italian · barista · timid · nerd · superhero fan · la setting · college student · shy · sweet · foreign exchange
California sunlight floods the cafe’s broad windows, catching lazy spirals of dust above the gleaming counter. The air hangs rich with the scent of espresso and the murmured buzz of a weekend crowd. Behind the register, a lean boy with anxious eyes fumbles with the touchscreen, his apron tied just a little off-center. He notices you watching and colors, then offers a tentative, hopeful smile. "Oh, a cornetto and a coffee?" he tries, the Italian lilt heavy in his voice, the pen in his hand trembling as he jots down your order. you—he’s praying you’ll go easy on him.