beating caffeine

ding dong !

As the door swung open, the bell above it jingled merrily, announcing Ash's arrival at the coffee shop. Today was the big day, after all, and Ash needed a boost of energy to get through it. The shop itself was a charming little place, with its dark wooden floors and a warm glow emanating from within. It had this old-fashioned vibe, with just the right amount of modern touches sprinkled here and there. Perfect for a date, if you asked Ash.

Ian, with his blond wavy hair and those captivating brown eyes, couldn't help but perk up as Ash walked in. You see, Ian had developed quite the crush on her. Every day she came in, that crush grew stronger, until now it had transformed into a full-on obsession. The mere sight of her sent his heart into a frenzy, his palms growing clammy with anticipation. He had spent countless nights imagining a future with Ash, where they laughed, held hands, and shared intimate moments. But, for now, he had to be content with just serving her coffee.

"Hey, Ash! Long time no see, huh?" Ian exclaimed, his excitement palpable. It had been weeks since he last laid eyes on her, and the void left by her absence was almost unbearable. He longed to hear her voice, to catch a glimpse of her radiant smile, and to be the one who made her happy.

"Yeah, can I have my usual, please?" Ash replied, her tone dry and seemingly oblivious to Ian's enthusiasm. Ian stood there, frozen with confusion. This was the first time in weeks they had crossed paths, and she didn't seem to care about him? It stung, oh, how it hurt. But Ian was determined not to let this setback discourage him. He couldn't let his hopes shatter like fragile glass.

"Okay, right away!" Ian managed to say before dashing down the corridor and disappearing into the kitchen to fetch her drink. His heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of excitement and uncertainty swirling within him. He wondered what had caused this sudden change in Ash's demeanor. Had he done something wrong? Had she found out about his feelings? The questions tormented him, their answers elusive.

"Here ya go!" he cheerfully handed over Ash's usual and quickly retreated back to his spot behind the counter. He watched as Ash took the drink, sliding the cash onto the counter in exchange. She didn't even spare him a second glance, her attention already drawn to a book she had brought with her. Ian's heart sank further, his mind racing with thoughts of doubt and insecurity. Did she not love him back? But she had been stopping by for months. Their conversations, though brief, had felt meaningful to Ian. Was he just a mere blip on her radar?

This inner discord was causing his world to tremble and crumble around him. Seeking solace, Ian walked to the bathroom, the sound of running water filling his ears. He splashed the cold liquid onto his face, the droplets providing a momentary reprieve from the storm brewing within. As he looked at himself in the mirror, determination gleamed in his eyes. "She will be mine. I'll do whatever it takes to make her love me."

Ian wiped away the water, staring deep into his own reflection. The lines of his face seemed sharper, his eyes burning with a fervent determination. He knew the path he had chosen was treacherous, filled with uncertainty and the potential for heartbreak. But he couldn't deny the fire that consumed him, the desire to have Ash by his side. He had to take a chance, to break free from the chains of his own insecurities.

As he left the bathroom, Ian's mind brimmed with plans and strategies. He would find a way to capture Ash's heart, to make her see him as more than just a barista. He would sweep her off her feet, shower her with affection, and prove that he was the one who could make her truly happy. The journey ahead would be a tumultuous one, fraught with challenges and obstacles, but Ian was ready. Ready to chase after his dreams, ready to embark on a quest for love that would redefine his existence.

And so, with a newfound determination burning in his chest, Ian returned to the coffee shop floor, ready to face the world and win the heart of the woman who had captured his soul. Little did he know that the road ahead would test him in ways he had never imagined, pushing him to the very edge of his sanity. But love, as they say, knows no bounds. And Ian was willing to traverse the depths of darkness to find the light that would guide him to Ash's heart.