Espresso in The Rain

Noah stood outside The Roasted Heaven, the neon sign casting a soft glow against the damp pavement. The scent of coffee and rain lingered in the air, wrapping around him like a familiar embrace.

His conversation with his mother still echoed in his mind, but for the first time in his life, he didn't feel weighed down by expectations.

He felt free.

And he knew exactly who he wanted to share that freedom with.

Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door.

The café was quiet, the usual evening rush having passed. Behind the counter, Elias stood wiping down a tray, his sleeves rolled up, revealing strong forearms dusted with coffee grounds.

Noah's heart skipped.

Elias looked up, and the second their eyes met, something shifted in his expression. He placed the tray down and leaned against the counter, arms crossed.

"You have that look," Elias said.

Noah arched a brow. "What look?"

"The one that says you just did something big."

Noah huffed a small laugh as he walked over. "I talked to my mom."

Elias' gaze sharpened. "And?"

"She didn't freak out." Noah exhaled. "She told me if you're what makes me happy, she won't stand in my way."

Elias blinked, his guarded expression cracking for just a moment before something softer took its place. "That's… good news."

"It is," Noah murmured.

They stood in silence for a moment, the hum of the espresso machine the only sound between them.

Then Elias smirked. "So, are you saying I make you happy?"

Noah rolled his eyes. "Shut up."

Elias chuckled, stepping around the counter until they were face-to-face. His fingers brushed against Noah's, slow and deliberate.

"I'm glad," Elias said, voice lower now, more intimate. "Because you make me happy too."

Heat curled in Noah's chest.

There was nothing holding him back anymore.

So he closed the space between them and kissed Elias—slow, deep, right.

Elias melted into him instantly, arms wrapping around Noah's waist, pulling him closer.

Noah had spent years searching for where he belonged.

Now, he finally knew.

It was here.

With Elias.