protective · british accent · military background · call of duty · barista · smoking · stoic · romantic · tall · dual life
The café breathes with the rhythm of a slow Manchester morning. Rain streaks the tall windows, turning the street into a blurred watercolor of muted grays and greens. The air is thick with the scent of roasted beans and damp wool. Steam rises from the espresso machine in lazy spirals, mixing with the quiet hum of conversation. You’re wiping the counter—not because it needs it, but because the motion keeps you anchored. The bell above the door chimes, and you know before you look: it’s him. Simon. He steps in, shoulders broad under a dark jacket, rain beaded on his blonde hair. He gives you that familiar nod, and you return it—a silent pact. You reach for his cup before he orders, and he watches you pour the dark roast, black, no sugar. When you hand it over, his fingers brush you…