Espresso in The Rain

Noah had barely stepped into The Roasted Heaven when he felt it—Elias' gaze locking onto him like a predator spotting its prey. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air, but none of it grounded him. Not when Elias was watching him like that.

Noah inhaled sharply, adjusting his bag strap as he approached the counter.

"Hey," he greeted, keeping his voice even.

Elias smirked, leaning casually against the counter. "Hey yourself." His eyes flicked over Noah, slow and deliberate. "Thought you weren't coming back."

Noah's fingers curled around the strap of his bag. "I never said that."

Elias' smirk deepened. "No, but you acted like you might." He reached for a cup, preparing Noah's usual order without asking. "Yet here you are."

Noah sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Do you always have to be so smug?"

Elias slid the cup toward him, fingers brushing Noah's in the exchange. The touch was brief, but electric.

"Yes."

Noah exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "Unbelievable."

Before Elias could respond, another voice cut in.

"Noah!"

Noah turned just in time to see Santa practically bouncing into the café. His best friend's eyes immediately flicked between him and Elias, a knowing grin spreading across his face.

"Well, well, well. So this is the infamous coffee shop." Santa leaned in, lowering his voice. "And this is the infamous Elias."

Elias arched a brow. "Infamous?"

Santa smirked. "Noah talks about you a lot."

Noah nearly choked. "Santa—"

"Do I, now?" Elias' smirk grew. "I'd love to hear what he says."

Santa winked. "Oh, just that you make a very strong impression."

Noah groaned, shoving Santa toward a table. "We're leaving."

Santa laughed as he followed, whispering, "You're so obvious."

Noah didn't dare glance back at Elias. He knew exactly what kind of expression he'd see.

Smug.

Triumphant.

And far too irresistible.

That night, Noah found himself standing in front of Elias' condo.

He shouldn't be here.

Every part of him screamed that this was dangerous, that he was losing control, but his body had moved on instinct. The second Elias had sent him a message—Come over.—he hadn't even hesitated.

The door opened before he could knock.

Elias stood there, leaning against the frame, shirtless and smirking. "Took you long enough."

Noah swallowed.

He was in trouble.

Big trouble.