Espresso in The Rain

Noah wasn't sure when it started—the way his feet naturally led him to The Roasted Haven without a second thought.

Maybe it was the coffee. Maybe it was the quiet ambiance.

Or maybe it was Elias.

He didn't want to admit that part, though.

It was another rainy evening when Noah found himself pushing open the familiar glass door, the chime ringing softly above him. The warm scent of espresso greeted him instantly, wrapping around him like a comforting embrace.

Elias was behind the counter, sleeves rolled up as he tamped down coffee grounds with practiced ease. His dark eyes flickered up the moment Noah entered, and for a second, something unreadable passed across his face before he smirked.

"Back again, regular?"

Noah scoffed, shaking out his damp umbrella. "Maybe I just like the coffee."

Elias chuckled. "Right. That's what you keep telling yourself."

Noah ignored the way his chest tightened at the teasing lilt in Elias's voice and slid into his usual seat by the counter. Before he could even ask, Elias placed a cup in front of him.

"No need to order. I already knew what you'd want."

Noah raised an eyebrow. "What if I wanted something different?"

Elias leaned in slightly, his smirk widening. "Do you?"

Noah swallowed, suddenly very aware of the space—or lack thereof—between them. The way Elias's gaze held his, unwavering.

"…No," Noah admitted, reaching for the cup.

Elias chuckled again, stepping back to tend to the espresso machine.

Just as Noah was about to take a sip, the door swung open, and a new voice interrupted the moment.

"Elias, you bastard! I swear you never pick up your damn phone."

Noah turned just in time to see a tall man stride in, shaking off his wet hair like an overgrown dog. He had a sharp jawline, tousled brown hair, and an easygoing smirk that screamed trouble.

Elias sighed. "Perth, don't barge in here like you own the place."

Perth grinned. "But I basically do. I am your best friend, after all."

Noah blinked, glancing between them. Best friend?

Perth's gaze landed on Noah, and the smirk widened. "Oh? And who's this?"

Before Noah could speak, Elias casually leaned against the counter. "A regular."

Perth's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Uh-huh. A regular, huh?"

Noah could already tell—he wasn't going to like this guy.

Perth pulled up a stool beside him, completely ignoring the fact that Noah had been enjoying his solitude.

"So, Regular," Perth drawled, "how long have you been coming here?"

Noah shot Elias a look, but the man just shrugged, feigning innocence.

Sighing, Noah muttered, "A few weeks."

Perth whistled. "Wow. And here I thought Elias didn't like people getting too close."

Elias rolled his eyes. "Don't start."

Perth grinned like he had just found his new favorite source of entertainment. "Well, in that case, I must know more about you, Regular."

Noah sighed, sipping his coffee as Perth continued his relentless questions.

And somehow, through all the irritation, Noah caught the way Elias watched him—his gaze lingering just a little too long.

Like maybe… just maybe… he was enjoying this, too.