changbin yawned, shaking his head to wake himself and recoup concentration. he was so bored, having been left alone for his shift almost an hour ago. impatiently, he tapped his fingers on the counter, looking over to the clock. closing time was near, meaning soon enough changbin could finally go home, hastily get comfortable under his sheets and sleep. slowly, his heavy eyes began to close. slumber was taking over changbin's body, when suddenly someone entered the coffee shop. the little bell that chimed when the unexpected customer opened the door immediately roused changbin and he jumped slightly. he cleared his throat and smiled politely as the customer approached.
''welcome, what may i get you?'' the emptor, a young man with dark blue hair, stared changbin dead in the eyes, silent. changbin gulped, shifting slightly before repeating himself.
''how may i help you?''
the mysterious customer blinked, then cast a small smile before finally speaking, ''just a small coffee, please- extra sugar.''
changbin nodded, ''right away, sir.'' he then turned around and began working on the man's order. as he awkwardly stood, waiting for the water to boil, changbin could feel eyes burning into his back. he tapped his foot, beginning to feel unsettled by this customer's presence. when the water was finally ready- which felt like it took hours - changbin expeditiously poured it into the cup, giving the liquid a stir to help the coffee dissolve faster. he finished it up by adding milk and the extra sugar the customer requested, before turning around to face him again. the latter's eyes quickly shot up from what seemed to be changbin's crotch area-- wait, was he checking him out previously?! changbin blushed slightly however shook the thought, taking a deep breath as he handed the man his coffee. the latter reached out to grab it, wordlessly observing changbin's face as he did so. the barista watched silently whilst the customer scrabbled around through his pockets.
''£4.35, by the way, sir,'' changbin said to which the blue-haired man nodded. he then took out a five pound note, extending his arm for changbin to grab the money. changbin breathed out a small 'thank you', taking hold of the money. however, the customer wouldn't let go of it. changbin chuckled, feeling gawky, as he made eyes with the other man. the customer smirked ever so slightly, before at last freeing the money from his hand.
''keep the change, and thank you, too-..'' the man paused and glanced down to changbin's nametag, ''-changbin.''
changbin bowed his head respectfully, ''en-enjoy your night.'' he felt relief wash over his body as the man turned. finally, poor changbin would be freed from this uncomfortable encounter. unfortunately, instead of leaving, the stranger sat down at a table. he directly faced changbin, eyeing him as he slowly sipped his coffee. changbin looked up at the clock- 10 minutes until closing time. he then looked back to the man, who licked his lips as he continued to examine him.
changbin cleared his throat, ''the.. the shop will close soon.''
'' i know,'' the other replied dryly. changbin nodded, avoiding eye contact.
''say, changbin,'' the customer started, ''excluding me, are you alone right now?'' changbin's heart picked up a pace. why would he need to know this?
''th-there's several cameras here!'' changbin spoke without thinking, panic overtaking him. the customer gave an amused huff.
''i know.''
changbin took a deep breath, deciding to watch the clock. all of a sudden changbin heard something loudly fall, alongside a gasp. he looked towards where the customer sat to see his coffee spilt on the floor. he sighed, grabbing a towel.
''oh, i'm sorry..'' he said, watching as changbin slowly approached the mess.
''it's okay,'' changbin reassured quietly, bending down to clean the puddle. he could once again feel eyes burning into him like coal, and from the corner of his eye, he could see the man biting his lip, gazing at changbin with dark eyes. changbin's lower lip trembled, he felt so exposed. as he stood up, at last finished with the mess, the man licked his lips again.
''sir, i'm meant to close off the shop now, you'll have to leave.'' the customer blinked, then stood up.
''fine, then.'' changbin's tense shoulders finally relaxed as the man proceeded towards the door.
''goodnight, changbin,'' he grinned, opening the door. ''name's minho, by the way.'' changbin then watched him leave. finally.. changbin pinched the bridge of his nose. he couldn't wait to go home. he was exhausted.
soon enough, changbin had tidied up everything and switched off the lights in the shop. he could go home now. he shivered as he stepped outside, the cold but refreshing breeze hitting him like a wave. he quickly locked the door before shoving his hands in his pockets and beginning to walk home. as he strolled, changbin couldn't fight off this feeling of being watched, but he assumed it was just paranoia. the streets were empty- or so they seemed. there's no threat to him here. however little did changbin know,
minho hadn't exactly left.
