Espresso in The Rain

The next morning, Noah found himself standing in front of The Roasted Haven again.

It wasn't planned—at least, that's what he told himself. He had every intention of heading straight to campus, grabbing a generic cup of coffee from the vending machine like always. But as he walked past the café, something pulled him back. Maybe it was the memory of that first sip, the warmth that spread through him despite the cold rain. Or maybe, just maybe, it was the barista with dark eyes and an infuriating smirk.

The bell above the door chimed as he stepped inside.

Elias was behind the counter, sleeves rolled up, carefully pouring steamed milk into a cup. His movements were practiced, precise—almost hypnotic. When he looked up and saw Noah, a slow smirk curved his lips.

"Back so soon?" Elias teased, setting the cup aside. "I thought engineering students thrived on convenience store coffee and pure suffering."

Noah rolled his eyes as he slid into the same stool as last night. "I had a free morning."

Elias leaned forward on the counter, resting his chin in his hand. "Oh? And out of all the places in this city, you just happened to end up here again?"

Noah refused to let his face betray him. "I liked the coffee."

Elias hummed as if he wasn't convinced but didn't push. Instead, he turned toward the espresso machine. "Well, since you liked it so much, I'll make you another."

Noah watched as Elias worked, effortlessly moving between grinding fresh beans and pulling a shot. His forearms flexed as he handled the portafilter, and Noah found himself staring longer than necessary.

"So," Elias said without looking up, "what's your deal?"

Noah blinked. "What?"

"You're a student, right? Engineering?" Elias glanced at him with curiosity. "You don't seem like the type who has a lot of free mornings."

Noah sighed, leaning against the counter. "I don't, usually. But I finished a project early, so I figured I'd… take a detour."

Elias set the cup in front of him. "Well, lucky me."

Noah ignored the way that comment made his stomach twist and focused on the drink. He took a sip, letting the warmth spread through him. It tasted slightly different from yesterday's—this one had hints of dark chocolate and a deeper bitterness, but still smooth.

"This isn't the same as before."

Elias grinned. "Thought I'd surprise you."

Noah huffed but took another sip. "So, what's your deal?" he asked, mirroring Elias's earlier question.

Elias wiped down the counter. "You mean, why is a devastatingly handsome man like me running a coffee shop instead of modeling or something?"

Noah scoffed. "Sure. Let's go with that."

Elias chuckled. "I like coffee. Always have. There's something about making the perfect cup, you know? It's part science, part art. And this place…" He gestured around the café. "It's mine. My own little world."

Noah glanced around. The cozy shelves, the warm lighting, the soft jazz playing in the background—it did feel like a place where time moved a little slower.

"I get it," he admitted.

Elias raised an eyebrow. "Do you?"

Noah shrugged. "My mom runs a business. She's obsessed with control, perfection. I grew up watching her build something from the ground up."

Elias studied him for a moment. "And you? You planning on taking over?"

Noah tensed. That was the million-dollar question, wasn't it? His mother expected him to follow in her footsteps, to run the company she had built. But engineering was his passion, not boardrooms and business deals.

"I don't know," he said honestly.

Elias didn't press, but there was a knowing look in his eyes.

Noah finished his coffee and set the cup down. "I should get going."

Elias leaned against the counter. "Sure you don't want another detour tomorrow?"

Noah rolled his eyes but couldn't stop the small smile tugging at his lips.

"Maybe."

As he stepped outside, the air smelled like rain again, fresh and crisp.

And for the first time in a long while, Noah felt like he wasn't just following a path laid out for him—he was choosing where to step next.