Espresso in The Rain

Noah had never thought of himself as the type to make fast friends. He was friendly, sure, but the idea of someone barging into his space and acting like they'd known him forever? That was another story.

And yet, here was Perth—loud, shameless, and completely unbothered—grinning at him like they were long-lost brothers.

"So, Noah," Perth said, propping his elbow on the counter. "What's your deal?"

"My deal?" Noah repeated, unimpressed.

"Yeah. Why do you haunt this place like a caffeine-addicted ghost?"

Noah glanced at Elias, who was calmly preparing another order, pretending not to listen.

Sighing, Noah leaned back in his chair. "I like the coffee."

Perth snorted. "Bullshit. You can get coffee anywhere."

Noah took a slow sip of his drink. "And yet, I'm here."

Perth grinned. "Exactly."

Noah was already regretting engaging.

Elias finally spoke, voice low with amusement. "Perth, don't scare off my customers."

Perth placed a hand over his heart. "Me? Scare him off? Please. If anything, I'm making him feel welcome."

Noah gave him a look. "I don't."

Perth laughed, completely unfazed.

Elias shook his head, clearly used to this. "Perth's a bartender at a place not far from here," he explained. "Ignore him if he gets annoying."

"I am the life of the party," Perth corrected. "Speaking of, you should come by sometime, Noah. You do have a life outside of textbooks and coffee, right?"

Noah scoffed. "Bold of you to assume."

"Then I, my dear new friend, will give you one," Perth declared. "You're coming out with us this weekend."

Noah blinked. "Us?"

Perth smirked, jerking a thumb at Elias. "Yeah. This guy never leaves the shop unless I drag him out. It'll be fun."

Elias made a sound of disapproval. "You're assuming I agreed."

"You will," Perth said confidently. "And so will Noah."

Noah frowned. "I don't remember saying yes."

"Details." Perth waved him off. "I'll text you the address."

Noah raised an eyebrow. "I didn't give you my number."

Perth grinned. "Elias will."

Elias sighed but didn't deny it.

Noah wanted to protest, but Elias met his gaze, something unreadable flickering in his dark eyes.

And somehow, against all logic, Noah found himself exhaling in defeat.

"Fine."

Perth cheered. "That's the spirit!"

Noah had no idea what he'd just agreed to.

But as Elias smirked at him from behind the counter, he had the sinking feeling that his quiet life was about to get a lot more complicated.