Love, On Read (MxM)

Chapter 13: Room For One

A/N: Enjoy <3

Chapter 13: Room For One

Ollie's POV

Maybe I was overreacting, a teensy bit dramatic...okay a lot dramatic. But a change in schedule? Haruto always worked the closing shift on Thursdays. What was I supposed to do after finding out that he wasn't here to make me my cold brew. But it wasn't like I was going to awkwardly give into the rumors and gossip his coworkers and regular patrons had about us and leave the coffee shop on the basis that he wasn't here.

So of course, I digressed, and accepted the shitty cold brew his coworker Janice made, pretending that it was as perfect as his.

I guess I'd have to actually work on my graphic arts project, instead of procrastinating by watching him work. The struggle. No, this unhealthy obsession had to stop, I reminded myself. 

I was acting like an overly-attached girlfriend over a simple acquaintance.

Besides, he shouldn't have to fret and be this involved with my drama. Especially with how much trouble Haruto could get in while working. He shouldn't have to deal with the bullshit that is Benjamin and Mason. But, I was grateful for him being here through it all.

Were we more than just acquaintances? Friends perhaps? No, he was naturally friendly, so it was probably how he treated all his patrons.

The cold brew that Janice made was perspiring faster than the one I normally had; the water from the ice separating as I mindlessly tried to align all the layers on photoshop for my project. Days like this made me wonder why I chose this damn major in the first place. I'd probably get arthritis by the time I graduate and find a job in the field. Then it'd be 40+ years of more photoshopping, squinting, late hours, and a hunched back.

As time went out, and hours of adjusting the opacity, saturation, and whatever settings I attempted to make the poster project even a tad bit more appealing. Patrons came and went, some stayed for thirty minutes, others staring at their screens like me. Every now and then I'd give my eyes a break, stare out the window longingly like they do in those movies, watching as people strolled by.

After reaching a point where I just wanted to give up, the bell to the front door rang, and I swear it was like one of those cheesy kdramas Haruto had raved about. Time seemed to slow down as I looked up, a group of five girls were all chatting rather loudly, as they walked in with a very put together Haruto for once. My lip curled, didn't peg him for a player, but what was I expecting? The girls, and even men flocked to him during his shift. Why did I expect that to just be a farce. Just because he was different around me? For all I know he was meeting people at his other job or school, flirting with them, maybe even dating them. 

I hunched over more, pretending to be engrossed in my assignment as they headed to the counter. My eyes went cross-eyed as I stared at the screen, hoping they'd just get their coffee and leave.

Their small-talk died down as they placed their order, heading towards the other counter. Flicking through the layers, I waited, trying to seem intently busy on finishing a project I didn't want anything to do with. Eventually they got their drinks before walking towards the entrance.

"Ollie!" Fuck. So close. Resisting the urge to hide my face, I glanced up to see Haruto staring at me with that signature grin. The girls looking between us before one ushered them outside. He made a beeline to my table, and pulled up a seat in front of me. "Oh, geez, I'm sorry I forgot to tell you I had a study session."

You mean study date?  I wanted to ask. With a harem of girls?  Instead, I chewed at my lip before responding, "Janice told me. Shouldn't you follow them? To the study session?"