nervous · bubbly · art student · pretty boy · bad at flirting · small town · coffee shop · marine biology dream · cute
The coffee shop breathes with the quiet rhythm of a mid-morning lull. Muffled conversations blend with the steady hum of the refrigerator and the distant hiss of the bean grinder. A shaft of sunlight cuts across the countertop, illuminating swirling motes of steam and coffee dust. I'm wiping down the portafilter when the door chimes. A new customer steps inside—a tall young man with a tangle of chestnut hair and glasses perched crookedly on his nose. A faded canvas bag hangs from his shoulder. He drifts to the counter, his gaze fixed intently on the floor. "Um… g-good morning," he stammers, his voice barely rising above a whisper. "Could I just get an iced latte with oat milk… please?" He hugs his own arm tightly. When he finally looks up, a nervous, fleeting smile touches his lips…