Outside Work We... •[TNN One-shots]•

Coffee? •|| MIALOTTE ||•

Prompt: Charlotte finds one of her usual customers quite cute.

The bell over the café door jingled, announcing the arrival of Mia, Autumn, and Reece. Charlotte glanced up from behind the counter, her heart doing a little flip when she saw Mia stroll in with her usual confident air. She quickly turned back to the coffee machine, trying to suppress her smile.

“Another iced matcha latte with a double shot of espresso, I presume?” Charlotte asked as the trio approached the counter.

“You know me so well,” Mia said with a wink, leaning casually against the counter.

Charlotte felt her cheeks warm, but she kept her tone light. “It’s hard to forget someone who orders the most unique—and terrifying—drink on the menu every single day.”

“Terrifying? It’s the perfect balance of bitter and sweet,” Mia said with a smirk.

“It’s something, alright,” Autumn muttered, clearly less than thrilled to be dragged to the café yet again.

Reece groaned in agreement, adding, “You know, you could come here on your own, Mia. We don’t have to be part of this ritual.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Mia said, brushing them off. “I need moral support.”

Charlotte ducked her head to hide her grin as she scribbled something on the coffee cup lid. Over the past few weeks, she’d started drawing little doodles for Mia—tiny flowers, stars, or smiley faces. It was her small way of flirting, a way to say I think you’re adorable without using words.

Today, however, Charlotte decided to be brave. She hesitated for a moment, then wrote, in small but neat handwriting:

"Will you go out with me?"

Her heart pounded as she placed the drink on the counter. “Here you go. One iced matcha latte, just the way you like it.”

Mia grabbed the cup, flashing her a grin. “Thanks, Char. See you tomorrow.”

Charlotte’s stomach dropped a little as Mia turned to leave, her eyes not even glancing at the lid. She felt silly, deflated even, as Mia walked toward the door with Autumn and Reece.

But then it happened.

Mia paused just as she reached the exit, tilting her head at the lid of her cup. Charlotte held her breath as Mia read the words, her expression shifting from curiosity to delight. Slowly, Mia turned around, her eyes locking with Charlotte’s.

Charlotte felt rooted to the spot, unsure if she’d made a mistake. But then Mia’s lips curved into a wide, mischievous smile.

“I’ll be back tomorrow to pick you up,” Mia said, loud enough for the entire café to hear.

Charlotte blinked, her heart skipping several beats as her face broke into an uncontrollable grin.

Autumn groaned loudly. “Oh, for crying out loud. This is why you drag us here every day?”

“Shush,” Mia said, waving her off without looking away from Charlotte. “I’ve got a date to plan.”

Reece sighed dramatically but allowed Mia to guide them out the door, leaving Charlotte standing behind the counter with her heart soaring and a smile she couldn’t wipe away.