Chapter 5: Cafe &Romance

The cafe buzzed softly with the sound of indie music and steaming espresso machines. Rain tapped gently on the windows like a shy rhythm, turning the streets of Miami into a blurred watercolor painting.

Noah wiped down the counter absentmindedly, lost in thought. The café was calm today—no rush, no noise—just him, the hum of warmth, and his own wandering mind.

Then, the bell above the door jingled.

He looked up—and his heart promptly stopped.

Kevin.

Wearing a black hoodie, cheeks flushed from the rain, and that same easy smile that messed with Noah’s brain way too often.

Noah froze. Completely.

Kevin saw him and waved.

Noah? Still frozen.

What is happening to me?? Why am I suddenly hot? It’s literally raining. Why is my heart thumping like a bass drum?? Why is he smiling like that? STOP.

Kevin was still waving. Still smiling.

Is he always this glowy? Is that hoodie enchanted?? Help. My brain is not braining.

“Noah!” Clara’s voice jolted him from his emotional coma. She popped up beside him with a grin. “He’s been waving for like five minutes, dummy.”

“I—I—what?”

Clara rolled her eyes and walked over to Kevin like she hadn’t just embarrassed him in 4K. “Kevin! You still showing off in music class or did you finally get humble?”

Kevin laughed. “Not possible. But hey, Clara. You still bullying freshmen?”

“Only the worthy ones,” she said sweetly, then threw a glance back at Noah. “Go take your break, lover boy. That window seat’s empty.”

Noah panicked. “I’m good—I don’t need a break!”

“Yeah, you do.” Clara shoved him gently toward Kevin. “Live a little.”

Noah stumbled toward the table, cheeks aflame, internally screaming.

Kevin patted the seat across from him. “Didn’t know you worked here.”

“Y-yeah. Just part-time… coffee stuff.”

“You okay? You look kinda red.”

RED?? I’m literally a tomato right now.

Noah grabbed a glass of water. It was empty.

Kevin chuckled. “Cute.”

Meanwhile, Clara was watching from the counter with the biggest smile, giving him a secret thumbs up.

Kevin leaned in. “So... what’s good here?”

“Um, caramel cinnamon latte. Extra foam.”

“Perfect. I want that—but only if you make it.”

Noah nodded stiffly and all but ran back to the counter.

---

Behind the Counter – Clara & Chaos

“Your face is LITERALLY glowing,” Clara whispered, sneaking marshmallows into a cup.

“Don’t. Start.”

“He’s SO into you.”

Noah grumbled, focusing hard on not dropping anything. “I hate you.”

“You love me.”

He didn’t answer.

Back at the table, Kevin examined the latte Noah brought over. His eyes twinkled when he saw the little doodle—a heart next to the words extra foam.

Kevin looked up. “Thanks, barista.”

Noah croaked, “Don’t mention it.”

Kevin leaned in, voice softer. “You make rainy days feel better.”

Noah’s tray nearly slipped from his hands.

---

Enter: Trouble

Just as Noah sat down, heart still racing, the bell above the door rang again. This time, in walked two new faces—Leo and Raven

Leo’s sharp grin scanned the room. “Well, well. Looks like we crashed something cute.”

Raven raised an eyebrow, hands in his jacket pockets. “Unintentionally third-wheeling, my favorite sport.”

Kevin glanced over. “Boys. Behave.”

Noah? Completely speechless.

And Clara? Already plotting how to get Noah and Kevin alone again.

This story was far from over.

Continue.........

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