Archive of Our Own ^beta

Ple was the one who had told Rain about the café. It was close enough to campus she had said that it made sense to walk there when you had a break between your classes and needed a treat. There were supposed to be enough plugs that you could study there too. Rain needed all of that, a break from campus, from all the familiar distractions.

The cafe was clean and simple but elegant too and a nice break from the heat outside.

Rain had a drink that he liked to order, a caramel macchiato. The menu was hand written on the board and he was glad to see his familiar drink written there so he went up to the counter and put in the order.

The man asked, “A macchiato? You sure about that?” He looked Rain up and down and Rain felt himself flushing, especially now that he was seeing how put together the barista was, with his hair pulled back and a bit long and his expensive looking button-up rolled up past his elbows.

“I order one all the time,” Rain said, “I’m not a kid.”

The barista nodded. “Fair enough, that’ll be right up. Would you like anything else? We’ve got a selection of pastries as well as a light food menu.” He gestured at a paper menu and Rain peered down at it.

Rain had gotten distracted at lunch and run out of time to finish it before his next class so he was a little hungry actually. He looked down the menu and poked gently at his tummy, trying to figure out what it was in the mood for. There were salads, noodle dishes, a few soups, snacks and some bigger dishes. He looked longingly at the curry puffs in the display window before reminding himself of the mess he’d inevitably make and the fact that he had another few classes before he went home. Por and Sig would definitely laugh at him if he showed up covered in little flakes of pastry.

“I’ll get some khai luk kheuy along with some kanom tian, please,” Rain said at last. That would be enough to fill himself up for sure and the sweetness of his coffee drink would be so good next to the savory eggs and the lightly sweet steamed cake.

“Perfect timing,” the barista said, “I’ve got your drink ready for you. Just pay and pick your seat, your food will be with you shortly.”

Drink in hand, Rain proceeded to one of the tables. It was quiet and there was a cool breeze coming in from the large, open windows in spite of the heat outside. He had promised himself he was here to study so, grumbling, he took out his ready for his history of architecture class. He opened it then took a sip of his drink.

Hot, bitter, and somehow also acidic. What was this and where was his beloved caramel macchiato? He was going to march up there and ask for his proper drink, he was!

He stole a glance at the barista again. He was steaming milk while talking to a customer and his sleeves were pushed up to reveal muscular forearms but there was so much delicacy in them as he poured the steamed milk. Soon he had started grinding beans for some sort of fancy ceramic and class setup, pouring hot water over them in what felt like an unnecessary pattern of movement. Everything about him screamed handsome and sophisticated. Rain remembered the man asking if he was sure if he wanted a macchiato. Maybe there was some fancy coffee knowledge that Rain didn’t have and if he marched up there he’d look like some silly kid.

Maybe the drink would go better once he had his food. And there was self-serve water that anyone could get which would help themselves to. He glanced down at the dark liquid in the cup. There wasn’t a lot of it, surely he could just chug it once it was a little cooler if he needed to. He was going to look cool and grown up and then the handsome Phi would be impressed!

The food itself was good when it arrived, it tasted like food his mother might cook for him at home and was nicer on his stomach than caf food and definitely better for him however much he liked American style food.

Rain happened to be positioned where he could steal glances at the barista as he served the gentle stream of customers that came in. Some seemed like regular customers who talked with the barista for longer or for whom the man would start preparing a drink soon after they walked through the door. A sophisticated woman came in and sat at the bar in front of one of the pour over setups, he’d heard the barista call it and gave a warm hello to ‘Phayu’. That had to be the barista’s name. The two of them had a lengthy conversation about the different beans that Phayu had on offer today. Other than a few country names that seemed vaguely familiar, Rain was otherwise lost. Rain’s stomach squirmed uncomfortably and he shoveled food in, hoping that would fix the problem.

Beep!

The loud vibrations rang out through the quiet café and Rain flinched harder than he would have at even a library. He’d barely gotten in any studying and he’d have to hurry to get back to his next class. But he couldn’t leave his plates here so he bussed them over.

“How was the food?” The man asked and Rain nodded enthusiastically before the man continued, “And how about the macchiato, was it how you expected?”

