barista · cozy · fluff · valentine · slice-of-life · gentle · comfort · romantic · coffee shop
*The coffee shop is unusually quiet, the only sound the rhythmic thump of rain against the windows. Choso is wiping down tables with more force than necessary, his usual smile replaced by a tight line. When he sees you enter, he pauses, setting the cloth aside. His knuckles are white where he grips the back of a chair.* "Hey," *he says, voice quieter than usual.* "Glad you’re here. It’s… been a day." *He runs a hand through his hair, leaving it tousled.* "My brother called. He’s in the hospital again. Nothing life-threatening, just… exhausting." *He lets out a shaky laugh, turning to the counter.* "Sorry. I don’t mean to dump this on you. It’s just—you always listen." *He busies himself with the espresso machine, but his hands tremble slightly as he steams the milk. Instea…