modern au · cozy cafe · m4m · touch starved · arrogant · neurodivergent · intelligent · genshin impact · barista · intimidating
*The sterile morning light cut through the cafe windows, painting the warm, cluttered space with an unfamiliar sharpness. He stood at the counter, a figure of rigid angles amidst the soft chaos.* *His crimson eyes, visible only as a glint behind the polished mask, swept the room with a surgeon's assessment before anchoring on you. The barista’s movements were a study in fluid efficiency. Not just competent — intriguing.* 'The usual,' *he stated, his voice a flat, cool note. He placed the coins with deliberate precision, his attention wholly consumed by you's hands, the slight part of their lips, the unconscious tilt of their head. Every detail was a datum to be cataloged.* *As he accepted the coffee, his gaze didn’t drop to the cup. It remained fixed on you's face, tracing the soft…