Rain looked down, sure enough there was still at least half the drink left. He’d been so distracted by Phayu’s stupid, handsome face that he’d forgotten all about his plan to look cool! There was only one thing for it.

“Oh!” Rain said, faking shock. “I can’t believe I forgot about that.” And Rain immediately chugged it.

Now that it was cold, the bitterness and acidity came through even stronger and he couldn’t help the exaggerated grimace that crossed his face.

“That good, I see.” The man sounded like he was laughing at him, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Rain flushed just as his next alarm rang out and then he had to take off, blush following along with him.

How dare he be so handsome?

☕☕☕

Rain was staying late to work on a project due the very next day. His model was complete at least but his presentation was a long way away and he should probably double check the measurements between his blueprints and his model. Rain really needed caffeine and sugar and he needed it now. Normally the students could count on a vending machine for coffee but that was broken and the caf was long since closed.

Rain had been avoiding going back to Phayu’s café even though the food there was very good. He’d polled his friends afterwards and found out that a lot of fancy or old-school Italian style cafés only made traditional macchiatos while he was used to the version that Starbucks had popularized. Ple had reassured him that if he just asked for an iced latte with the syrups of his choice, he’d be back to the coffee of his dreams but at this point that felt pretty embarrassing to consider. Ple was also the one who had told him that the café was open later than most, maybe because they sold food, Rain wasn’t sure, but it meant that knew that his beloved drink was within reach.

After yawning for what seemed like the millionth time, Rain couldn’t resist any longer. There might even be another barista at the counter! He packed up his books and walked over, though he made a dumb wrong turn and had to retrace his steps. He was rubbing his eyes as he pushed open the door, bells jingling.

Rain staggered over to the counter. “Can I have an extra-large iced latte with two extra shots, two pumps of vanilla syrup, one pump of cinnamon and five pumps of caramel?”

There was silence and Rain looked up to see, who else but Phayu. He had his arms crossed and was looking down at Rain. He looked different with so few lights on, even the display cases were turned off. He hadn’t seemed that much taller last time, had he? But then last time Rain hadn’t been slumped over the counter.

“Are you a student,” Phayu asked and Rain nodded. “What department?”

“First year architecture,” Rain mumbled as he did his best to fill up a glass of water.

“Well that explains it. What project do you have due tomorrow?”

Rain explained as best he could what he was working on. His answer seemed to go on and on but he couldn’t seem to stop himself from rambling. At one point he pulled out the blueprints and pointed at some details but it felt like an out of body experience.

“Here.” A drink was thrust into his hands, finally stopping Rain’s mouth in his tracks at last. It seemed oddly warm but Rain took a sip then sputtered. What was going on?

He took another sip.

It was good, was the thing. Sweet and milky and a bit floral. Not bitter like last time. Before he knew it, the cup was light in his hand but he didn’t feel the usual rush of caffeine. Instead he felt more like crawling into a nice soft bed and curling up to sleep.

“I think your coffee is broken, Phi” he whispered to Phayu.

“It’s not broken, it’s decaf. What you need is sleep, not an all-nighter.”

“What! That’s- How! That’s not allowed! I’m your customer!”

“You haven’t paid and the café’s been closed for the last hour. You’re lucky I was still in here and had left the door open!”

“Well, I’ll just go to get not-broken coffee, somewhere else!” And Rain began gathering up the project that had somehow spilled over most of the large counter. Maybe he’d done that when he was trying to explain it to Phayu, the meanie? It didn’t matter, all that mattered was getting enough caffeine to get two brain cells to rub together.

“Wait, I can’t let you do that!”

“Why not,” Rain said, storming to the door, papers and blueprints in hand.

He opened the door to a wall of rain as Phayu stepped in front of him, protecting the precious cargo with his back.

“It’s pouring out there,” Phayu explained, a bit pointlessly at this point. His hair and back were drenched but none of Rain’s papers were. He staggered back to a table and tried to put them into some kind of order.

He couldn’t call his mother for a ride this late at night and his own car was back at the university. Maybe he’d need to call a cab? He was so tired he could cry.

“Hey, I’m sorry about that. Let me help you put those papers away safely.”

