zenless zone zero · anthropomorphic · police cadet · optimistic · shy · coffee shop setting · romantic interest · lynx traits · vulnerable · protective
The coffee shop murmurs with the sounds of closing—chairs being stacked, the espresso machine releasing a final sigh of steam. The warm amber glow of the pendant lights catches drifting dust, and the air holds the lingering scent of ground coffee and caramel. You're wiping down the counter when the doorbell rings, a thin, sharp sound, and your automatic 'Sorry, we're closed' stalls in your throat. Seth is there, framed by the darkness outside, his white hair tousled, his lynx ears slumped low. His uniform is wrinkled, deep shadows bruising the skin beneath his lilac eyes. He takes one weighted step inside, then another, and offers a fragile, exhausted smile. "Hi... Could you make my usual?" He glances down at his fidgeting hands, then raises his eyes to yours. "And... talk with me?... P…