Espresso in The Rain

Noah remained curled against Elias, feeling the warmth of his body even as the conversation continued. Perth sat at the small dining table, cradling his coffee like it was the only thing keeping him from questioning everything.

Elias exhaled, rubbing slow circles against Noah's back before finally looking at his friend. "Are you going to keep staring, or are you going to say what's really on your mind?"

Perth scoffed, setting his cup down. "You really want to know?"

Elias gave him a pointed look.

Perth leaned back, crossing his arms. "Look, I know you. And I know you don't let people in easily. So, forgive me if I'm a little surprised to walk in and see this." He gestured toward Noah, still wrapped in Elias' arms.

Noah arched an eyebrow. "What, you didn't think Elias could have a relationship?"

Perth shot him a look. "I didn't think he wanted one."

Elias sighed. "You're making a big deal out of nothing."

Perth snorted. "Am I?"

Noah frowned slightly, sensing the weight behind Perth's words. There was something unspoken lingering between them—something deeper than just mild shock at finding him here.

He glanced up at Elias, who was unusually quiet. His hand rested on Noah's hip, grounding but tense.

"…Is there something I don't know?" Noah asked, breaking the silence.

Elias didn't immediately respond. His fingers flexed slightly against Noah's waist before he finally spoke. "Perth just worries too much."

Perth rolled his eyes. "That's rich, coming from you."

Elias shot him a warning look.

Noah sighed, pulling away from Elias just enough to sit up properly. "Okay, someone needs to actually explain what's going on. Because clearly, there's more to this."

Perth hesitated. Then, with a tired sigh, he said, "Elias doesn't do relationships."

Noah frowned. "And?"

"And," Perth continued, "he's never let anyone stay over. Not like this." He gave Noah a serious look. "So, yeah, I'm a little surprised. And maybe a little suspicious."

Noah narrowed his eyes. "Suspicious of what, exactly?"

Perth exhaled through his nose, glancing at Elias before answering. "Of how serious this is."

Noah felt something hot twist in his chest. "If you're asking whether this is just some fling, it's not."

Perth studied him carefully. "And you're sure about that?"

Noah clenched his jaw. "Yes."

Elias finally spoke, his voice low but firm. "I'm sure about that too."

Perth sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "Alright. Fine." He looked between them again, then exhaled. "I just… I just don't want you getting hurt, Elias."

Elias' expression softened, though his voice remained steady. "I know."

Noah watched the exchange, feeling like there was something more behind Perth's concern. He wasn't just worried about Elias getting hurt—he was worried about what letting Noah in meant.

After a long pause, Perth finally shook his head. "You two are exhausting."

Noah smirked. "That's what you get for walking in unannounced."

Perth groaned. "Fine. I'll stop questioning your questionable life choices. For now."

Elias chuckled. "Good."

Perth stood, grabbing his coffee. "But if you screw this up, either of you—" He pointed between them. "I will say 'I told you so.'"

Noah rolled his eyes. "Noted, hyung."

Perth muttered something under his breath before making his way toward the door. "I'm going downstairs before I witness something I don't want to."

Elias smirked. "Too late."

Perth groaned dramatically before disappearing down the staircase, leaving them alone once again.

Noah exhaled, leaning back against Elias. "That was… something."

Elias hummed, resting his chin on Noah's shoulder. "That's just Perth. He's always been like that."

Noah tilted his head slightly. "Does he have a reason to be so worried?"

Elias was quiet for a moment before answering, "He's seen me at my worst."

Noah turned slightly to look at him. "…And?"

Elias met his gaze. "And I don't want you to."

Noah's breath caught slightly at the raw honesty in his voice.

Slowly, he reached up, fingers tracing Elias' jaw. "You know you don't have to hide anything from me, right?"

Elias' eyes flickered with something unreadable. Then, he sighed, pressing a soft kiss to Noah's forehead. "I know."

Noah didn't push further. He simply leaned into Elias, letting the moment settle around them.

Outside, the faint hum of the café buzzed beneath them. The scent of coffee lingered in the air.

And for now, that was enough.