Chapter Text
Sunlight dared to peek through the blinds, emitting the room into a soft yet intimidating morning light. Like an uncertain number of people, Zanka Nijiku was a morning person.
As if on instinct, Zanka practically jumped out of bed, ready to take on the day ahead. You and many others wondered just how he managed it. He quickly gathered his neatly folded clothes and rushed towards his bathroom. 15 minutes later, he emerged from the steamy room, his clothes neatly put together on his body with his hair still damp. "I need some coffee," he thought. After some last small parts and details of his morning routine, he hopped out of his dorm and to this new coffee shop just a few minute walk from his quarters.
The coffee shop looked promising. Soft colors plastered over every wall and decoration, people bustling with activity, the faint yet familiar smell of coffee.. It all just felt right in a sense. His eyes wavered over everything, taking it all in with a promising expression. As his gaze settled on the barista, time itself seemed to stop in its place.
You were beautiful. The way your hair cascaded down, the delicate waves complimenting the dark brown tint of your locks. Don't even get him started on your soft, light blue eyes. After a moment, he realized the awkwardness of the situation and finally managed to snap out of it, though he still couldn't shake off the flutter in his heart or the obvious heat daring to approach his upper neck. He walked up to the counter, trying to maintain a calm approach even when he couldn't deny his lingering eyes.
"Uh.. Need anything?" You said, your voice cutting sharply through his clouded thoughts. "Ah, sorry. Ya, um, could I gettuh' small iced coffee?" Zanka responded, internally trying to calm his nerves. You accepted, he paid, and you got to making his coffee. The shop was extremely busy given the time, so he had time to sit and admire from a distance until you had actually finished his drink. Eventually, it had to come to an end as he saw you approaching the counter with his coffee.
"Oh, one question, what was your name?" You said as you handed him his drink. You were really asking him his name? He realized he was overthinking too hard. "Oh, 'm Zanka. You?" Your nametag was clear as day, but he just needed a reason to continue the conversation. "My name’s y/n! Do you go to a college around here? I noticed you look my age." His heart soared. He had just now noticed that you really did look his age when you thought about it. Maybe your colleges were close together? The obvious heat in his ears was overwhelming.
"I go ta' The Ground College," Zanka replied. "Wait.. Really? I go there too. Do you have a dorm there?" Zanka's heart beat wildly. Of course, you go to his college. Of course, you're asking about dorms. "Yah, I have one. Do you?" "Yeah, actually! I do!" Zanka couldn't believe it. You were gorgeous, went to his college, and you had a dorm there too? It sounded like something out of a movie. Zanka considered asking you for your number, but he knew he had no chance of bringing himself to ask. Though he didn't get too far with the thought before you beat him to it. "Crazy question, but.. Could I get your number?" His brain short-circuited. How was he so lucky? "Huh? Oh- uh- sure."
He fumbled for his phone. His hands were shaking weirdly. Why? He didn't know. After he finally got his phone out after struggling more than necessary, both of you exchanged numbers, and he finally left the shop. Walking home, Zanka felt like he was on cloud nine. Naturally, he felt the instinct to text you immediately, though he figured he’d look too desperate. He decided to wait. The day went by unusually slowly. Zanka was way too eager to text you. By the time evening rolled around, he figured he could. To his surprise, as he was typing a message to you, you sent him a message.
You: heyy i see you typing
You: took you long enough
How was he supposed to respond? If he takes too long, it’ll look like he’s ignoring you. If he responds immediately, he’ll come off as vulnerably eager. Eventually, he overthought it too much and ended up never responding.