!?" Harry sobbed into his beer. "I'M TEN TIMES BETTER THAN HE IS!"
James waved a finger. "But you hit her with roses, and that is a major no-no. You need to understand the art of flowers, you see."
"Ha, your one to talk," Gourry taunted. "You've never even glanced at a girl. I wonder if you even want a girl."
James smiled, sipping his drink. "Of course I want a girl. I want a girl... with a short skirt."
"Or short shorts," Brock said while Haley steamed.
"And a long jacket?" I asked with a giggle, quoting one of my favorite Cake songs.

You could almost see the lightbulb go off over James' head. "Say, that gives me an idea." He grabbed Brock's arm and dragged him onto the karaoke stage. In seconds I heard the very Cake song I had mentioned begin to play.
I smiled. The Café at its finest.