Sokeefe Coffee AU

Chapter 1- The Meeting

AUTHORS NOTE BEFORE: I don't rlly have a schedule but I will try for 2 daily updatesss.
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Sophie stepped into the dimly lit coffee shop, the bell above the door jingling cheerfully despite the late hour. The scent of freshly ground beans and warm pastries wrapped around her like a cozy blanket, a welcome reprieve from the chilly autumn air outside.

She'd been craving a good cup of hot chocolate all evening, something to ease the stress of her schoolwork and the weight of unanswered questions about her future.

Her eyes scanned the room, landing on an empty table by the window. It was the perfect spot, with a view of the darkened street and the occasional car passing by. As she approached, a flash of blond hair caught her attention behind the counter. Keefe, the infamous rich playboy of their elite boarding school, was working his charm on a customer. His smile was as bright as the neon 'Open' sign, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about his after-hours gig.

"Hey, Foster," he called out, using the nickname he'd coined for her the first time they'd met. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks, a stark contrast to her cool exterior. "What can I get you tonight?"

Sophie took a moment to gather her thoughts. "An americano on the rocks with an extra shot of espresso, please," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant. She knew her order was more complex than most, but the rich, bitter taste helped keep her sharp when her mind was racing.

" Ahh, otherwise known as my grandmothers favorite." Keefe said through a muffled laugh.

"Your grandmother has taste." Sophie countered with a small smile.

With a flourish, he whipped up the drink, the sound of the milk steamer and the clinking of ice accompanying the rhythmic beeping of the cash register as he served other patrons. When he finally slid the perfected beverage across the counter, the aroma was heavenly. She offered a genuine smile in return, taking the warm cup in her hands.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, gesturing to the empty chair across from her.
Sophie hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Unfortunately this coffee is to go," she said, taking a sip and savoring the rich flavor. "I have a paper to finish before tomorrow's class."

"Ah, the life of a scholar," Keefe said with a wink, leaning against the counter. He grabbed a napkin and pulled out a pen from his apron pocket. With a flourish, he scribbled his number on it, the ink leaving a trail of blue on the white paper. "In case you need a break," he added, sliding it towards her with a grin.
Sophie felt a strange mix of emotions as she picked up the napkin. The bold digits stared back at her, and she couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. It was unlike Keefe to be so forward, and yet, she couldn't ignore the thrill of the gesture. She tucked the napkin into her pocket, her heart racing a little faster than before.

After a restless night of half-hearted attempts at writing her paper, she found herself staring at her phone, Keefe's number glaring at her from the screen. With a deep breath, she composed a simple message:
Sophie: Hey it's Sophie, just wanted to thank you for the coffee.

In just a moment she started getting a call from Keefe. There was really nothing wrong about picking up so she answered the call.

"Hey?" she said when she picked up the call.

"Hey Foster don't worry about the coffee you should come by more often." His tone was cool and steady and she realized he had just asked her to come by more often, she blushed at that.

"Thank you, and don't worry I will." she said trying to keep her voices steady from the excitement of why he had called her.

"How's that paper coming along?" He asked sounding genuinely interested in what she was doing way past midnight.

"Honestly, could he going better." She replied letting some of her exhaustion slip out of her tone.

" How about we do something fun to try cooling you off a little tomorrow. Maybe ice skating." He suggested keeping his tone causal.

Sophie thought about it for a second because she had to study since it was a Thursday but in the end decided a little break could be fun. " Ok, What time."

"Is five o'clock good. We can finish are classes and I can charm the moderator to give us extra time on the ice."

"Sounds good, see you tomorrow." She blurted out a bit to excitedly for her own liking.
"Goodnight, Foster" Keefe replied before ending the call.
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