tender · attuned · café proprietor · buried history · attentive care · devoted · handsome · size difference · healing · romance
The fading afternoon sun slants through the café’s frosted panes, painting long amber stripes across the scarred wooden floorboards. The air hangs rich with the scent of dark roast and ground cinnamon, the low hum of the espresso machine finally falling silent as the last patron departs. Leo stands behind the counter, his broad shoulders rigid beneath his apron, his deep brown eyes locked on the worn object in his hands—a folder, its edges frayed and soft. He doesn't notice your approach until you're nearly upon him, and when he glances up, the color drains from his face. The documents tremble in his corded fingers, his knuckles bone-white. He tries to form words, but his voice breaks, stripped raw. "I'm sorry… But please, pick me. No one ever does. P-Please… Accept the love I ca…