The Proximation of Hello and Goodbye

1

The night has been rather quiet, save for the downpour of rain rattling on the roof of the cafe. For the most part, people came in, got their drinks, and sat down only to shove earbuds into their ears. Not much could be heard over the sound of the rain falling anyway, even the music that plays softly over the speakers at all hours is being drowned out. It's not that Izuku minds, it's just that the lack of distractions has been getting to him all night. With nothing to really do or listen to, he can't help but notice the deafening silence of his phone. He sighs, pulling it from his pocket again, only to see that his boyfriend still hasn't texted him back yet. A disappointed frown settles into place on his face as he pockets the phone again, moving toward the espresso machine to start cleaning it. Maybe he's just busy. It wouldn't be the first time I had to walk home in the rain, but I left my umbrella at home. I wonder if he'd be okay with a co-worker giving me a ride home. There's no way he'd be okay with that. He hardly trusts my family.

The bell at the door chimes, alerting Izuku to someone entering the store. He looks toward the door to see a tall, blond man with crimson eyes throwing his hood back, shaking himself free of the excess rain that clings to his rain jacket. He huffs, turning his attention back to the machinery he started cleaning only moments ago. Certainly, one of his co-workers will see that he's busy and tend to the incoming customer while he cleans. At least, that would be the case if they all wanted to get out of here in time. Minutes go by with nothing more than the rain to occupy his ears as he cleans. Someone will come along. Someone has definitely noticed him by now. I'm not even a cashier today. Izuku's shoulders are tense as he adds more pressure to the cloth, wiping vigorously at the machinery. "Hey, is that machine more important than an order, or is the customer service here just that shitty?" a raspy voice beckons from the counter behind him.

Izuku's shoulders fall, his grip on the cleaning cloth loosening as he sets it down and turns to face the customer. Initially, Izuku hadn't thought much of the stranger. But, now, with the man so close, Izuku can't help but notice how striking he is. Despite not being much taller than Izuku himself, he can't help but feel as if he towers over him. His jacket manages to hide the features of his build fairly well, but Izuku would be willing to bet that his arms and chest are muscular and well-toned. His eyes are observant, never settling on any given thing for more than a moment. Izuku's thoughts fixate on a small string of thoughts. He wonders how nice his arms would look with some short sleeves hugging them just right, he wishes he'd look at him for more than a second at a time. He gulps, "Sorry, I was distracted."

The blond scoffs, "Obviously."

He bites the inside of his cheek, feeling himself grow hot with embarrassment. "Right. Um, what can I get started for you?"

The man grumbles momentarily, seemingly at himself, his eyes redirecting to the floor beneath him. "What would cause you the least amount of trouble?"

"I don't know," Izuku shrugs, somewhat puzzled by the question. "I guess a cup of tea. Why?"

"You're obviously trying to get outta here and I just wanted something warm. It's chilly out there and I have a long night ahead," he sighs. "How much for the tea?" He asks digging into his pockets, likely trying to dig out his wallet.

Izuku shakes his head, "Don't worry about it. It's on the house tonight. From one person with a long night ahead to another, every little break counts, right?" He reaches for the marker by the register and for a cup, "Green tea okay?" The stranger nods. "And your name?"

"My name?" The man asks, an eyebrow-raising in question.

"Yeah, for your order?" Izuku answers, tilting his head slightly.

"Right. My name. Katsu is fine," he rushes.

"Katsu got it. I'll have that out for you in a little bit," Izuku answers.