Espresso in The Rain

For the next three days, Noah successfully avoided The Roasted Heaven.

Or at least, that's what he told himself.

He buried himself in coursework, spent more time in the library than usual, and even started grabbing coffee from the vending machine in his department—despite how utterly disgusting it was. But every time he walked past that familiar street, his steps would slow, his fingers tightening around the strap of his bag.

And every night, as he lay in bed, he thought about Elias.

The way he had looked at him. The way he had said, I'm here.

It was messing with his head.

But avoiding Elias didn't mean avoiding Santa, who had been side-eyeing him all week with barely concealed amusement.

By the time Friday rolled around, Noah was exhausted.

He had just finished his last class for the day when Santa flung an arm around his shoulders, nearly making him drop his phone.

"Noah, babe," Santa drawled. "It's been three days. Three long, tragic days. How are you surviving without your overpriced coffee and your very obvious crush?"

Noah groaned. "Santa—"

"Nope." Santa grinned. "No more excuses. You're coming with me."

Noah frowned. "Coming where?"

Santa didn't answer. Instead, he just dragged Noah along, ignoring his protests as they walked down the busy sidewalk.

It wasn't until they turned a corner that Noah realized where they were heading.

His stomach dropped.

The Roasted Heaven.

Noah dug his heels in. "Nope. Absolutely not."

Santa didn't even slow down. "Too bad."

"Santa, seriously—"

"You look like a sleep-deprived goblin, Noah." Santa snorted. "Just get your damn coffee and stop being dramatic."

Noah groaned but let himself be dragged inside.

The café was just as warm and inviting as ever. The familiar scent of roasted coffee beans wrapped around him like a blanket, and for a moment, he almost forgot why he had been avoiding this place in the first place.

Almost.

Then his eyes landed on Elias.

He was standing behind the counter, laughing at something Perth was saying, his sleeves rolled up, hair slightly tousled like he had been running his hands through it all day.

And then, as if sensing him, Elias looked up.

Their eyes met.

For a second, the entire café seemed to fade into the background.

Then Elias smirked.

"Look who finally decided to show up," he drawled, leaning against the counter.

Noah scowled, stepping forward. "I've been busy."

Elias raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Too busy for decent coffee?"

Santa snorted. "He's been drinking vending machine coffee."

Elias blinked, then grimaced. "Jesus."

Noah sighed, rubbing his temples. "Can we not make this a thing?"

Elias chuckled, grabbing a cup. "Relax, Kim. I'll get your usual."

Noah stiffened.

He hadn't ordered yet.

Elias just smirked like he knew exactly what Noah was thinking. "What? I pay attention."

Noah huffed, ignoring the warmth creeping up his neck.

Santa leaned in, whispering, "He remembers your order, babe. That's boyfriend behavior."

Noah elbowed him.

Elias set the coffee on the counter, his dark eyes locking onto Noah's. "On the house."

Noah hesitated. "Why?"

Elias shrugged. "Call it compensation for whatever trauma you endured drinking vending machine coffee."

Noah rolled his eyes but took the cup. "Thanks."

Elias smirked. "Welcome back, Kim."

Noah hated how nice that sounded.

He hated it even more when he realized that, no matter how much he had tried to avoid this place, this person…

It had never really worked.