Work Text:
It was a peaceful afternoon in The Backspace, a coffee shop where Sky works in his free time. He was wiping the counter when the bell chime above the door rang.
He’s here. Sky murmured in his mind. He didn’t need to look up to know who entered the shop, he knew it was him. The bell didn’t just chime, the bell resonated in the hollow of Sky’s chest.
Sky’s grip tightened on the microfiber cloth, meticulously wiping the counter that was already spotless. I’m nervous. I need to breathe. Jeez.
“Busy afternoon?” the man said.
“Just normal,” Sky replied. “What are you having today?” Sky added while wishing he won’t notice the nervousness in his voice.
“Spanish latte and two macarons,” the man said. Sky immediately punched his order.
“Okay, order for?” Sky said. Order for? YOU KNOW FOR SURE ITS FOR HIM, YOU DUMBASS! Sky mentally slapped his face for asking the question.
“Oh, order for Nani,” the man smiled. The moment Sky saw his smile, he immediately felt that they’re at a movie, with the main characters or something. He didn’t notice that he was staring for a little longer than usual.
“Uhm, are you okay? Is there something in my face?” Nani asked. That’s when Sky returned to the world.
“O-oh, sorry. I spaced out, there’s a lot going through my mind,” Sky replied. “It’s okay, I experienced that a lot. Hope you're okay though. Anyways, I'll pay cash,” Nani replied while still smiling.
He immediately printed out the receipt. He reached for the sharpie to write Nani’s name on the cup.
“Give me five minutes to do your order. I’ll just call your name when it’s done.” Sky nervously muttered.
“Perfect, Thank you, Sky.” Nani replied then turned his back to go to his reserved seat.
Sky didn’t move. Did he just call me by my name..? My name. Sky muttered in his mind. He felt butterflies on his stomach, his ears feeling hot, a smile that could literally reach his ears and heart that’s been pumping a little too hard since the man entered the shop. He weirdly reaches for his heart, wanting to feel the pump, only to realize something.
Nameplate. Sky feels embarrassed. The heck. Sky’s heart plummeted from the clouds straight to the espresso-stained floor. 'Right. The nameplate. I'm literally wearing a sign,' he whispered to himself, feeling the heat move from his ears to his entire face.
While preparing for Nani’s order, he can’t help but spare a glance on the corner where the man is. He was wearing a pink cardigan with white pants. He can’t help but admire Nani. He had a crush on him for over 4 months already, ever since Nani decided to be a regular at the coffee shop he has been working at. For four months, Sky still hasn't gotten Nani’s number or even his social media. He practiced while on break, on his way to work, on his way to his apartment and even with his close friend. However, when he’s face to face with Nani, he can’t seem to mutter these words, he gets shy, awkward and nervous.
This is frustrating, why can’t I just tell him I like him and would want to have his number? Sky mumbled in his head. Sky sighed.
Nani on the other hand, was busy typing something on his laptop.
“Order for Nani!” Sky called. His voice was a little too high, a little too eager.
Nani approached, the soft wool of his pink cardigan brushing against the counter. As he reached for the Spanish Latte, his fingers grazed Sky’s for a split second. To Sky, it was an electric surge that made him almost drop the macarons.
“Enjoy everything,” Sky added, his eyes fixed firmly on the napkins.
“I will,” Nani said, his voice trailing off as he checked the cup. He noticed the heart Sky had drawn earlier. He didn't say anything, but his smile lingered just a second longer before he turned away.
Sky was staring at the back of Nani’s head–specifically when a few hairs curled over his pink cardigan– when a heavy arm dropped across his shoulders.
“Bro, if you stare any harder, you’re gonna burn a hole in his expensive sweater.”
Sky jumped, “Stop it, get back to work!”
Dew, Sky’s co-worker, just grinned, leaning hip-deep against the counter. “Bro, it’s been four months, four freaking months! Just ask for his IG handle. It’s not like you’re asking him to donate his kidney or something.”
“It’s easy for you, because it's in your nature,” Sky mumbled. “And, can you please lower your voice, tsk!”
“Bro, what’s wrong with you? I mean, you’ve got girls and guys lining up for you, why are you so shy and afraid of getting his socials?” Dew added.
“I know, but it’s not easy, It's Nani. He's just on a different level. Also, I’ve been trying, you know. I’m just looking for a perfect time.” Sky replied, his eyes drifting back to the corner table.
“Perfect time? Bro, the ‘perfect time’ was three months ago,” Dew snorted, crossing his arms. “Right now, you’re just waiting for him to either confess to you or bring his lover the next time he goes here.”
Dew walked away to clean the table of the customer who left. Sky looked at Nani. The afternoon sun was hitting Nani, making him look straight from a movie.
Just do it. Sky told himself. You only live once.
He pulled a napkin from the dispenser. His hands, usually steady when steaming milk and doing the perfect latte, were suddenly trembling. He reached out for the sharpie– the same sharpie he used to write Nani’s name.
What should I write?
“You look good today.” – too plain. He looks good every time. Nothing new. He crumpled the paper.
“What song are you listening to?” – too intrusive. I don’t think we’re close enough for him to share his playlist with me. He crumpled that one too.
After some thought. He wrote a single sentence in his neatest handwriting:
“I’ve practiced saying hi to you a thousand times, but my voice always gets stuck. Maybe a text would be easier? — Sky”
He stared at it. It was too honest. It was straightforward. It was… perfect.
He waited for the perfect time, he waited until Nani got up to use the restroom, leaving his laptop and half-eaten macarons.
This is it. Sky muttered in his thoughts. Sky walked over with the napkin in his palm, intending to slide it under the laptop.
But as he got closer, fear struck again. His knees felt like jelly, a shiver was felt over his spine. I can’t. I can’t do this.
In a sudden burst of panic, Sky balled up the napkin and tossed it into the bin next to Nani’s table. I’ll just try again tomorrow. He thought.
A minute later, Nani returned. He gathered his things, getting his unfinished coffee and swinging his bag over his shoulder. Due to the rush, Nani suddenly bumped into the bin, tipping it over.
“Oh my, sorry!” Nani knelt down to fix the mess he made.
Sky on the other hand was nervously looking at Nani. His heart stopped. He watched as Nani’s fingers reached into the fresh, white ball of paper among the coffee stirrers and old receipts from past customers. He couldn’t move. He was simply stuck to the counter.
Nani paused. He didn’t throw it back. Because of his curiosity, he slowly unfurled the napkin, smoothing out the edges of the crumpled paper.
The silence in The Backspace was deafening. Sky couldn’t hear the espresso machine, even the air conditioner at the coffee shop.
Nani read the note.
Once.
Twice.
Thrice.
A smile crept into Nani’s lips. A small smile, shy smile even. He didn’t look up. Instead, he reached out for his pen, and scribbled something on the crumpled paper.
He walked to the counter, smiled at the barista, tucked the napkin under the tip jar and said,
“You’re right, texts are much easier. Stop keeping me waiting this time.” Nani mumbled as he turned his back over Sky and went out of the shop.
As the door chimed behind him, Sky already had the courage to open the napkin under the tip jar. Under his confession, Nani had written ten digits with his pink glittery pen and a single word:
“Finally. :)”