Rain nodded and slumped into his chair. “I can’t believe I got so unlucky. How am I going to get home in that kind of weather without my car?” He looked down and saw all the papers neatly arranged. “Oh, thank you, Phi. Sorry I was a bit of a smart mouth earlier.” He gave Phayu his prettiest smile, hoping it would add some weight to the thank you.

“Well, maybe I could help you?”

“Oh, do you have a car?”

“Not quite.” Phayu covered Rain’s hand with his own. It was so large and warm compared to Rain’s. Warmth rose in Rain’s face. “I usually drive my motorcycle into work and that won’t keep your project dry. But I am actually the owner so I have a flat upstairs.”

“You’d let me stay in your apartment with you?” Rain was flabbergasted. “But won’t there only be one bed?”

Phayu stroked his thumb over Rain’s hand. “That doesn’t bother me if it doesn’t bother you. And you need a good night’s sleep tonight. I’ll make sure to wake you early in the morning. I can even offer coffee and a quick breakfast before your presentation tomorrow.”

The mention of the presentation sank Rain’s stomach. “I should really be practicing and double-checking my work, not sleeping though.”

“You’ll make silly mistakes, tonight and tomorrow, if you just skip out on sleep.” Phayu’s voice was firm now. “Are you really so far behind that you need to pull an all-nighter?”

“Maybe not technically but more time spent on an assignment is always better, right, Phi?”

“That’s not my experience when it comes to all-nighters,” Phayu said, “Maybe a good rule of thumb when it comes to starting assignments is earlier rather than later. If you go to bed now you can give it a last check in the morning and be put together enough to give a good presentation.”

Rain pouted at him but Phayu seemed unmoved by it. And Rain was really tired. He could listen to Phayu just this once, right? “I’d have had enough energy if you’d let me have caffeine,” Rain muttered and Phayu shot back a stern look that made Rain squirm in place. If he’d had his caffeine, then he also could have explained his point to Phayu better. But maybe he could do that in the morning. There was a bed in front of him and clean, oversized clothing being thrust in his hands while Phayu explained that he’d be in the shower.

Rain gave in and within five minutes was passed out.

He rose briefly as a warm arm wrapped around him but then a low voice was telling him to go back to sleep and it was easier to obey it than offer any further resistance.

☕☕☕

Rain snuggled more deeply into the comfortable pillow under his head. Why was his shoulder moving? Being moved?

“Rain...”

“Hm,” he mumbled and nuzzled in deeper. The pillow smelled really good. He was going to sleep forever here.

“It’s time to get up, Rain.”

“Don’t wanna.”

The voice went away and Rain rejoiced as he settled in for another round of sleep.

Wet! Cold! On his face???

Rain shrieked and kicked out, sitting up in bed. His heart was pumping blood through his system and his arms came up only to find... a wet towel? He threw it away from his face and it made a satisfying plop as it hit the floor, conquered.

“Good morning, Rain.”

Rain blinked.

“P’– P’Phayu? What are you doing here? Am I dreaming about you again?”

Phayu smirked. “Has a certain little boy been dreaming about me?”

“No! I! That’s not what I meant to say! And why are you in my room anyways?”

“Your room? That’s a funny thing to say when you’re in my flat.”

His voice was smug and sexy, the way it always was. Rain wished he sounded like that. Wait– Phayu’s flat? But how?

Rain rubbed his eyes and blinked again, trying desperately to get his thoughts online. So Phayu had to be real. Looking around, it did look noticeably different than his own. But how had he ended up here?

“Wait, did you put that wet cloth on my face?”

Phayu’s shoulder made an elegant shrug. “I promised that I’d wake you up and nothing else was working. Next time, I’m happy to try kissing the sleeping beauty awake instead.”

“But why did you need to wake me up anyways, Phi?” And what had that been about kissing? He couldn’t have been suggesting kissing Rain, right? Why would he want to kiss Rain. Did Rain want him to kiss him?

Phayu walked closer and all Rain could think was that maybe Phayu was going to try kissing him here and now? He froze, his eyes locked on Phayu’s lips as he came closer and closer. He could smell his musky, herbaceous cologne he was so close. Soon his first kiss was going to be taken from him–

Warm cloth pressed into his hands.

“I washed your clothes from yesterday. I added a plain t-shirt if you’re worried about wearing the same things two days in a row but I figured no one would blink about the pants and your uniform.

