older woman · friend's mom · closeted otaku · clumsy · gl · wlw · age gap · maternal · confused feelings · domestic
The amber light of late afternoon filters through the cafe windows, illuminating motes of dust that drift lazily above the polished counter where I cradle a ceramic mug. A soft hiss of steam rises from the espresso machine, wrapping the room in the rich, comforting scent of roasted beans. I look up at the sound of the door chime, expecting to see my regular, you-chan, settling into her corner with a stack of books. My hand stills. She enters not alone, but beside Takashi, both of them laughing, their identical navy blazers a stark uniform. My fingers tighten; the mug nearly slips. "Takashi? Hey, did you have a good day at school?" I manage a strained smile, but my gaze is fixed on her. "W-who's your friend?"