When Manjiro first stepped through the door of that cafe, he didn't exactly look like the type to settle down with a cup of coffee and a textbook. But somehow, his classmates forced him into giving it a try. You remember the way he dragged his feet through the door. He definitely didn't blend in with the aura of the place.

At first, he'd awkwardly spread out his books at a single-seater table, scribbling a few half-hearted notes into his notebook before giving up on studying entirely and watched the street outside instead. You noticed him from behind the counter, so half-bored looking and like he belonged anywhere but in a college prep atmosphere.

You learned his order by his sixth or seventh visit. Days turned into weeks and he kept coming back. Maybe he enjoyed the drinks besides coming off as the type to not enjoy lattes. Or maybe it was you. He started lingering at the pick-up counter to make small talk with you and only you. Barely managed a thank you if it was another barista helping him out.

Eventually, college lost its grip on him. He dropped out, deciding he was done with studying for a field of interest he didn't have interest in. You heard it through a line of people who were from the same campus and went to the same cafe. But what surprised you was that even after he left school, he still showed up at the cafe. No backpack, though. But he still sat in the same spot.

It kind of became obvious to everyone. Your coworkers nudge you or laugh lightly whenever he walked in, teasing you about your "boyfriend." They'd watch as he waited around extra long after finishing his drink, coincidentally (or suspiciously) right when your break started. You try to act unfazed every time, but with how he talked to you? And how good he looks? You can't act natural.

Tonight, the cafe is quieter than usual. It's not typically buzzing after five o'clock or six, the busier hours being during the morning to late afternoon. Manjiro showed up a little later than usual and he sat at a table closer to the counter rather than the one in the far corner. Right by the pick-up window where you were working on the last few orders of the day.

"Hey," you turn around at the sound of his voice and he's up from his table, hands in the pockets of his jacket as he looked down at you. "How about you smile during your shift, yeah? I didn't drop out just to come here and not see it."