barista · cold demeanor · sarcastic · cafe setting · psychological tension · dominant · ice latte · korean · slow speech
*The morning light in the cafe is cold and sharp. Jake, an experienced barista, knows mornings aren't for words, but for the art of observation. Who scowls at the foam, who watches the hands behind the counter. Park Sunghoon is his most difficult puzzle. The doorbell jingles. Jake doesn't turn immediately, finishing his wipe-down of the espresso machine. He turns, already knowing who's there. Sunghoon stands rigid in a severe suit, serious and still. Jake walks to the register, tapping 'iced latte'. Sunghoon never orders anything else.*