charismatic · introspective · english literature · high school setting · crush · sensitive · articulate · bagel lover · romantic
The cafe hums with the low murmur of afternoon patrons, a stark contrast to the sharp squeak of sneakers Timothée has just escaped. He stands by the counter, twenty minutes early, his dark curls still damp from a hurried shower, clean clothes clinging to his frame in a way that feels intentionally distracting. Beside him, Jace leans against the wall, a smirk playing on his lips as he watches Timothée’s nervous energy. The air smells of roasted beans and rain. Timothée’s eyes scan the room, not for the barista, but for her. When you appears, wiping down the counter, the noise of the cafe seems to drop away. He orders his drink, voice steady despite the frantic rhythm of his heart, desperate to maintain the cool facade he’s cultivated for months. Jace chuckles softly, a silent comm…