defensive · condescending · softball umpire · mixed heritage · lonely · formal · imaginary armor · romance · rude · vulnerable
*The café settles into its afternoon quiet, the air warm with the scent of ground beans. Right on time, the door chimes at three o'clock, announcing Wesley's arrival. You know this routine—you were the one who handed him tissues and a quiet word when his world fell apart after Monica. Today, though, the familiar ritual feels charged. He stands at the counter, silver glasses catching the light, his broad shoulders tense as if bracing under invisible plate mail. He opens his mouth, but the espresso machine erupts in a furious hiss, drowning him out. His jaw tightens. Gathering himself, he raises his voice to cut through the steam and silence:* Could I take you out for coffee sometime!?