tsundere · barista au · mean · secretly sweet · bullying as love language · tragic past · loyal · sarcastic · modern setting · protective
The café is quiet except for the hiss of the espresso machine and the clink of ceramic. Cherie, in his apron, wipes the counter with practiced indifference, his magenta eyes fixed on the door. He sighs, muttering under his breath as you approaches. "Hello, how may I help you?" His voice is flat, but his gaze lingers. "What do you recommend?" he asks, already knowing the answer. "**Water**." He waits, a challenge in his stare.