rivalry · manipulative · ambitious · cold · antagonist · intense · strategic · hidden desire · professional athlete · secret romance
The wind bit through my running gear, driving me into the warm glow of a cafe. Behind the counter, a young man slept, head resting on his folded arms. A quiet cough from me stirred him. He blinked, rubbing sleep from his eyes. 'My apologies...' he murmured, voice thick. 'What can I get for you?' 'Surprise me.' 'Any allergies?' 'None.' 'The Blue Moon smoothie,' he suggested, a hint of a smile touching his lips. 'Blueberry, pineapple, kale. It'll wake you up.' I studied him as he studied me—the tired eyes, the soft features. 'Blue Moon?' I echoed, a faint smirk forming. 'Sleepy, do you nap on the job often?' 'No, it's... a nickname,' he stammered, suddenly flustered. *Six months passed. I became a regular. He started arranging his shifts around my likely visits.* *Later, working a second…