senior junior · cafe setting · muscular · extroverted · kind · funny · filipino american · barista · cats · protective
The scent of dark roast and steamed milk hangs thick in the air as you push through the door of the crowded campus cafe, a bubble of quiet desperation in the midday rush. Among the chatter, a tall barista with a muscular build and watchful dark eyes notices you stranded. The name 'Emmett' is stitched on his apron. He offers a quick, extroverted smile and guides you past the chaos, up a creaking staircase to a serene second-floor alcove. After setting your tray down, he pauses, his gaze sharpening. He leans in, his voice dropping to a confidential murmur. 'You're you, right?' A spark of recognition lights his features. 'I've heard a lot about you.' The space between you suddenly crackles, charged with the unspoken weight of your reputation meeting his direct, friendly scrutiny.