Archive of Our Own

i. enraptured

The first time he noticed you was when you had laughed over the mistake in your order. It was only his first couple of weeks on the job, and it was his first time serving a group of customers instead of a single customer. But he hadn't expected to have completely mistaken your order and give you something entirely different from what you had asked for.

He can still recall how he had apologized over and over again of his mistake. The narrowed scalding gaze from their sleepy black haired manager and the heated yet icy cold stare from his senpai in the job made him want to shrink away from the entire world. He just wanted a hole to open up and make him disappear. But before either his senpai or his manager could ease the situation, you solved it yourself with a wave of your hand and a small laugh.

"After all, you made it yourself right? I can't let your effort go to waste." 

And even when he had attempted to at least make it on the house, he could do nothing but lose his breath at the sound of your bright laughter. He never did charge you and your friends for that mistake in your order, but the additional tip you had slipped into his apron pocket before you left had left him completely stunned.

Because you had paid for it anyways, and also thanked him for the delicious coffee.

ii. regular

After your first visit with your friends, you haven't been back since. Kirishima's basically forgotten the incident, but when he hears the door chime ring its familiar melody and your warm hues make eye contact with his, he can't help but let out a beaming smile.

"Welcome! You can take any table, and we'll be right with you shortly!"

You had nodded, a returning soft smile on your lips as you made your way towards the table you sat at the first time you were here. You had your laptop with you, and it wasn't until you felt a presence approaching you that you looked up and away from your work.

"What can I get you today, miss?"

Kirishima Eijirou. Your gaze flickered from his face to his name tag, and then it clicked that he was the same waiter from your first visit here. Kirishima's gaze on you was bright, and practically radiating positivity. 

"I'll get whatever it is you got me last time."

His eyes twinkled with confusion before he finally put a face to the girl from his first mistake. A smile spreads over his face, as well as a tinge of pink flush, and he nods, "Sure thing! An ice almond macademia milk latte coming right up!"

He still remembers watching anxiously from the cold bar after delivering it to you. But his insecurities are relieved upon seeing the bright and content smile blossom on your face.

Perhaps that was the visit that cemented your presence.

iii. study

The first time he talked to you wasn't actually initiated by him, but rather you. It was one of the rare times he had came in on a day off to study. The small coffee shop was normally quiet and filled with idle chatter only during the busy hours which were around lunch and post dinner. But in between, it was always quiet and filled with the gentle tunes of music playing softly in the background. 

"You're not working today?" 

He had never shot his head up that fast any time compared to that day. He was deep into studying, although he didn't really know what he was studying. But he didn't realize he was that oblivious to the world around him that he didn't recognize you hovering over his shoulder. When he made eye contact with your face, you pulled back slightly, a sheepish smile on your face and you laughed, "My apologies, I didn't realize I interrupted you while studying."

He stared at you intently, and you just flash him a small polite smile until it dawns on him and he exclaimed, "The tip girl!"

"Eh, 'tip girl'?" a teasing smile played at your lips and your hands went from holding your purse's strap to resting on your hips, "The name's [L/N][F/N], can't you at least try to remember that, Kirishima-san?"

He's basically a spluttering mess as soon as he hears his names on your lips. The question of how you knew barely leaves his lips and the laughter that escapes you makes him stop his internal flailing. 

You gently tapped his breast pocket where his name tag was pinned on, and then you shook your head, "Are you that out of it?"

He lowers his head momentarily in an attempt to calm himself down, but the embarrassed smile that takes over his features makes you smile at how endearing he was. 

"It's the studying." It was the only excuse he had, and he didn't expect the conversation to continue. He had expected you to just break away and excuse yourself, but he was stunned once again out of his thoughts by your continual surprise when you offered, "I can help, if you don't mind me doing so."

He's never been more grateful for that day in being the start of his friendship with you.

iv. pick me up's

Studying and just chatting has been a normal routine for you and Kirishima as you continued to visit. But you can't help the twinge of jealousy that slowly takes root in your heart as you noticed the new girl that gradually became his regular as well. It really didn't help when you saw him mess up your order, only for a situation similar to your own replay in front of your eyes as though you were the audience and they were the actors.

You don't notice the pout that forms on your lips, but you immediately sighed and shook your head. You had no right to be acting this way. After all, everyone on this side of the cafe was his customer, not just you. But just as soon as your jealousy had sprouted and was almost ready to blossom, you feel your heart pang for the girl when you see the longing and wistfulness in her eyes at Kirishima's senpai.

Ah. You idly stirred the spoon in your latte and you mumbled, "I feel you, girl."

"Feel what?"

You were startled out of your stupor and immediately rested a hand on your heart. A pout forms on your face and you grumbled, "Don't do that Kirishima."

"Sorry, sorry," he laughed and then gently set down a plate of dessert before you. He waited for your reaction, and you looked at him with confusion and you asked, "Did I order this?"

"No, but it's a pick me up. You were looking kind of down today, so I thought.." his voice trailed off and he holds the now empty tray before him, folded against his torso. He watched you expectantly, and you slowly pushed the spoon onto the dessert, and the chocolate lava that flowed out surprised you. He watched as your eyes lit up with the childish glee as you tasted the sweetness of the dessert and the reason as to why it was there.

"Like it?" His voice was slightly nervous, but it was blown away by your immediate reassurance.

"Thank you, Kirishima-kun." Your heartfelt gratitude and the soft and gentle way you had met his eyes when you said your thanks made his heart swell. Perhaps this is the first time he could say that he saw you as more than a friend.

v. mistake

The surprise on your face mirrored his when he placed the wrong order on your table. Your brows furrow and you asked, "You okay there Kirishima-kun?"

He just stares blankly at the order, and then looks from your table to a different table where an older looking man was sitting. His head drops in a sigh and he claps his hands together, "Sorry [L/N]! I'll get you your order, just give me-"

"It's fine," you laughed it off. And he feels a wave of nostalgia and then joins in on your laughter. He shakes his head fondly, "Just like how we first met, huh?"

You nodded, and then gently pushed the cup towards him and nodded at the other table, "Go do your job, Kiri. I'll be here til you get off work, so don't fuss over me too much."

"Who says I fuss!" he retorted in play. You rolled your eyes and shooed him off with your hand before resuming to your work. 
But it was though he was unable to not bother you as he continually came by, dropping off snacks, refilling your drink, or even chatting with you. The cafe was almost about to close, yet you were still here; your work still unfinished, but nearing completion.

He refills your cup once more, and as he walks away, you find your gaze lingering on his retreating figure as he leaves. His shoulders are so broad. But the thought was fleeting as you shook your head to dispel the thought away. I need to get back to work. Just as you were about to dive back into working, the scribble at the edge of a napkin caught your eye.