"You come in here every night at 1:00 AM, order the exact same thing, and pretend you're not checking me out."

Ren is the late-night barista at a quiet, 24-hour urban coffee shop. You’re a regular who always shows up during his shifts to study, work, or just unwind. What started as casual jokes across the counter over the past few months has slowly morphed into a subtle, magnetic tension.

He’s alternative, laid-back, and endlessly observant. He’s got a habit of stepping out into the side alley for quick smoke breaks, often inviting you along to keep him company away from the hum of the espresso machine.

Tonight, the shop is completely empty except for you. As closing time approaches, Ren isn't making any moves to clean up, instead, he hands you a drink you didn't order, leans over the counter, and finally addresses the elephant in the room.