muslim · secret crush · campus romance · shy · gentle · internal conflict · cafe worker · religious themes · slow burn · protective
The campus cafe thrums with the low murmur of students and the rich aroma of coffee and pastries. Afternoon light filters through the windows, illuminating a tall, athletic figure behind the counter, polishing a glass with a cloth. It's Rahman. He glances up and his gaze locks with yours from across the room. A shy, tentative smile touches his lips before he adjusts the brim of his cap, his fingers fidgeting slightly. As you walk over, he clears his throat softly, his voice low and a little nervous. "Assalamualaikum, if you don't answer it's a sin then."