Espresso in The Rain

Noah stirred, the warmth of the sheets wrapping around him like a cocoon. His body felt heavy, the lingering soreness a reminder of last night. His muscles ached in the best way possible, and for a moment, he just lay there, basking in the afterglow.

Then he felt it—a steady, rhythmic breath against the back of his neck.

His eyes fluttered open. The room was dim, but the golden light of the rising sun seeped through the curtains, casting soft shadows on the walls. He shifted slightly, feeling the heat of Elias' bare skin pressed against his own. One of Elias' arms was slung over his waist, holding him close, possessive even in sleep.

Noah's face burned.

What the hell did we do last night?

A flood of memories hit him all at once—Elias' hands gripping his hips, his mouth whispering sinful promises against his skin, the way he had unraveled completely under Elias' touch.

Noah groaned and buried his face in the pillow.

I'm so screwed.

As if sensing his distress, Elias stirred behind him. His grip around Noah's waist tightened slightly before he hummed, his voice husky from sleep.

"Morning."

Noah swallowed hard. He could feel the vibration of Elias' voice against his back, and it sent a shiver down his spine.

He hesitated before replying. "Morning."

Elias exhaled a small laugh. "You sound terrified."

Noah turned his head slightly, just enough to glance at him. "That's because I am."

Elias smirked. He shifted, propping himself up on one elbow while his other hand lazily traced circles on Noah's bare hip. "You have nothing to be scared of."

Noah scoffed, finally rolling onto his back so he could face him properly. "We just had sex. A lot of sex."

Elias' grin widened. "Mind-blowing sex."

Noah covered his face with both hands. "Oh my god."

Elias laughed, the deep, rich sound sending another wave of warmth through Noah's chest. He reached out, gently prying Noah's hands away. "Are you regretting it?"

Noah hesitated. His heart was still pounding, his thoughts still a mess, but regret? No, that wasn't what he felt.

He exhaled slowly. "No. But…"

Elias raised an eyebrow, waiting.

Noah bit his lip. "Does this… change things?"

Elias' expression softened. He reached up, brushing a few strands of hair from Noah's face. "Only if you want it to."

Noah searched his eyes, looking for any sign of doubt, any hesitation. He found none.

Instead, he saw something else—something dangerous, something real.

Elias was serious.

Noah's chest tightened. He wasn't sure he was ready for real.

Elias must have sensed his hesitation because he didn't push. Instead, he kissed Noah's forehead, lingering just long enough to make Noah's heart ache.

"We don't have to define anything right now," Elias murmured. "Just stay here. With me."

Noah swallowed. He wanted to. God, he wanted to.

But reality was already creeping back in.

He had class today. He had assignments due. He had an entire life waiting for him outside of this moment.

And then there was his mother.

His stomach twisted. If she ever found out he was spending nights in Elias' bed, tangled up in him like this—

Noah sat up abruptly. "I should go."

Elias frowned, but he didn't try to stop him.

Noah swung his legs over the side of the bed, reaching for his clothes. He felt Elias' eyes on him, watching him carefully, but he couldn't meet his gaze.

"Noah."

He froze, his hands gripping the waistband of his jeans.

Elias' voice was calm, but there was something beneath it—something almost vulnerable. "Are you running from me?"

Noah's chest tightened. He turned slightly, just enough to glance over his shoulder.

Elias was still lying there, the sheets pooled around his waist, his dark hair tousled from sleep. He looked unfairly good, like he belonged in this bed, like they belonged in this bed.

Noah wanted to stay.

But he was scared.

So he forced a small smile and shook his head. "I just need to get to class."

Elias studied him for a moment, as if deciding whether to believe him. Then he nodded slowly.

"Alright."

Noah finished getting dressed quickly. His body still ached from last night, a constant reminder of what they had done, of what he was walking away from.

Elias sat up, resting his forearms on his knees. "Will I see you later?"

Noah hesitated. "Yeah. At the coffee shop."

Elias' lips twitched. "The coffee shop? Not here?"

Noah's face heated. "Elias."

Elias chuckled. "Alright, alright. I'll see you at The Roasted Heaven."

Noah grabbed his bag and turned toward the door. Before he could leave, Elias called his name one last time.

"Noah."

He turned.

Elias smirked. "You're welcome to stay over anytime."

Noah groaned. "Goodbye, Elias."

He left before he could change his mind.

---

Later that evening…

Noah pushed open the door to The Roasted Heaven, the familiar scent of coffee and warm pastries wrapping around him. The café was buzzing with students and customers, the usual evening crowd settling in with their laptops and books.

Santa was already there, perched on one of the stools near the counter, sipping on an iced Americano. He glanced up as Noah walked in, his eyes narrowing immediately.

"You look wrecked," Santa commented. "What the hell happened to you?"

Noah froze. "Nothing."

Santa snorted. "Yeah, sure. You just happen to look like someone sucked the soul out of you." He took another sip of his drink. "Wait—did you finally sleep with Elias?"

Noah choked on air. "Santa!"

Santa cackled. "Oh my god, you did! No wonder you're walking funny."

Noah buried his face in his hands. "I hate you."

Santa grinned. "You love me."

Before Noah could retaliate, another voice joined in.

"Well, this is interesting."

Noah looked up, only to find Perth standing behind the counter, arms crossed, an amused smirk on his lips.

"You actually let Elias have you?" Perth mused. "I never thought I'd see the day."

Noah groaned. "Not you too."

Perth shrugged. "What? He hasn't shut up about you for weeks. I figured it was only a matter of time."

Noah's face burned. "Please stop talking."

Santa and Perth exchanged a look before laughing in unison.

Noah was never going to live this down.