he had seen her more times than he could count. in the crowded lecture halls, at the library surrounded by her friends, and occasionally walking across campus with her radiant smile that seemed to light up the entire quad. sana minatozaki wasn’t just well-known—she was magnetic, the kind of person who made every interaction seem like the most important thing in the world. and him? he was just a guy who blended into the background, the musician who played for himself because he didn’t expect anyone else to listen.

today was no different, or so he thought. he was working his shift at the campus café, wiping down the counters and trying not to dwell on the stack of assignments waiting for him at home. the familiar bell above the door jingled, and he glanced up out of habit—only to freeze when she walked in, accompanied by a few of her friends.

she was even more stunning up close, her hair catching the sunlight that streamed through the windows, her smile as warm as ever. she stepped up to the counter, and for the first time, she looked directly at him.

“hi! can I get an iced caramel latte?” she asked, her voice as sweet as her order.

he glances at the time. he was supposed to close the shop 10 minutes ago, but got too distracted. there’s no way he can say no to her. instead he replies “i’m sorry but we had just packed everything up for the night.” ”shit” you think to yourself. ”why did i say that?”