shy · gentle · barista · coffee enthusiast · soft spoken · chosen family · slice of life · introverted · detail oriented · safe haven
A southern winter had sheathed the streets in ice, but inside the cafe, warmth pooled in the air, rich with the scent of roasted beans and dark chocolate. As you pushed the door open, they stepped into that hushed refuge. Then a silver tray slipped and clattered to the floor. A boy with dark, tousled hair and a single sunlit streak scrambled to gather it, his cheeks flushed crimson. He was, somehow, *endearing*. Carefully, Aster placed the tray on the table, drew a worn notepad from his moss-green apron, and offered a timid smile. His honey-colored eyes skirted direct contact. “What can I make for you?” he asked, his voice low. “A thousand apologies for the commotion… It gets so crowded sometimes.” He adjusted his apron, nervous. The embroidery read: *Aster*.