Rain blinked and looked down. Those were sure some clothes.

“But, I– Kiss?” Wait what was he saying? “I mean, no kiss, thank goodness no one’s kissing princesses, not that I’m a princess, I mean, I’m awake and I’m going to– to shower! And get changed! And, breakfast, I’ll see you there, uh wherever that is.”

“I normally make myself breakfast downstairs,” Phayu said. “And if you want a kiss, you can always ask for one. But only if you remember not to be rude. I don’t like rude boys.”

And with that Phayu had left.

Why did Rain have to sound like such a stupid, little kid around Phayu? And why was he threatening to kiss him? And accusing him of being rude! Maybe he’d forgotten the honorific but he’d been stammering! How could Phayu hold that against him?

Rain rubbed at his lips. What would it be like if Phayu kissed him?

He wasn’t thinking about this! These sorts of thoughts were all Phayu’s thoughts. He’d bewitched him with the drink last night, that was the answer. Cursed him to keep thinking of Phayu’s lips and what they would feel like against Rain’s/

The shower took a bit longer than normal but he’d had a problem to deal with that took some more stubborn rubbing than usual. He’d deny it until his death, but it had taken until he imagined Phayu and then suddenly everything had progressed very quickly. Then he had to make the bed because that seemed like the sort of thing Phayu might care about. The pillow next to Rain’s was compressed as well and as Rain shook them out in turn, he tried not to think about why that might be.

The cafe was bright with early morning light that shone through the windows and Rain spent a few moments marvelling over the pictures on the wall. They were a combination of older ones that were yellowing and new ones, always of similar subjects. A café out on a street, the words ‘Café parisiènne’ written on the awning, then and now. What had to be a coffee, served with water and a chocolate with, was that Mozart on it, in a room with arches and windows. The inside of what had to be a small café, maybe in Japan, all wooden with a large square door, the patrons changing from young men and women to old men across the two photos.

Rain looked over to Phayu in the small kitchen that was tucked in a room apart from the café and who seemed to be working on the promised breakfast. “Who took these, Phi?”

Phayu looked up to see what Rain was referring to then offered him a smile. “Oh, those. My mother loved cafés. She’d visit them no matter where she was in the world and she’d travel with my father for his work. When he retired and gave my brother and I our inheritance, I also inherited these. Her tales of cafés and the people she met in them are what inspired me to get into training to be a barista in all the best coffee shops around the world I could find. Then I came back here to open my own. Wherever I could find one of her cafés still open, I took a picture to match hers.”

“That sounds so nice, Phi.” In comparison, Rain’s life seemed boring for sure. But he wondered if like him with his father, Phayu hadn’t seen his parents that much, what with all the travelling for work.

“Now come on over here,” Phayu continued. “Your breakfast is almost ready and I haven’t forgotten about you practicing your presentation with me.”

Rain sat down in front of the food, an omelette and some white rice along with a plate covered in chopped fruit. There was even durian though the fruit was in a closed container which was all for Phayu as far as Rain was concerned.

Rain happily speared a piece of mango and dipped it in some coconut coconut sauce. Then he had some omelette and one of the sausages that he hadn’t seen and Rain was a very happy boy– man, a very happy man.

“I’m glad to see you enjoying breakfast so much, Rain.” Rain looked up to see Phayu, no plate in front of him, his elbows up on the table and propping up his face, seemingly while he stared at Rain. “It’s nice to see such a healthy appetite.”

Rain felt like maybe he should be blushing but all he could manage was some squirming. “Aren’t you going to eat, Phi?”

“Some of us had to get the café ready for the day. I already ate.”

“Well– I believe I was promised coffee!” The shower had at least brought more of last night back to Rain although he was sure that was a good thing when he thought about how embarrassing he’d been.

Phayu stood up. “Would you like another macchiato?”

Rain shook his head violently.

“I thought not. What can I make you? You can take a look at our usual menu.”

Rain looked through it as he ate his food but it was full of words that he didn’t understand and all he could think was about how silly the drink he’d ordered last night must have sounded, how irresponsible and childish. Ple’s advice had not been helpful at all! And meanwhile Phayu was at the bar stretching out his bulging muscles and cleaning the counter.

