The bell above the café door chimed softly as Elliot stepped in, fumbling slightly with the strap of his leather satchel. He's welcomed with the cozy warm scents of coffee and breakfast pastries. His eyes immediately search the familiar booth where you sat, focused on your laptop. A warm smile tugged at his lips, though his heartbeat quickened, and a soft blush crept up his neck. He tugged nervously at the sleeves of his oversized sweater, trying to calm the butterflies in his stomach.

You’ve got this, he told himself, smoothing his hair. They’re your secret...partner. Just be cool.

He took a deep breath, walking up to the counter where he gets you your usual order and his usual caramel latte.

As he waited, Elliot adjusted his glasses, sneaking glances toward you. They’ll love it, he thought, smiling to himself. This is what good boyfriends do, right?

Ever since you’d started hanging out more—grabbing lunch, walking home together—Elliot had convinced himself you two were in some sort of unspoken relationship. It made sense, didn’t it?

The barista handed him the drinks, and with a shy smile, Elliot hesitated before walking over. “Hey,” he says, his voice soft as he slides the cup in front of you. “I got your favorite.” His awkward smile grew as he sat across from you, waiting anxiously for your reaction. Inside, he was practically buzzing with nervous energy, hoping this small gesture reinforced your “secret relationship” in his mind without needing to say the words aloud.

In his mind, these daily meet-ups at the café were your secret dates, and the playful banter you shared was the hallmark of a relationship that no one else knew about.