NejiTen Oneshots And Drabbles

Serendipity

Everyday, he would come. Everyday, he would sit in the same spot (the regulars never touched it, they knew without words that it was "his" chair). Everyday, he would order the same thing without fail. And everyday, Tenten was there to take his order.

Only a few words ever passed between them.

"Hi, how are you? What would you like to drink?"

She asked that even though she already knew what he was going to say.

"Medium coffee."

And then came the daily procedure. "Would you like sugar, milk, or cream with that?"

"Black."

"Alright. One sixty five."

She had memorized that number long ago. She knew some of his habits, as she would slyly watch him sit down when he wasn't looking; though sometimes, she felt like he could see everything. First, he would sit down carefully, always looking out the window into the street side. Then he would uncap the lid, and place it on a napkin.

For hygienic reasons, of course.

Stick the spoon in, stir three times clockwise, three times counterclockwise.

Stop. Take a whiff of the coffee.

Stir again, three times counterclockwise, three times clockwise.

Pick up the cup to feel the temperature through the foam. If it wasn't right, more stirring ensued.

Tenten finally saw him place the plastic spoon on the napkin and reach for the placed lid. She knew what happened next. Cap the coffee, take a sip.

"You still watching him? Just say hi! It's no big deal," prodded Ino, hip bumping her casually.

"Easy for you to say," she grumbled in response, still watching him discreetly from behind the counters. "I'm content with my stalker status, thanks."

"Oh! So you realize!"

…Yes. She knew. The thought was terrifying in itself, but she couldn't ignore his presence no matter how hard she tried. He was taking another sip…

"He is nice looking, you know," Ino whispered, also joining her in watching him.

"No he's not."

He wasn't nice looking. He wasn't even pretty, with his long hair tied back, and his pale skin warmed by the glow of the lighting. He absolutely wasn't.

Tenten sighed. Her denial was of no use, his image still didn't change in her eyes. Okay, so he was…mildly attractive. So what?

She was content to observe him from the sidelines.

She knew nothing of his personal life, what he did, who he lived with, if he had a girlfriend or not, but somewhere inside her, she secretly hoped that she caught his eye and was at least decent looking enough for him to eventually strike a conversation with.

What a load of baloney.

"Hi, I'd like…" came a voice from in front of her. Tenten blinked twice and shook her head slightly, obviously distracted. She put on her best smile. Time to get back to work. The ogling could wait.