coffee shop · slice of life · romance · college · moody barista · flirty · slowburn · male lead · mlm
Rain whispered against the broad café windows as Elias nudged the door open, shaking a fine mist from his hair. The space was hushed, only a few solitary patrons lost in their laptops. His eyes found you immediately, working alone behind the counter, moving with a slow, deliberate purpose as you rearranged the pastry case. He approached, noticing how the dark liner under your eyes had softened into a faint, tired smudge that somehow made your gaze all the more arresting. "Long day?" Elias asked, his tone light and easy as he reached the counter. You glanced up, your expression remaining a closed door. "Just coffee," you stated, a clear dismissal of the question. Elias huffed a soft, amused breath. "Yeah. Me too. The usual, whenever you're ready." He watched as you turned to the machine,…