Chapter Text
It was a particularly cold day, wind howling and even some snow trickling down. Chazz was all bundled up on his way to his favorite coffee shop, “The Dueling Cup”. Chazz especially liked this one due to it not being very well known, truly a hidden gem. He also appreciated how quiet it was so he could enjoy his coffee while coming up with new duel strategies. As he walked into the shop, a loud and bright voice emerged.
“Hello and welcome to The Dueling Cup!”
Chazz was a bit annoyed at this as the workers don’t usually greet their customers so loud.
“Ugh, could you tone it down a bit?”
”Oh, my bad sir! It’s my first day here and I’m just so excited to be here!”
The raven haired boy took a look at the employee, noticing brown eyes filled with glimmer, brown hair and the standard uniform for the shop. He noticed the name “Jaden” printed on the name tag. Chazz could already tell he would not like this new employee given how loud he was. He stepped up to the counter, ready to order. The cheerful brown haired boy spoke.
”What can I get for you, sir?”
”Medium caffe americano.”
”Are you sure I can’t interest you in our new drink? It’s called the ‘Honeyed Frappe!’ It’s made of a vanilla bean-“
“I don’t drink Frappuccinos, loser.”
”Can I offer you a sample? You might like it!”
“Hard pass. The americano, please.”
Jaden pouted a little, disappointed he couldn’t get a customer to try out their new drink.
”Okay, sir. One plain, sad americano for the bore.”
“Hey! Watch it with you who you call a bore. Do you even know you I am? I am Chazz Princeton: skilled duelist. I bet you don’t even have a deck!”
”Duelist? I love to duel! I have a deck full of heroes, wanna check it out?”
The brown haired teen rummaged through their pocket to pull out a deck of duel monster cards, excited to have met a fellow duelist. Chazz, however, wanted no part in entertaining this nonsense.
”Forget it! I have no interest is seeing your lame deck. Shouldn’t you be making my drink, Mr. Barista?”
Jaden quickly put his deck away.
”Oh, you’re so right! I have to make your boring drink. I’ll be quick!”
And with that, the lively employee got right to work on making the coffee. Chazz sighed and walked over to a table, a spot that was particularly his favorite. It was a corner seat adorned with plants nearby. He made himself comfortable, impatiently waiting for his drink to arrive. He felt more agitated than usual, his morning ruined by this new employee. Just then, a fresh and hot americano was placed right in front of him.
”Here you go, sir! Even though it’s a boring drink, I hope I’ve made it to your liking!”
Jaden gave the warmest smile the raven haired boy had ever seen. He truly could not fathom how someone could be so cheerful this early in the morning, or even any time of day. Chazz gave a nod and took a sip of his drink. He had to admit, it was a damn good tasting cup of americano.
”Well, Mr. Barista, I don’t want to gag after tasting this drink so I suppose you did something right.”
”Awesome, enjoy your time here!”
Jaden scurried off back to the counter, attending to little tasks such as wiping down the counters and doing dishes. Chazz pulled out some duel cards, ready to come up with a new strategy for an upcoming battle.
Some time had passed, people coming in and out of the cafe. Chazz had now finished his drink but was still working on a strategy. As he was about to pick up a card, a small plate with a pastry appeared in front of his eyes.
”Would you like an almond croissant, sir? It’s on the house!”
Chazz sneered at the pastry. He wasn’t a fan of sweet food. He pushed away the dish.
”No thanks.”
”But it’s free!”
“I don’t care, it’s probably too sweet for me.”
”Sir, won’t you please try it at least? Here, I’ll help you! Ahh~”
The energetic brunette held the croissant in front of Chazz’s mouth, wanting him to open wide. The dark haired boy stood up.
”Idiot! Don’t treat me like a child! I’ll try the damn thing on my own if it’ll get you to leave me alone!”
Chazz swiped the croissant, leaving Jaden to stand in anticipation. Chazz gave a grumble and took a bite of the pastry. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as sweet as he thought it was going to be. In fact, it was quite pleasant.
“Well, sir? It’s pretty good, isn’t it?”
”…I suppose.”
Jaden gave an air fist pump, clearly excited to have a customer try out a recommendation of his. He took a seat right across from Chazz, leaving the skilled duelist confused.
”Oh, I’m on my break now! So, what’s your dueling plan over here?”
Chazz was visibly irritated, not appreciative of the unwanted company.
”Who said you could sit here? Get lost!”
Jaden, ignoring Chazz, picked up a card.
”You’re gonna add this card to your deck, right? Every good duelist has this card in their deck!”
The grumpy teen snatched the card back.
”Of course, you idiot! Stop touching my cards and leave me alone! Shouldn’t you be getting back to work now, slacker?”
”I told you, I’m on my break! Besides, you’re the only customer here!”
Chazz took a look around. Absolutely nobody else was in the establishment. He decided to quickly finish building his deck, not wanting to spend another moment with Jaden.
”So, Mr. Americano, what do you say to you and I engaging in a duel? I’d love to see your moves.”
Jaden gave a wink. Chazz felt like he could detect a hint of flirtation, but decided to ignore that. He had no time for silliness. Besides, nobody ever flirted with him, why would this barista do so?
”You wouldn’t last five seconds against me, slacker. I’ve won every duel I’ve been in, you don’t stand a chance.”
“Hey, I’ve never lost a duel either! Come on, we’re the perfect dueling match!”
“Ugh, don’t call us that.”
”What, ‘match’?”
”Yeah, that.”
”Well then, how about friends?”
”We are not friends. You’re simply a low life annoying barista. Who even hired you?”
”Dorothy did!”
Chazz sighed and started to pack up all his belongings, ready to get out of the shop.
”Awh, heading out already? Will you be coming back? You’re definitely my favorite customer!”
”As long as you’re here, I’m not coming back.”
“Oh? What other coffee shop will make you a perfect americano AND give you free pastries?”
”I’ll take my chances.”
As Chazz finished packing and started to leave, a hand quickly grabbed his wrist. Chazz turned to see bright and pleading chocolate colored eyes.
”Will you really not come back?”
Chazz paused for a moment, not expecting to met with such a devestating face. The dark haired boy pulled away from the barista’s grip.
”Why do you care?”
“Like I said, you’re my favorite customer! It would suck to not see you again.”
Chazz couldn’t help but to feel an emotion he couldn’t quite place. Pity, perhaps?
“Oh, gag me! Stop with that pitiful look, slacker. I’ll be back, but you better make my drink even better than today.”
Jaden sighed in relief and gave a big grinning smile.
”You betcha, sir!”
”And stop calling me sir. Chazz is fine, but say it with respect.”
”Sure thing, Chazz! And seriously, I would love to duel you sometime.”
”Hmph. In your dreams, slacker. But maybe if you keep giving me free pastries…I’ll give you one duel.”
”Then you better count on it because I will always give you a free pastry every time you visit!”
Chazz gave a smirk and headed towards the front door, leaving Jaden excited for their next encounter.