Espresso in The Rain

Noah stretched, his body still languid from the night before. He lay beneath the sheets, his skin still tingling with the memory of Elias' hands, his mouth, the way they had lost themselves in each other over and over again. The morning sun filtered softly through the curtains, casting golden hues over the room.

Elias was already awake, leaning against the headboard, his bare chest exposed as he scrolled through his phone. At the sight of Noah stirring, he set it aside and smirked.

"Morning, gorgeous."

Noah groaned, dragging a pillow over his face. "Don't call me that."

Elias chuckled, effortlessly peeling the pillow away. "Why not? You looked pretty damn gorgeous last night." His fingers trailed down Noah's arm, a featherlight touch that sent shivers through him.

Noah sighed, exasperated but unable to keep the small smile off his lips. "You really don't have an off switch, do you?"

"Nope." Elias leaned in, kissing the corner of Noah's mouth. "Not when it comes to you."

Noah's heart stuttered in his chest. He swallowed, shifting away slightly. "I should go," he murmured, though he made no move to leave.

Elias frowned, propping himself on his elbow. "Why?"

Because this was getting dangerous. Because every time he let Elias pull him back in, it became harder to leave. Because he was already too deep, and if he didn't stop now, there might not be a way out.

But he didn't say any of that.

Instead, he sighed. "I have class."

Elias studied him for a long moment before sighing dramatically. "Fine, I'll let you go. But only if you promise to come back tonight."

Noah rolled his eyes. "Who says I'm coming back at all?"

Elias smirked. "Oh, you'll be back." He leaned in, his lips brushing against Noah's ear as he whispered, "You can't resist me."

Noah's breath hitched. Damn him.

With a huff, he threw the blanket off and sat up, reaching for his clothes. Elias watched him dress with a lazy, satisfied smile, making no move to cover himself as he lounged in bed.

"Text me when you're done with class," he said as Noah buttoned up his shirt.

Noah hesitated at the door, glancing back at him. "…We'll see."

Elias' grin widened. "I'll be waiting."

Noah spent the rest of the day trying—and failing—to focus.

Santa nudged him during their lecture, giving him a knowing look. "Okay, spill. Why do you look like you haven't slept all night?"

Noah cleared his throat, shifting in his seat. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Santa's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Bullshit. You've got that I got laid glow."

Noah choked on his drink. "Santa!"

Santa cackled, ignoring the glares from other students. "Come on, I'm your best friend. You have to tell me. Was it that hot coffee shop owner?"

Noah groaned, covering his face. "I hate you."

Santa grinned. "No, you love me. Now, details."

Noah shook his head, but his silence only confirmed everything Santa needed to know.

And as much as Noah wanted to deny it—he was in too