The bell above the door chimed, letting in the cool morning air and a rush of customers eager for their caffeine fix. Y/N was already behind the counter, sleeves rolled up, expertly working the espresso machine like it was second nature.
"Late again, huh?" Y/N teased without looking up, catching the scent of cinnamon and vanilla that always seemed to follow Miko.
Miko slid behind the counter, close enough that Y/N could feel the warmth of her presence. "Maybe I just wanted you to miss me," Miko said, her voice low and playful, brushing a strand of auburn hair back beneath her bandana.
Y/N raised an eyebrow but couldn't hide the smirk creeping in. "Miss you? Please. I get enough of your bad latte art every shift."
"Oh, is that right?" Miko leaned in, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Bet I could make a heart that would actually impress you."
"Prove it."
Miko grabbed a cup and started pouring, her arms flexing just enough to show off the ink on her forearm. Y/N tried—really tried—not to get distracted, but when Miko turned the cup around to reveal a surprisingly perfect heart, Y/N's stomach did a little flip.
"Guess you're not all talk after all," Y/N said, biting back a grin.
Miko leaned even closer, voice soft now. "Stick with me, cariño, and I'll show you all my tricks."
The bell chimed again, pulling them apart as a customer approached the counter. But the tension lingered, sweet and electric—like the first sip of really good coffee....
After customer gave their order Y/N started making their order, but Y/N's mind was still buzzing—not from the coffee, but from the way Miko's voice had dipped so close to her ear. Shaking it off, Y/N focused on making the drink, stealing a glance at Miko every now and then. Of course, Miko caught her staring.
"Careful," Miko murmured, leaning against the counter with that lazy, confident smirk. "You're gonna burn the milk if you keep looking at me like that."
Y/N rolled her eyes, though her cheeks burned hotter than the steam wand. "You wish."
"Oh, I know."
The audacity. The worst part was... Miko was probably right. Y/N couldn't deny that every time Miko leaned in close or flashed that smug grin, her heart skipped like a scratched record.
As the morning rush slowed, Y/N wiped down the counter while Miko restocked the syrups. The air settled into a comfortable buzz of indie music and the occasional hum of the coffee grinder.
"Hey," Miko said suddenly, voice softer now. She was close again, too close for Y/N's composure. "You're off in, what, fifteen minutes?"
"Yeah... why?" Y/N turned to find Miko standing there, a little too nonchalant, but her eyes said otherwise—like she was up to something.
"I was thinking," Miko said, tracing the rim of a syrup bottle absentmindedly, "there's this new taco truck that parks by the boardwalk. We could, you know... grab lunch? Unless you're too scared to hang out with me outside of work."
Y/N blinked, momentarily thrown off. "Scared? Please. I'm just worried you'll fall in love with me after one lunch."
Miko's laugh was low and warm, like melted caramel. "Guess we'll have to find out, won't we?"
Before Y/N could respond, the manager's voice cut through the moment. "Miko, you're on register!"
Miko winked as she turned to take her spot at the counter, leaving Y/N standing there, heart doing somersaults and stomach flipping harder than any latte art heart ever could.
Lunch couldn't come soon enough.
