Espresso in The Rain

Noah woke to the scent of coffee.

For a moment, he forgot where he was—until he turned his head and saw Elias sitting at the edge of the bed, holding two steaming cups. Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over everything.

Elias looked over, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Good morning."

Noah stretched, his muscles pleasantly sore. "Morning." His voice was still thick with sleep as he sat up, rubbing his eyes.

Elias handed him a cup. "Black, just how you like it."

Noah accepted it, fingers brushing against Elias' as he did. He took a sip, savoring the warmth before murmuring, "You remembered."

Elias smirked. "Of course I did."

They sat in comfortable silence, sipping their coffee.

It felt… easy. Natural. Like they had woken up together a thousand times before.

Noah turned to Elias, watching the way he gazed at his cup, lost in thought. He could tell there was something on his mind.

"What is it?" Noah asked.

Elias hesitated before exhaling. "Last night… I meant what I said." He looked at Noah, his dark eyes serious. "I don't want to lose you again."

Noah swallowed. "You won't."

Elias reached out, tucking a strand of Noah's hair behind his ear. His touch was gentle, lingering. "Then stay."

Noah's breath caught.

Stay.

The word was simple, yet it carried so much weight.

And he knew Elias wasn't just talking about staying the night.

He was talking about staying for real.

Noah bit his lip, his heart pounding. "I…"

Elias gave him space, waiting for his answer, but Noah could see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes—the fear of being rejected.

So Noah took a deep breath and said, "I want to."

Elias' shoulders relaxed slightly, but Noah wasn't finished.

"I just… I need time," he admitted. "There's still a lot I need to figure out. With school. With my mom. With myself."

Elias nodded. "I get it."

Noah reached for his hand. "But I do want to be with you."

Elias exhaled, squeezing his fingers. "That's enough for me."

Noah smiled, warmth blooming in his chest.

For the first time in a long time, the future didn't seem so terrifying.

---

Later That Day

Noah spent the afternoon at The Roasted Heaven, sitting in his usual corner with his laptop open. The café was busy as always, the hum of conversation blending with the soft jazz playing over the speakers.

Santa had texted him earlier, asking to meet up, and Noah had agreed.

He needed to talk to someone.

When Santa finally arrived, she plopped down in the chair across from him, eyeing him suspiciously. "Okay, spill."

Noah blinked. "What?"

She gestured at him. "You're glowing."

Noah groaned. "I am not."

Santa leaned forward, eyes twinkling. "Did you and Elias… you know?"

Noah flushed. "That is none of your business."

Santa grinned. "That's a yes."

Noah covered his face. "Why are we friends?"

"Because I'm amazing," she said easily before taking a sip of her iced coffee. Then, her expression softened. "So… are you guys back together?"

Noah lowered his hands, thinking. "I think so."

Santa raised an eyebrow. "You think so?"

Noah sighed. "It's complicated."

Santa tilted her head. "No, it's not. Either you're together, or you're not."

Noah played with the rim of his coffee cup. "I just… I don't want to mess this up."

Santa's gaze softened. "Noah. If you love him, then fight for him. Don't let fear stop you."

Noah inhaled sharply.

Love.

He hadn't said it out loud yet. Not to Elias. Not even to himself.

But maybe… maybe it was time.

---

That Night

Noah stood outside Elias' apartment, nerves buzzing under his skin.

He had thought about this all day.

He had spent so much time running from his feelings, from his fears, from the expectations that had been placed on him.

But now, standing here, he realized something.

He didn't want to run anymore.

Taking a deep breath, he knocked.

The door opened within seconds, revealing Elias in a loose black t-shirt and sweatpants, his hair slightly messy from the long day.

"Noah?" Elias looked surprised. "Did something happen?"

Noah shook his head. "I just… I needed to see you."

Elias stepped aside, letting him in. "What's wrong?"

Noah hesitated before meeting Elias' gaze. "Nothing's wrong. I just… I wanted to tell you something."

Elias waited.

Noah took a deep breath.

"I love you."

Elias' eyes widened.

Noah's heart pounded. "I should've said it sooner. I was scared. But I don't want to be afraid anymore." He swallowed hard. "I love you, Elias. And I want to be with you."

For a moment, Elias just stared at him.

Then, in the next second, Noah was being pulled into a crushing embrace.

Elias buried his face in Noah's shoulder, exhaling shakily. "Say it again."

Noah smiled, wrapping his arms around Elias. "I love you."

Elias pulled back just enough to cup Noah's face, his eyes glistening. Then, without another word, he kissed him.

It was soft. Slow. Full of everything they had been holding back.

When they finally broke apart, Elias whispered, "I love you too."

Noah's chest ached in the best way possible.

They had fought. They had broken.

But now, they were healing.

And this time, he wasn't going anywhere.