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The smell of fresh coffee and just-out-of-the-oven bread filled the café, creating a cozy atmosphere. Boruto stood behind the counter, adjusting his apron while checking orders on the system. The morning was relatively quiet, and he took the opportunity to tinker with the espresso machine when he heard the door chime.
He didn’t need to look to know who it was.
Kawaki came in every day at the same time and always sat in the same spot—the table by the window, where he could watch the street. He never changed his order: black coffee, no sugar, no milk, nothing. And even though there were always other empty tables, he seemed to prefer that one, the one where Boruto always found himself staring at him without realizing it.
— The usual? — Boruto asked as soon as Kawaki stopped at the counter.
Kawaki simply nodded, his dark eyes observing Boruto with that same unreadable expression as always.
Boruto rolled his eyes, trying to ignore the warmth creeping up his face. He had gotten used to Kawaki’s constant presence, but it was still weird how the guy could make him nervous without even saying a word.
He quickly prepared the coffee and handed it over to Kawaki, who took the cup without any rush. But this time, instead of heading straight to his table, he hesitated.
Boruto raised an eyebrow.
— Did you forget something?
Kawaki looked at the coffee in his hand, then at Boruto, as if debating whether to say something or not. For a moment, Boruto thought the guy was just going to turn around and leave like always. But to his surprise, Kawaki opened his mouth:
— I’m just asking because you’ve never written my name on the cup.
Boruto blinked, confused.
— Huh?
— Your coworker over there — Kawaki motioned slightly with his chin toward the other barista — writes everyone’s name on their cups. You never write mine.
Boruto chuckled, crossing his arms.
— Maybe that’s because you never say your name.
Kawaki narrowed his eyes.
— You know my name.
— Do I?
Kawaki huffed, bringing the coffee to his lips.
— Kawaki.
Boruto grinned, grabbing a marker and writing on the next disposable cup: “Kawaki: Black Coffee, No Sugar, and Few Words.”
He held up the cup for Kawaki to see, who only rolled his eyes before turning to head to his table. But Boruto caught the slight twitch at the corner of his mouth—almost imperceptible.
And for some reason, that was enough to make his day much better