Cafe - phan

one

this story is in phil's pov :)

//

I turn the key to the coffee shop I work at on my university campus. Because I live nearby, I am always stuck with the morning shift. It's unfortunate for a night owl like myself to need to be here at 6:30 am most mornings, but that doesn't seem to change my late-night internet habits. 

I flick on the lights along with switches to our espresso machines and coffee brewers so they can begin to heat. Knowing I will forget later, I tie my apron around my waist and attach my nametag to my chest. My manager claims it gives a 'personal touch' when the customers know your name, I personally find it strange when strangers are on a first-name basis with me. But, if it means being able to afford my rent, I will suffer through the awkward name interactions. 

I begun to brew some coffee when I notice a boy with messy brown hair and a big grey sweater --which looks so cozy -- stands outside. He glances up at the 'CLOSED' sign, down at the store hours, and shoots me a look of desperation. 

He looks exhausted, and honestly... really cute. Maybe if we got to know each other he would let me borrow his sweater. Because I can't resist a beautiful man or comfy clothing, I slowly approach and open the door. 

"Um hi, can I help you?" I ask shyly, only holding the door open wide enough to display my face. 

"Hi, I'm really sorry but I have an exam right away and I've been up all night studying and I really need some god damn caffeine and you would be a lifesaver if you would please sell me a coffee." he rambles, I look over at the clock,

he's only 10 minutes early, and so desperate...

"Yeah, sure, what can I get for you?" I open the door so he can enter and hurry behind the counter.  

He sighs in relief, "God, thank you so much. Could I get a large dark roast coffee with two cream, please?"

"I'm on it." I didn't know why I was being so nice to him, I could get into big trouble for this...

I start to fill his cup with the coffee that had just finished brewing, I pull the cream out of the small fridge beneath the counter. Maybe it's because I'm lactose intolerant, but I cannot believe people enjoy cream in their coffee. I personally, and very strongly, believe coffee should be enjoyed without any additives. But, he already looks stressed out so I decide to not judge him for his coffee choices, even though I know its totally wrong.

I put a lid onto the cup and set it down on the counter where the man waited, "That will be.. 1 pound and 75 cents, please."

He felt his pant pockets, then his jacket, and then put his head into his hands and whispered,

"Shit."

"I forgot my wallet at home, I am so sorry for putting you through that hassle. But, thank you so much anyway," he says with his cheeks flushed red and turns to embarrassedly speed walk out of the store. 

"Hey, um, i-it's on me." I couldn't stop the words from flowing out of my mouth, what was I saying? My other co-workers would be arriving any second now, and how would my manager feel when viewing me giving away free coffee on the security footage? 

He turned around to face me, "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, I mean, it's not that big of a deal, and you look like you need it." 

It is a big deal, but, I brush it off anyway. 

"Fuck, thank you," he glances down at my name tag, "Phil." He grabs the warm cup and starts to walk towards the exit.

I try not to feel annoyed that such a cute boy was doing the weird first-name stranger thing, and smile back, "It's no problem, good luck on your exam."

And with that, he speed walks away, probably not wanting to be late. 

//

i had to edit this twice cause wattpad wouldn't save properly and i want death

apparently i started writing this in 2015, and im just continuing it now, almost 2 years later.

~nat

......

me again! it's 2020 now and I am editing and publishing these old parts, and then continuing this story because, well.... quarantine has me missing this fanfic stuff.  I want to be 12 years old again and not worry about if my writing is good or not. This seems pretty cute so far so,,,, yep!! Hope you have as much fun reading as I am having writing (it's making me really nostalgic). 

Also, for story purposes, probably picture phan as their 2015 selves bc that's when this started lol. 

-natalie