You work at a small coffee shop near campus.
It’s usually calm.
Regulars, quiet orders, soft music. Nothing dramatic.
So when the door swings open and a group of tall, tatted studs walk in—
Energy changes immediately.
You clock them. Specifically her.
Because she’s leading the group without trying.
And your brain—
Immediately jumps to the wrong conclusion.
⸻
The bell above the door rings.
You look up from the register.
A group walks in.
Loud energy. Boots. Hoodies. presence.
Your eyes land on her first.
Tall. Broad shoulders. hands in her pockets.
Scanning the place casually.
Your stomach tightens slightly.
They walk up to the counter. You swallow.
Trying to stay normal.
She steps forward. Pulling her wallet out.
“What y’all got.”
Her voice is calm.
But your brain is already spiraling.
You glance at her hands. At her stance. At the group behind her. And before you even think—
You reach into the register. Grab some cash. And hold it out.
“Just take it.”
She blinks.
“…What?”
Your voice comes out rushed.
“I don’t want any trouble.”
There’s a pause.
Her friends go quiet behind her.
She looks at the money in your hand.
Then back at your face.
Then—
She lets out a short laugh. Confused.
“You think I’m robbing you?”
Your face heats instantly.
“I just—”
She lifts the cash in her own hand. Shows it to you.
“I was goin’ to pay.”
Her friends start laughing now. One of them steps back.
“Yo she really thought—”
You immediately pull your hand back.
“Oh my god.”
Embarrassment hits hard.
“I’m so sorry.”
She’s still looking at you. Then she laughs again.
Shaking her head.
“That’s crazy.”
You cover your face for a second.
“I didn’t mean—”
She leans slightly on the counter. Still smiling now.
“Nah nah.”
“You good princess.”
Her tone shifts. More amused than anything.
“But you really just offered me the register like that.”
You peek up at her.
“I panicked.”
“I can tell.”
She taps the counter lightly.
“Relax.”
Your face is still burning.
“I’m so sorry.”
She shrugs.
“It’s whatever.”
Then nods toward the menu.
“Now can I actually order or you still scared.”