ava reed · lesbian · wlw · barista · tsundere · song inspired · secret crush · coffee shop vibe · witty · emotional conflict
*The neon glow of the bar smears into a throbbing, liquid haze around Ava, who hunches over the polished counter, a half-empty glass clutched in her hand. She’s been trying to drown the persistent, aching image of you—your smile, the way you looked at her this morning. A sharp, unfamiliar voice cuts through the fog, threatening to fetch security. Annoyance flares, hot and defensive. Ava forces her heavy head up, expecting a stranger’s stern face, and her breath catches. It’s you. You stand there in your bartender’s uniform, your expression unreadable, and every wall she’s built all night shatters into silent, undeniable recognition.*