Espresso in The Rain

The streets of Bangkok were still damp from the afternoon rain, the pavement reflecting the neon lights of food stalls and motorbikes weaving through traffic. Noah walked at a steady pace, his messenger bag slung across his shoulder as he made his way back to his condo.

His mind, however, was stuck in The Roasted Haven.

It wasn't just the coffee—though he had to admit, Elias knew his craft. It was the atmosphere. The way the warmth of the café contrasted with the storm outside. The way Elias had leaned against the counter, smirking like he could see right through Noah.

Noah let out a breath and shook his head. I went twice. It's just a coffee shop.

Still, when he reached his condo—a sleek, modern space his mother had insisted on paying for—he found himself scrolling through his phone, looking up The Roasted Haven's closing hours.

10:00 PM.

His eyes flickered to the clock. 9:42 PM.

He hesitated. Then, before he could overthink it, he grabbed his keys and walked right back out the door.

---

The bell jingled as he stepped inside, the café quieter than during the day. A few students sat in the corner, typing away on laptops, but aside from them, it was peaceful.

Elias looked up from behind the counter, surprise flickering across his face before amusement took over.

"Three times in two days?" he mused. "At this rate, I should just start a tab for you."

Noah rolled his eyes and slid into his usual seat. "You're open, aren't you?"

Elias chuckled. "That I am." He leaned on the counter, studying Noah. "So, what's keeping you up tonight?"

Noah hesitated. It wasn't like he had a reason to be here. He just… didn't want to be alone with his thoughts.

Instead of answering, he shrugged. "Felt like coffee."

Elias hummed but didn't press. He turned to the espresso machine, his hands moving effortlessly. Noah found himself watching again—the steady rhythm of Elias's work, the confidence in his movements.

A few minutes later, Elias placed a cup in front of him. "Here. Something different this time."

Noah took a sip, the taste surprising him. It was richer, smoother, with a hint of something floral beneath the bitterness.

"Ethiopian blend?" he guessed.

Elias's eyes gleamed. "Not bad, engineer. You actually know your coffee?"

Noah smirked. "I know enough."

Elias leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice. "And what else do you know, Noah Kim?"

The way he said his name sent an unexpected shiver down Noah's spine. He held Elias's gaze, the space between them suddenly feeling smaller.

"I know…" Noah exhaled slowly, setting his cup down. "That you like messing with me."

Elias laughed, the deep sound vibrating through the quiet café. "Guilty."

They fell into a comfortable silence, the hum of the coffee machine filling the space.

Noah didn't know what it was about this place, about Elias, that made him feel like he could breathe. But as he sat there, watching the rain start again outside, he knew one thing for sure.

He'd be back.