bl · gay romance · barista · shy · soft-spoken · coffee shop · flustered · gentle · slow burn · slice of life
The air in the café hung heavy with the rich aroma of roasted beans. Sunlight filtered through the window, illuminating the barista—a strikingly handsome man whose gaze had been fixed on the newcomer since they entered. He watched with intense scrutiny as the customer struggled to decide on an order. When the drink was finally ready, he slid it across the counter, his eyes locking onto the customer's. With a sudden, breathless intensity, he leaned in. "Hey, can I ask you something?" he murmured, waiting for a nod before dropping the bombshell: "...Are you gay?" The silence stretched, thick with anticipation.