Espresso in The Rain

Noah wasn't sure how long he stayed in Elias' apartment that morning. Maybe an hour, maybe more. Time felt different with Elias—like the world outside didn't exist when they were together. But eventually, reality called.

"I should go," Noah said, reluctantly setting his empty coffee mug down.

Elias, still leaning against the counter, tilted his head. "You sure?"

Noah hesitated. His body screamed stay, but his mind—his damn overthinking mind—told him otherwise.

"Yeah," he said, voice softer this time. "I have a project due, and if I don't get started, Santa will hunt me down."

Elias smirked. "Your best friend is terrifying."

Noah snorted. "You have no idea."

Elias studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Alright." But before Noah could move, Elias stepped closer, pressing a lingering kiss to his lips. Slow, deep, like he was imprinting the taste of him. When he pulled away, his voice was quiet. "Come back tonight."

Noah's breath caught.

He should've said no. He should've set some kind of boundary before this became something he couldn't control. But instead, he found himself nodding.

"Okay."

Elias smirked. "Good."

The moment felt… heavy. Not in a bad way, but in a way that made Noah's chest feel too full. He needed space to think, to breathe. So, with one last glance at Elias, he grabbed his things and left before he could change his mind.

—

The heat outside was stifling, the Bangkok air thick and humid as Noah stepped onto the street. He pulled his phone from his pocket, checking the time. Midday. If he hurried, he could still get a few hours of work done before his next class.

His fingers hovered over his screen. He should text Santa back—let him know he was alive before Santa started sending the police after him.

Noah sighed and typed a quick message.

Noah: I'm alive. Don't be annoying.

A response came immediately.

Santa: Where the hell were you??

Noah rolled his eyes as he flagged down a motorcycle taxi. He didn't answer right away, climbing onto the bike and giving the driver his condo's address. The ride was fast, weaving through the congested Bangkok traffic, and by the time he arrived, his phone had blown up with messages.

Santa: Wait. Don't tell me…

Santa: OH MY GOD YOU STAYED OVER

Santa: You slept with him, didn't you?

Santa: Answer me or I'm coming over.

Noah groaned as he walked into his condo. He kicked off his shoes, tossed his bag onto the couch, and flopped onto the cushions.

His phone buzzed again.

Santa: I will CALL you.

Sighing, Noah gave in and dialed. Santa answered on the first ring.

"You didn't come home last night," Santa said smugly.

Noah ran a hand through his hair. "And?"

"And," Santa dragged out, "do you really need me to spell it out?"

Noah let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing his temple. "I hate you."

"You love me," Santa corrected. "Now spill."

Noah hesitated. Part of him wanted to tell Santa everything—to admit that he was falling, that Elias was getting under his skin in a way no one else ever had. But another part of him, the part that had been hurt before, told him to keep it to himself.

So instead, he exhaled and said, "It's nothing."

Santa hummed. "Liar."

Noah didn't respond.

Because deep down, he knew Santa was right.

It wasn't nothing.

It was everything.

—

Later that afternoon, Noah sat in The Roasted Heaven, attempting to focus on his laptop. The café was quieter than usual, the steady hum of the espresso machine and low chatter in the background making it the perfect study atmosphere.

He had planned to work at home, but something had pulled him here. Maybe it was the smell of coffee, maybe it was the comfortable familiarity. Or maybe it was the fact that he wanted to see Elias.

Even though he told himself he wasn't thinking about him.

A fresh cappuccino was placed beside his laptop. Noah blinked up at Perth, Elias' friend and one of the café's employees.

"Elias said you'd want this," Perth said, smirking slightly.

Noah felt his face heat up. "I didn't order—"

"I know," Perth cut in. "But you have that I pulled an all-nighter doing something more fun than studying look, and Elias guessed you'd need it."

Noah groaned, dropping his head onto the table. "I hate that man."

Perth laughed. "You like that man."

Noah scowled. "Why is everyone so annoying today?"

Perth patted his shoulder. "Because you're obvious."

Noah huffed but didn't deny it.

He picked up the cappuccino, bringing it to his lips. The first sip was warm, rich, just how he liked it.

Just like Elias had remembered.

And damn it, that made Noah's heart race.