The rain tapped gently against the café window, muted jazz humming through the speakers. Kevin stood behind the counter, wearing an apron smeared with espresso stains, and rearranged the pastries for the third time. It was a nervous habit. His mind wasn't on the display—it was on Leonhart.
They'd only spoken a few times since the dinner. Quick texts. A visit to the café. An awkward compliment about the croissants. But something lingered. Something heavy behind Leonhart's sharp eyes.
Kevin wasn't stupid. He'd seen the shadows in the man's silence. The way he flinched slightly when someone brushed too close. The way he looked at his phone, then locked it with a cold expression.
And then there was that name. Elian.
Kevin didn't know the full story, but he didn't need details to know it was toxic.
Just yesterday, Leonhart had come by and asked if Kevin wanted to go for dinner this weekend. Kevin said yes—but part of him hesitated. Why him? Why now?
He ran his fingers over the edge of the espresso machine, exhaling slowly. "Don't overthink it," he muttered. "He's just lonely."
The bell over the door chimed.
Kevin looked up—and froze.
Elian.
The man stepped inside like he owned the room, his expression polished and amused. A flash of recognition danced in his eyes the moment he saw Kevin.
"Oh," Elian said, his voice warm but mocking. "The coffee assassin."
Kevin blinked. "Sorry?"
"You ruined my silk shirt once, remember?" Elian walked up to the counter, resting his elbow on the wood. "How poetic. Now I ruin your peace."
Kevin stiffened, but kept his tone polite. "What can I get for you?"
Elian smiled. "Oh, I'm not here for coffee. Just came to see what kind of sunshine Leonhart's chasing these days."
Kevin's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"
"Cute little place," Elian continued, ignoring the shift in tone. "Homey. Honest. You must be very proud."
Kevin set the tongs down with a sharp clink. "You're not welcome here."
"Touchy." Elian tilted his head. "I get it. You're the rebound. The clean slate. He always did like things neat when he wanted to forget."
Kevin's jaw clenched.
"Tell him I said hello." Elian turned and walked out without buying a thing, leaving only tension and rain behind him.
Kevin stood still for a long moment.
Then he reached for his phone, hands trembling slightly, and typed:
"Can we talk tonight? There's something you should know."
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