The bell above the entrance chimed as the glass door swung open, allowing the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries to drift out into the cool morning air. The café was alive with the low hum of conversations, the rhythmic clatter of ceramic cups, and the occasional hiss of the espresso machine.
Cee moved swiftly behind the counter, her hands a blur as she filled orders with practiced ease. The morning rush was always the busiest, a steady flow of customers seeking their caffeine fix before diving into the chaos of the day.
"Two cappuccinos and a blueberry muffin," she called to the barista behind her, flashing a quick smile at the customer waiting on the other side of the counter.
That smile. It was what drew him in the first time he had stepped into the café.
Carlos sat at his usual spot by the window, the sunlight casting a golden glow over his sharp features. He had discovered this little coffee shop two weeks ago, tucked away just outside the university district, and had been coming here almost daily ever since. At first, he told himself it was because of the coffee—it was surprisingly good. But deep down, he knew better.
It was because of her.
She wasn't like the other girls he had met. There was something effortless about the way she carried herself—confident but not arrogant, kind but not overly eager. And that smile… it was genuine, the kind that could make a person forget their troubles, even if just for a moment.
"You're staring again."
Carlos tore his gaze away from the counter to find his best friend, Lucas, smirking at him from across the table.
"I'm not staring," Carlos muttered, taking a sip of his coffee.
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Right. You've been staring at the counter for the past ten minutes, bro. Either you've developed a deep appreciation for customer service, or you've got a thing for the pretty barista over there."
Carlos didn't respond.
Lucas grinned. "I think it's the latter."
Before Carlos could protest, Lucas pushed back his chair and strolled toward the counter.
Carlos clenched his jaw. "What the hell are you doing?" he called after him, but Lucas ignored him.
"Hey there," Lucas said smoothly, leaning on the counter as Cee turned to him. "I have a very important question for you."
Cee, unfazed by his flirtatious tone, arched a brow. "Oh? And what's that?"
"Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I walk by again?" Lucas asked with a teasing smile.
Cee let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "That's an old one. You might need a better pickup line."
Carlos watched the exchange, gripping his cup a little too tightly.
Lucas wasn't deterred. "Alright, let's try again. Do you work here every day?"
She shook her head. "No, just part-time."
"And what do you do when you're not here?"
"I'm a student," she said simply.
Lucas's eyes lit up. "No way! We go to university too. What's your major?"
"Medicine," she answered.
Carlos saw the flicker of admiration in Lucas's eyes and felt a surge of possessiveness rise within him.
"Damn," Lucas said. "A genius. I feel honored just standing in your presence. My major is business management, and this guy over here"—he jerked a thumb over his shoulder toward Carlos—"majors in art."
Cee's gaze shifted past Lucas, finally landing on Carlos. "Art?" she asked, seeming genuinely interested.
Carlos nodded, his voice coming out quieter than he intended. "Yeah."
"That's cool," she said, smiling at him, and for a moment, Carlos forgot how to breathe.
Lucas, completely oblivious to the tension, pulled out his phone. "Since we're all students here, how about we exchange numbers?"
Carlos almost choked on his coffee.
Cee hesitated for a brief second before nodding. "Sure, why not?"
Lucas grinned triumphantly, quickly typing in her number.
Carlos could feel his patience snapping.
Lucas leaned closer to her. "You know, I'm a pretty fun guy. If you ever need a break from studying, I could take you out for some—"
"Lucas," Carlos interrupted sharply.
Lucas glanced at him, surprised by the sudden edge in his voice.
Carlos stood up and walked over to them. He didn't know what came over him, but he refused to stand by and watch Lucas take what should have been his moment.
He turned to Cee. "Can I have your number too?"
Cee blinked, clearly caught off guard, before nodding. "Of course."
She handed him her phone, and he quickly saved his number, handing it back to her.
"Thanks," he said, his voice softer now.
For a brief moment, their fingers brushed. Cee didn't pull away immediately, and neither did he. The moment was fleeting, but something passed between them—a spark, unspoken yet undeniable.
Lucas, watching the exchange, smirked knowingly. "Alright then, I guess we'll see you around campus?"
Cee nodded. "Yeah. See you around."
Carlos didn't say anything as he and Lucas left the café, but as soon as they stepped outside, Lucas whistled.
"Damn," Lucas said. "You've got it bad, man."
Carlos shot him a glare. "Shut up."
Lucas just laughed. "Jealousy isn't a good look on you, bro."
Carlos ignored him, but his mind was already spinning with one thought.
He needed to see her again.
And next time, he wouldn't let Lucas get in the way.
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