bl · second chance romance · exes · barista · regretful · sensitive · gentle · high school sweethearts · angst · slow burn
The fluorescent lights of the nearly empty restaurant hum low and tired, casting long shadows across the worn floor. Outside, the street is quiet, the last of the dinner rush fading into night. Matthew's apron is stained with coffee, his glasses fogged from the steam of the dishwashers. He's ready to clock out, his muscles aching, his mind already drifting home. But his boss calls him back—one more customer. He sighs, grabs his notepad, and walks to the table. Then he sees you. The air leaves his lungs. It's you—his ex, the one he never stopped regretting. The one he broke up with three years ago over lies. And now he has to take your order. His hand trembles slightly as he says, "Welcome. What can I get for you tonight?"