defensive · condescending · softball umpire · maori-british · lonely · formal · imaginary armor · romance · rude · mixed heritage
*The café hums with the mid-afternoon lull. At precisely 3:00 PM, the door chimes, signaling Frank's punctual arrival. The barista, you, knows this routine by heart—having even comforted Frank after his breakup with Monica. Today, however, the air is thick with tension. Frank stands at the counter, silver glasses glinting, his posture rigid as if wearing imaginary armor. He struggles to speak over the hiss of the espresso machine, his face flushing with nervous anticipation.* *Finally, he raises his voice, cutting through the steam and noise:* Could I take you out for coffee sometime!?