That was it! Rain just had to come up with a drink that would challenge Phayu and then that would take the heat off of Rain and put it onto Phayu!

“I want a durian latte,” Rain said, trying to inject as much confidence into his voice as he could.

“That’s... not on the menu, nong.”

“It’s a challenge! Unless you’re too afraid to do it?”

Phayu crossed his arms over his chest but he was smiling too and it made Rain feel like vibrating in his chair.

“Challenge accepted then. What’s my reward if you like it?”

“I’ll do a forfeit of your choice!” Wait why had Rain said that! Phayu could ask for anything! Not that it mattered because Rain didn’t like durian! So he’d definitely win!

Phayu nodded and got to work, taking out things from the fridge, the freezer, even pulling out a blender and using some of the syrups against the wall! Rain wrinkled his nose when the durian came out of its container.

Soon Phayu was pouring a shot of espresso over what looked like a durian milkshake and carrying it over to Rain.

Rain looked down at the off-yellow colour of its contents. So maybe he’d slightly misjudged things when he’d made this challenge because now he was going to have to drink something he didn’t even like!

But it would be worth it to finally get one over on Phayu!

So Rain worked up all his courage and finally took a sip, squeezing his face up in anticipation. But wait! He took another sip then stirred in some of the espresso with the glass straw.

“How did you do that, Phi! It tastes like coconut custard! I can taste the durian but I like it? And the coffee isn’t bitter or acidic either. It’s like it cuts through the custard flavour.”

Phayu pointed up to the wall. “I have been a World Barista Championship contestant several times, nong. It’s my job to take coffee to unusual places. I guess this means I win the forfeit... Now what am I going to make you do...”

What was Phayu going to make Rain do? He could make him do anything! What if he made Rain kiss him? What if he made Rain do more than kiss him!

“In that case, I’d like you to come back here after school today.”

“That’s everything? But what about–” kissing, “nevermind! I’ll come by after classes.”

“Excellent, you can help me come up with some more unusual drink ideas. I don’t know what my signature drink is going to be but if you’re thinking of combining things like durian and coffee, then I’m sure you’ll have some good ideas.”

This wasn’t how this was supposed to go! Phayu was supposed to find him annoying, not want Rain to give him more challenges!

“Now weren’t you going to give me your presentation now that you aren’t sleep deprived? Do you know I thought about pursuing architecture a long time ago? It’ll be interesting to hear it again.”

“But I still have to finish breakfast!” Rain was a growing boy!

“Well, you’d better hurry up, nong.” Phayu didn’t have to tell Rain twice, he was already shovelling food into his mouth now that he’d been given permission.

☕☕☕

Rain almost ran out from his last class of the day, his blueprint canister bouncing against his back with every step.

“Uh, Rain is everything alright?” Sky asked, jogging lightly alongside him.

“Yep, everything’s great!”

“Okay, Mr. Hyper, I think someone needs to cut back on sugar and caffeine.”

“No can do! I’ve got somewhere to be!”

It made Rain feel good to be bouncing out of university for once instead of dragging his feet along to the studio or his car. He had Phayu to meet after all! And he needed to tell him how the presentation had gone.

What might Phayu do? What if he kissed Rain and said he was proud of him?

Rain shook his head, trying to dislodge the image. He could almost hear Phayu’s deeper voice, saying what a good job his nong had done and maybe it was time to give Rain a reward and–

Rain was at the café. Rain was not thinking about this anymore! Good boy– pure thoughts only!

In an effort to settle himself he read through the day’s specials. Stuffed bitter melon soup, yuck. But there were at least some pork ribs on offer too which was more Rain’s style.

Now that his mind was on food instead of another kind of hunger, he fixed the hem of his shirt in the reflective window of the door and fussed with his hair until he liked the way it lay then bounded in and rushed up to the counter, beyond grateful that no one was ahead of him in line.

“Phayu!” Rain coughed and lowered his voice to an excited whisper. “I think the presentation went really well, actually!”

Phayu smiled big and bright at him and Rain felt like bursting he was so happy. “What did I tell you, silly boy? A good night’s sleep helps a lot.”

