Chapter Text
Like clockwork, every Friday at 8:35am Anxin would walk into his favorite café. His order was always the same— an iced strawberry matcha latte with a chocolate croissant. He’d go to the corner table and people watch for around 20 minutes before needing to head to his statistics lecture. He never attempted to tackle the extensive menu, never bothered getting a plain muffin instead when his usual ran out. He was a creature of habit and took comfort in what he knew.
It was a perfect system he’s been crafting since freshman year.
So when the new hire started taking shifts on his specific ritual day, he almost stopped going.
The guy was sinfully attractive in the way where even Anxin forgets he order even though he practically says it on autopilot when he’s in front of the register. His long bangs would fall like a graceful stack of dominoes and cover eyes that resembled a wild fawn’s. The tips a chestnut brown fading up into a freshly done pale blonde. Thin lips with color that rivals the pink foam that swirled on top of his drink. He was disruptive to the flow of Anxin’s perfect days.
Anxin was obsessed over this curveball being thrown out at him. His lifelong streak of luck was gone because a model like man was working at his specific coffee spot. It was unfair how he had the looks that made minutes feel like seconds, causing Anxin to become constantly late to his lecture. With the addition of the new barista was a new little menu board with different recommendations outside the glass doors and Anxin almost considered trying something new for once. After only three consecutive weeks the guy already knew Anxin’s order by heart and had it ready before he even sat down.
“ Here is your usual, the croissant is on the house today. ” The blonde boy smiled as he passed the small plate and ceramic mug across the marble countertop.
Anxin froze up. This was an anomaly in the routine, something that shouldn’t be happening. He’s supposed to be paying 11,000 won for the drink and pastry, but now it’s down to 7,000? He already pulled the exact amount he was used to. He needed to speak up about this.
“ I can pay for it, I don’t mind. ” His tone is quick and precise, perhaps even coming off as a bit cold and sharp.
The blonde boy’s bangs sway in slow motion as he disagrees, “ Let me this time, your wallet probably wants a break doesn’t it?”
Anxin hesitates. I mean it would be saved for the next time he comes back anyways, so why even bother not spending it now?
For some reason, he surrenders.
“ Thank you then. ” He musters up some politeness as he takes his items away and scurries to the comfort of his back corner. This barista was bad news. Who just offers to pay for a stranger that they’ve only exchanged glances with?
anxin:
he gave me a free croissant.
jiahao:
the mysterious barista that you keep gatekeeping ??
anxin:
unfortunately so.
jiahao:
this is great!
you thanked him right
and sounded like a normal human
not some robot like usual
anxin:
i don’t see the issue with my usual tone.
jiahao:
you have the voice and smile of an angel
idk how you don’t take advantage
i should choke you for this.
anxin:
wouldn’t be the first time you’ve tried hao-ge
jiahao:
now that you’ve taken the next step in this relationship w him
I have to see him!
you refuse to describe him to me.
which in your language means he must be worth hiding
anxin:
that was only once, and it didn’t end up going anywhere
jiahao:
exactly why i’ll make sure that this time it will!
we’re going back tomorrow afternoon.
no if, ands, or buts out of you
idc if its not your usual time and day
we are finally getting you out of your comfort zone !!
anxin:
why do i bother telling you anything?
you’re making my life significantly harder ge
jiahao:
you srsly think i’m evil for making you go outside of your room on a weekend?
anxin:
yes, yes i do.
you suck
jiahao:
only thing i’ll suck is a straw from the drink we buy tomorrow!
…
that could’ve been worded better but ykwim
anxin:
peculiar .
weirdest person i know
And probably ever will
jiahao:
just for that attitude you’re paying tmr
anxin:
don’t i always?
read at 9:03am