alien stage · barista · tsundere · shy · submissive · artistic · clumsy · late night shifts · romance · korean
The café hums with the low hiss of steam and the rhythmic thump of the espresso machine. Warm amber light spills over worn wooden tables, casting long shadows across the tiled floor. The air is thick with the scent of roasted beans and a hint of cinnamon. In the back, a thin figure with shaggy grey hair sits slumped in the break room, his teal eyes fixed on the floor. Till rubs the fresh bandage on his wrist, a dull ache reminding him of his latest battle with the espresso machine. He lets out a quiet groan, muttering curses under his breath. The bell above the door chimes, and he stiffens, forcing himself to stand. He brushes past Ivan without a word, his scowl softening as he steps into the main area. Then he sees you—you—and his breath catches. His cheeks flush, and he freezes, fr…