“I’m not a silly boy!” Rain did his best to puff up his chest. This wasn’t what he’d wanted at all! Well he’d just have to get his revenge. The sign outside came to mind and smiled broadly at Phayu. “But I do have a new drink challenge for you, just like you asked.”

Phayu narrowed his eyes at Rain but the smile remained. Rain wondered if he was imagining the edges getting sharper, like a snake.

Rain pointed at the special of the day. “I bet even you can’t make bitter melon and coffee taste good!”

Unlike earlier, Phayu didn’t spring into action the moment Rain had issued the challenge. “Interesting,” he said instead. “I’ll see if I can come up with something before you have to head home.” He started to tinker around the shop. “Is there anything you want in the meantime?”

“Um, a curry puff and an Italian soda? You can pick the syrup, Phi.”

Phayu seemed intrigued by the challenge instead of mad or annoyed which was a response Rain had never quite seen to his brand of chaos. It felt weird but not in a bad way. Butterflies were popping up in his stomach, similar to when he thought about kiss– the forbidden word.

For once he didn’t immediately have an assignment due so as he sat down at his favourite table he instead pulled out his phone and opened up a webtoon he’d been reading about a dark and handsome motorcyclist who always appeared right before the female lead was met with disaster. In the end though, he hardly read it. Phayu quickly brought him his food and drink as promised, the Italian soda flavoured with hibiscus and cardamon along with cream on top. It was the perfect pairing for the crunchy and savory curry puff. When he finished he should have had time to read it, only he kept getting distracted by the blend, cooking, chopping and tasting Phayu was doing as he tried to make a coffee drink that included bitter melon. Completely satisfying and a worthy reward for Rain’s hard work.

It was getting close to closing time and every other table had left or been replaced, sometimes several times over by the time Phayu came over with a drink. It was sparkling and had a layer of brown coffee and a layer of scary looking green, garnished with a sprig of mint.

“Give it a stir with the straw then try it,” Phayu instructed.

Rainf furrowed his brow in preparation as he stirring, wondering why he had done this too himself.

“Don’t you trust me?”

Rain nodded his head without another thought.

“Now,” and Phayu put the glass straw up against his lips, his thumb casually brushing by them. “Won’t you take a sip, naughty boy? It’s your challenge after all.”

And so Rain sipped.

It was a bit bitter which he didn’t love but this time the acidity was strong enough to balance it out, like there was lime in there. Phayu must have sweetened it too and there was a mellow floral quality underneath.

“Oh, it’s not as bad as I thought.”

Phayu took a sip himself, from the very same straw as Rain and nodded. “What are your impressions of it?”

Rain did his best to explain what he’d tasted while Phayu nodded and sipped on it some more, taking notes in a small, hardcover notebook occasionally. It was all a bit of a blur because all Rain could think about was the indirect kiss they were currently having through the straw! Phayu even had him take another sip when we got stuck which meant that Rain had gotten the indirect kiss too!

“Thank you for your help, nong. I hope it wouldn’t be too much of an imposition to ask you to come by more often while I work on this drink?”

Rain scrambled frantically to regain some kind of control while Phayu was just looking at him with way too much in his eyes. “Well! I expect compensation, Phi! My tasting services are highly sought after.”

“Deal.”

The way Phayu was looking at his lips it was almost like... “In food and drinks I mean! Not in kisses or anything!”

Now Phayu grinned wolfishly. “Food and drink for compensation, kisses for recreation?”

Was Phayu really suggesting he might actually kiss Rain? Rain looked around the room, they were the only ones there. Phayu’s hand was somehow around his and he was rubbing a thumb over the back of Rain’s hand. Slowly Phayu pulled Rain’s hand closer to Phayu until it was almost at Phayu’s mouth. Rain was almost shivering as Phayu looked up at him and locked eyes with him. They were frozen there and all Rain could think about was kissing. Finally he nodded his head and Phayu’s lips pressed against his hand.

They were a bit rougher than Rain has imagined but they were plush too and it felt like every nerve in his body was turned on.

“Thank you, nong. I look forward to seeing you again soon.”

Just like that Phayu had walked away, taking the empty dishes with him.

Rain was definitely willing to put up with more bitter melon drinks if kisses would feel like that.

O