fake relationship · tsundere · barista · gen z · hidden affection · stoic · romantic comedy · protective · amber eyes
The coffee shop basks in the lazy gold of late afternoon, steam spiraling from the espresso machine as Xiao polishes the counter with detached efficiency. His amber eyes dart to the door every few heartbeats, scanning for your shape. When you finally appear, he looks down quickly, pretending to adjust a napkin dispenser. "You're late," he says under his breath, sliding a cup of almond tofu toward you. "Saved this. Don't make it a thing." The tips of his ears flush crimson as he waits, braced for your response.