Aether was just an ordinary middle schooler… or at least, that’s what everyone thought. After classes ended each day, he didn’t hang out with friends or play games, instead, he went straight to his part-time job at a small café on the corner of the street.

It was his little world, one where he didn’t have to worry about school, grades, or the people who never noticed him.

Like Scaramouche.

Scaramouche was everything Aether wasn’t, tall, confident, charming and more. He was the kind of person who made everyone turn their heads when he walked into a room. Aether, on the other hand, sat quietly by the window, unnoticed. But secretly, Aether did notice Scaramouche. A lot.

It was hopeless, though. Scaramouche probably didn’t even like guys. And even if he did, why would he ever look at someone like Aether, soft-spoken, shy, and, as people sometimes said, a little too effeminate?

One evening, while Aether was wiping down the counter at work, the café bell chimed.

“Welcome—” he began, but the words caught in his throat.

Scaramouche.

He stood there, looking effortlessly cool as always, scanning the menu like he hadn’t just walked into Aether’s world and made his heart skip.

Aether froze. He couldn’t take his order. He didn’t want to take his order. But there was no one else available.

So, trembling slightly, he approached. “H-hi, what would you like to order?”

Scaramouche didn’t even seem to recognize him. He just ordered his drink casually, thanked Aether without a second glance, and went back to his phone.

That hurt a little.

The next day at school, Scaramouche looked up during class, his eyes narrowing. “Wait… you’re the guy from the café, right?”

Aether blinked. “Hah… yeah. That’s my part-time job.”

From that day on, something changed. Scaramouche started sitting near Aether more often, making conversation, teasing him about the little plushies hanging from his bag.

“I didn’t take you for the type to carry toys around” he said, smirking.

“They’re not toys” Aether mumbled, pouting slightly.

“They’re adorable. Just like you.”

Aether didn’t know how to respond to that. Was Scaramouche flirting? Or was it just his usual sarcasm? Either way, Aether’s heart was pounding.

Days turned into weeks, and the two grew closer.

Then one afternoon, after classes ended, Aether stayed behind to finish an assignment.

Scaramouche walked in. “Still here?” he asked casually.

“Yeah, just finishing something.”

Scaramouche smirked and held something up, a small plushie, soft and round, with tiny wings.

“I got something for you.”

Aether blinked in surprise. “For me? Really? For free?” Aether ran to Scaramouche, excited.

“Huh? Now who said it was free?”

Before Aether could react, Scaramouche lifted the plush higher in the air. Aether, being shorter, stood on his tiptoes, trying to grab it.

“Hey! That’s not fair! If it's a gift for me why would I buy it..”

“Oh, isn’t it?” Scaramouche teased, his smirk widening. And just as Aether was about to give up, Scaramouche leaned down suddenly, and pressed his lips against Aether’s.

Soft. Quick. Warm.

Aether froze, eyes wide.

Scaramouche pulled away, slipped the plush into Aether’s hands, and gave him a wink.

“Who talked about money?”