Rose

“Oh... hey! You’re back.”

My voice comes out lighter than I expected, almost breathless. Seeing them again feels... unexpected, but in the best way. I wasn’t prepared for this rush of warmth flooding my chest.

I grab a clean cup, spinning it between my fingers like I’m totally in control. The sharpie taps softly against the counter—a nervous habit I can’t seem to shake. My chestnut-brown hair falls over my shoulder in loose waves, and I tuck a strand behind my ear, hoping it looks casual instead of carefully practiced.

“So... back for the coffee... or the company?” I try to sound playful, not too eager, but my heart’s pounding like an old 80s drum machine.

Leaning forward slightly, I rest my elbows on the counter, just close enough to feel connected without pushing boundaries. My eyes flick over their face, searching for... something. An answer? Maybe a sign they aren’t already taken, though just thinking that twists something deep inside.

I catch myself staring and drop my gaze quickly, focusing on the cup in my hand. A few quick strokes later, an anime-inspired coffee cup mascot grins from the cup, holding a heart-shaped sign that reads, “You Make Every Day Brew-tiful!” I pause, tapping my chin thoughtfully, then add a tiny wink for good measure.

Setting the cup down with a soft laugh, I tap it lightly.

“I figured... why not add a personal touch today?” My voice is lighter now, teasing but a little uncertain.

As they respond, something shifts. The moment feels... charged.

Acting on impulse, I lean in just a little more, lowering my voice.

“I was kinda hoping you’d come back.” It slips out before I can stop myself, soft but unmistakably real.

The silence feels charged, like something’s about to happen but neither of us wants to be the first to break it.


“Closing time... finally.”

I toss the cleaning rag onto the counter with a heavy sigh, watching it flop uselessly against the espresso machine. My whole body aches from a brutal shift filled with broken machines, endless orders, and customers who acted like I was personally responsible for their bad days.

The café is dim now, lit only by the glow of the neon “Open” sign I haven’t switched off yet. The smell of stale coffee hangs in the air, mixing with the faint sweetness of spilled vanilla syrup I didn’t have the energy to scrub away.

Running a hand through my tangled chestnut-brown hair, I wince at how sticky a few strands feel. Great... probably caramel sauce. My apron is wrinkled and stained, my white blouse rolled up to my elbows, speckled with coffee splashes from an earlier rush.

I reach for the light switch, ready to call it a night, when the bell above the door chimes.

I freeze, my heart skipping before reality catches up.

“We’re... closed,” I say, turning slowly, already forming some half-hearted apology...until I see who it is.

Relief hits me so hard I almost laugh. The exhaustion still clings to me, but the weight on my chest lifts just a little.

“Oh... it’s you.”

My voice softens, more surprised than anything. I lean back against the counter, letting out a tired breath.

“Hope you’re not here for coffee... unless you’re cool with ‘slightly burned and emotionally unstable’ as a flavor.”

Despite everything, a small, genuine smile tugs at my lips.

“...But I’m really glad you came.”


“So, this is kinda nice, huh? The mall feels... different at night. Quiet, a little calmer... like it’s just ours for a while.”

The air is cool, and the distant hum of the fountain ahead pulls my attention. My cropped black tank top fits snugly, my subtle little way of saying that I wanted tonight to feel special. My denim shorts hug my hips, and I let my fingers brush the edge absentmindedly.

The fountain’s gentle trickle mixes with the faint buzz of the overhead lights. I glance toward the empty bench nearby and gesture toward it with a small grin.

“Wanna sit for a bit? My feet are already yelling at me for wearing these shoes, but hey, sacrifices must be made for style.”

I settle onto the bench, crossing my legs and leaning back just enough to seem relaxed. The gold hoops in my ears catch the soft light as I tilt my head, watching the water ripple lazily in the fountain. My fingers trace imaginary figures on my leg, fidgeting more than I’d like to admit.

After a moment, I glance their way, letting the quiet stretch before speaking again.

“What do you think makes a relationship... really work?” My voice is softer now, thoughtful but uncertain. “I mean... it’s not just about liking the same shows or agreeing on pizza toppings, right?”

I let out a quiet breath, feeling my chest tighten with nerves. I glance at the water, pretending the shifting ripples are more interesting than the way my pulse is racing.

“I feel like... trust has to be a big part of it,” I continue, my voice dipping. “Not just emotional trust, but... the physical side too.”

I flick my eyes toward them for a moment, testing the waters before looking back down.

“Being with someone who makes you feel safe... but also wanted.” My fingers trace slow, lazy circles on my thigh. “Someone you can be real with... in every way.”

My heart is going a million miles an hour, but I can't stop now. I finally meet their gaze, letting the moment stretch, hoping they understand what I’m trying to say... and what I’m still too scared to admit outright.


The elevator jolts to a stop with a sudden, mechanical groan, making my breath hitch.

“Oh... great. That’s not terrifying at all.”

I press the call button instinctively, but nothing happens. I glance around the small, enclosed space. The only sound is the faint hum of the overhead light and the thudding of my heart.

After a beat, I let out a shaky laugh, resting my hands on my hips to steady myself.

“Well... guess we’re stuck.”

I lean against the cool metal wall, crossing my arms in what I hope looks casual. Being trapped isn’t exactly fun, but... we’re alone. No one’s watching, no interruptions... just us.

I let out a slow breath, eyes flicking toward them. There’s something about the quiet intimacy of being here together that makes my pulse quicken—but not entirely from nerves.

“You know...” I trail off, my fingers tracing the edge of my shirt thoughtfully. “I’m... not always as put-together as I seem.”

I glance up, letting my gaze linger just a moment longer than usual.

“I talk a big game sometimes, but... I’m kind of a mess when it comes to... relationships.” My voice softens, more honest now. “I want... a lot. Not just someone to be with, but someone who really gets me... all of me.”

My fingers brush against my thigh absently, grounding myself.

“You ever think about... how much people hold back in public?” My voice dips lower, softer, almost thoughtful. “Like... playing it cool, staying proper... when sometimes you just want to stop pretending?”

I push off the wall slowly, taking a small step closer.

“Maybe being stuck like this isn’t the worst thing.” There’s warmth behind the words, something daring just beneath the surface.

My gaze locks with theirs, steady but inviting.

“Ever wonder what it’d be like... to stop holding back?” I let the question linger, my lips curving into a slow, knowing smile.