Seventeen Moments [Imagines]

Title: Espresso Tension

The bell above the coffee shop door jingled as you walked in for your shift. The morning rush was already in full swing, and you could hear S.Coups, the owner's unmistakable voice booming from behind the counter.

"Why is the cappuccino foam so thick today?" he barked. "I asked for a light froth, not a marshmallow mountain!"

You rolled your eyes. "It's just a cappuccino, not a dessert. People like a bit of foam. It adds to the texture."

S.Coups shot you a sharp look from behind the counter. "Texture, schtexture. You're here to make coffee, not culinary art."

You tried to ignore the sting of his words as you busied yourself with the espresso machine.

Working for the almighty S.Coups, the owner of this popular coffee shop, was an exercise in patience. He was known for being overly critical, his standards unreasonably high, and his temper short. Every day was a battle, every mistake magnified into a major catastrophe.

"Good morning!" you chirped to the next customer, putting on your best smile despite the brewing tension. "What can I get for you?"

As you worked through the morning rush, S.Coups's voice continued to drift over the counter, critiquing everything from the temperature of the milk to the presentation of the pastries.
He didn't seem to care that you were doing your best; his standards were set so high that even the slightest deviation was met with frustration.

"You missed a spot on the counter," he said, looking over your shoulder as you wiped down the surface. "Are you trying to make this place look like a mess?"

You shot him a look of disbelief. "It's a coffee shop, not a museum. A little dust never hurt anyone."

His eyes narrowed. "Well, I prefer it to be both clean and presentable. Is that too much to ask?"

This constant bickering became a routine, you were used to his demands and his critical eye, but it didn't make it any easier.

Despite the tension, you couldn't help but admire his dedication to his work, even if his methods were harsh.

But you would never admit it. Never!

One evening, after a particularly hectic day, you found yourself sitting at the counter, sipping on a cup of the shop's house blend. S.Coups joined you, his demeanor more relaxed than usual. He poured himself a cup, though his eyes were still sharp.

Great! Now he'll open his garbage of a mouth.

"So, what's your take on this blend?" he asked, taking a sip.

"It's good," you said, quite surprised. "But it's missing a bit of punch. Maybe a bit more roast?"

S.Coups raised an eyebrow. "I've been telling the supplier that for months. But they insist on their 'signature blend.'"

You grinned, still quite amused. "Sounds like you've got a bit of a fight on your hands."

He chuckled, a rare sound that softened his usual stern expression. "I suppose I do have a bit of a reputation for being a hard-ass."

You leaned closer, teasingly. "A bit of an understatement, don't you think?"

He smirked, his eyes meeting yours with a hint of something more than irritation. "Well, maybe if people stopped making so many mistakes, I wouldn't have to be so... particular."

The late-night conversations became a regular occurrence.
As you worked side by side, you started to see glimpses of the man behind the snarky exterior.
His passion for coffee was evident in everything he did, and his demanding nature was driven by a desire to create the best possible experience for his customers.

One night, as you were closing up, he leaned against the counter, looking thoughtful. "You know, I never imagined I'd end up hiring someone like you. You challenge me, and that's not something I'm used to."

You smirked, wiping down the counter. "Well, I guess I'm just here to keep you on your toes."

His gaze lingered on you, and for a moment, the usual tension between you melted away. "You're not as bad as you make yourself out to be. You've got a lot of heart."

You felt your cheeks warm, and you turned away to hide your blush. "Thanks. I guess that's one thing we have in common."

He reached out, placing a hand over yours as you finished cleaning. "Yeah, I suppose it is."

The unexpected touch sent a thrill through you, and for the first time, you saw a different side of S.Coups. His professional façade was still there, but it was softened by genuine appreciation.

Up close he is quite handsome too.....

Wait, what?

One evening, after a particularly busy shift, S.Coups invited you for a late-night walk through the nearby park. The cool air was refreshing, and the city lights cast a soft glow over the path.

"I guess this is a side of me you don't usually see," he said, looking at you with a playful grin.

You laughed, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. "And here I thought you were all work and no play."

He shrugged. "There's more to me than just coffee and criticism, you know."

You walked side by side, the tension from work replaced by a new kind of intimacy.
When you reached a quiet spot by the river, he stopped and turned to face you, his eyes reflecting the moonlight.

"I've come to realize," he said softly, "that I might have been a little too hard on you. But it's because I care about what we're doing here."

You smiled, feeling a warmth in your heart. "I know. And I've come to appreciate your passion, even if it means putting up with your endless critiques."

He laughed, pulling you closer. "Well, I guess we've managed to turn all that tension into something more... enjoyable."

As the night grew colder, he leaned in, his lips brushing against yours in a tender kiss.

In that kiss, you both brewed a connection stronger than coffee, blending your lives something beyond the cafe walls.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

OMG finally my first ever imagine. Lol I hope it isn't too long.
This took several drafts and grammatical editing.
Along with pinterest help 🫠

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