Latte love Anne x Challe)
The smell of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air as Anne pushed open the glass door of Moonlight Brews, the little café tucked away on a quiet street corner. The bell overhead chimed, a soft, familiar sound that always made her feel at home.
She adjusted the strap of her tote bag, glancing around the shop. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, painting golden patterns on the wooden floors. The café was comfortably busy—students hunched over laptops, a few bookworms lost in their novels, and the occasional couple laughing softly over their drinks.
And behind the counter, expertly swirling steamed milk into a heart-shaped design, was Chalice.
Anne felt her heart skip the way it always did when she saw her. Chalice had her sleeves rolled up, her dark hair pulled into a loose ponytail, a smudge of coffee grounds on her cheek. She looked effortlessly beautiful, as always.
Anne stepped forward, leaning against the counter with a teasing smile. “Hey, barista extraordinaire. Miss me?”
Chalice glanced up from the cup in her hand, her amber eyes lighting up the moment they met Anne’s. She huffed, but there was no hiding the grin that tugged at her lips. “You were literally here yesterday, Anne.”
Anne propped her chin on her hand. “And yet, somehow, 24 hours is too long.”
Chalice rolled her eyes, but Anne saw the pink dusting her cheeks. “What’s it gonna be today? The usual?”
Anne tapped her fingers on the counter, pretending to think. “Hmm, I don’t know… maybe you could surprise me?”
Chalice smirked. “You trust me that much?”
“Always,” Anne said, and she meant it.
Chalice shook her head, muttering something about “hopeless romantic” before turning to the espresso machine. Anne watched as she moved, confident and precise, like she belonged behind that counter. It wasn’t just the coffee that made Moonlight Brews her favorite place—it was Chalice.
And maybe, just maybe, today would be the day Anne finally admitted it.
Of course! Here’s more of your cozy Challex coffee shop fluff.
Anne peeked up from her arms, her cheeks still warm from Renée’s teasing. “You’re the worst.”
Renée only smirked. “And yet, you still haven’t denied that you like her.”
Anne groaned again, dramatically stirring her latte. “Fine. Maybe I do. But what if she doesn’t feel the same way?”
Renée gave her a flat look. “Anne. She literally gives you custom drinks. She flirts back. She looks at you like you hung the stars. Do you really think she doesn’t feel the same?”
Anne bit her lip. She wanted to believe it, but the idea of ruining what they had was terrifying. She’d been coming to Moonlight Brews for over a year now, drawn in not just by the coffee, but by the way Challe made her feel at home.
What if confessing changed everything?
Before she could spiral further, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Enjoying your drink?”
Anne sat up so fast she nearly knocked over her cup. Challe stood beside her table, holding a small plate with a freshly baked croissant.
Anne blinked. “Uh. Yeah. It’s amazing, actually.”
Challe smirked, setting the plate in front of her. “Thought you might like something to go with it.”
Anne looked at the pastry, then back at Challe. “Did I order this?”
“Nope.”
Anne narrowed her eyes playfully. “Then why—?”
Challe shrugged, looking far too pleased with herself. “Consider it a barista’s choice special.”
Anne felt her heart do that stupid fluttering thing again. “Are you always this nice to your regulars?”
Challe tilted her head, pretending to think. “Not really. Just you.”
Anne was pretty sure her brain short-circuited.
Renée coughed—loudly. “Wow, the romance in the air is so strong I think I might choke on it.”
Anne shot her a glare while Challe just chuckled, the sound warm and soft. “I should get back to work. Let me know if you want another drink.”
Anne nodded, watching as Challe walked away.
Renée leaned in with a grin. “So. When are you finally gonna tell her?”
Anne exhaled, picking at the croissant. “Maybe… soon.”
Renée shook her head. “You better, because the way she looks at you? She’s definitely waiting for you to make a move.”
Anne chewed her lip, stealing another glance at Challe.
Maybe… maybe Renée was right.
And maybe, just maybe, she was finally ready to take that chance.
Chale watched her go, a playful and amused energy about him before he got up and walked back to Noah, the smaller fairy resting still, and composed himself back to appear indifferent.