Espresso in The Rain

Noah stood outside The Roasted Heaven, staring at the glass door, his reflection staring back at him. The morning crowd was just beginning to trickle in, the scent of fresh coffee mingling with the faint petrichor of last night's rain.

He exhaled slowly.

Today was different.

Today, he wasn't just here to escape his thoughts or steal kisses from Elias behind the counter. Today, he was here to take a step forward.

The door swung open before he could reach for it.

Elias leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. "You've been standing out here for five minutes."

Noah huffed, embarrassed. "I was thinking."

Elias raised a brow. "Thinking about running?"

Noah shook his head. "No. Thinking about how to tell my mom."

Elias' expression softened. He stepped aside, letting Noah in before locking the door behind him. The morning rush wouldn't start for another hour, giving them time to talk.

"Are you sure you're ready?" Elias asked, guiding Noah to a booth near the window.

Noah sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Not really. But I can't avoid it forever."

Elias nodded. "What are you going to say?"

Noah hesitated. "The truth. That I love her, but this is my life. That I want to finish my degree, but I don't want to be chained to a future I didn't choose. That…" He glanced at Elias, heart pounding. "That I want to be with you, and I won't let anyone change that."

Elias' eyes darkened, something unreadable flickering across his face.

Then, he smiled.

"Then I'll be right here, however it goes."

Noah exhaled, tension easing from his shoulders.

Elias wasn't just someone he loved—he was home.

Noah reached across the table, lacing his fingers with Elias'.

"Yeah," Noah murmured. "I know."