Chapter 1
Allen Walker loved working at this little coffee shop nestled on a quiet street corner by a nearby university. Despite the early mornings and the occasional grumpy customers, he enjoyed serving people. The cafe had its fair share of regulars, but none were like Kanda Yuu.
Tall, broad-shouldered, and perpetually scowling. Kanda entered every morning at exactly 8:15 ordering the same thing without fail.
“Americano,” he said.
“Good morning to you, too.” Allen chirped, already punching in the order. Today, though, he had something different in mind. Smirking, he grabbed an extra cup and began preparing something new.
When he slid both cups across the counter, Kanda frowned. “What’s this?”
“A surprise!” Allen said, eyes twinkling. “It’s a honey lavender latte. Thought you might like to try something different for once.”
Kanda’s frown deepened “I didn’t ask for this”
Allen shrugged. “Consider it an experiment. If you hate it, the Americano is still there. The special drink is on me.”
Kanda glared at the drink, “I don’t need some flowery nonsense in my coffee.”
Allen gasped, slapping his hand to his cheek. “Are you scared you might enjoy it?”
Kanda scoffed. “Please”
“Then prove me wrong and take a sip.” Allen teased, leaning forward.
Kanda grumbled under his breath but, to Allen’s delight, lifted the cup and took a small sip. He paused, lips pressed tightly together.
Allen grinned, “Well?”
“It’s tolerable,” Kanda exhaled sharply, setting the cup down softly.
Allen laughed. “That’s high praise from you.”
Kanda rolled his eyes, his ears heated up, “Don’t get used to it.”
Allen leaned in with a smirk, “Oh, I will. Tomorrow, I’m thinking of something with caramel. Maybe even a little cinnamon.”
Kanda scowled, his lips twitching, “You’re insufferable”
“And yet, here you are, still coming back every morning.” Allen winked, “Face it, Kanda, You like me.”
Kanda huffed, grabbing his Americano and standing up. “Shut up Beansprout”
Allen only laughed, watching as Kanda left, the honey lavender latte still sitting on the countertop.