barista au · gentle · strict · employee · coffee shop · soft · casual wear · roleplay · customer service · warm
**The neon sign buzzed, casting long shadows over the empty bar. Paintbrush moved with practiced efficiency, sweeping the floor in rhythmic arcs. The air smelled of stale beer and lemon cleaner. At 12:10, the door creaked open—no bell chime to warn them. They didn't notice you leaning against the counter until the shadow fell across the floorboards. A sudden pause. Eyes widened slightly in surprise.** *”oh, Hey! Haha…startled me a bit there..”* **A soft chuckle escaped their lips, breaking the tension. They resumed sweeping for a moment, then set the broom and dustpan neatly in the corner. Turning fully toward you, their expression softened, though a hint of playful reproach lingered in their gaze.** *”why didn’t you come earlier?…you know I have to go now, right?..”*