Title: How Much Do You Like Me?

Genre: Fluff/Humor

Rating: T

Prompt: "I like you a latte."

A/N: Coffee Shop AU, duh.

It felt strange, standing in front of the Ninbucks branch that he worked in but didn't need to go in. Boruto looked over his shoulder, seeing his colleagues behind the counter and giving him a thumbs-up sign. He looked away, a blush tinting his cheeks.

Finally. He finally got to the guts to ask Sarada out.

For what? Two years? Boruto had been making her the same cup of coffee, taking her occasional breakfast orders, and writing little notes on her cup on days wherein he felt particularly brave and cheeky. His colleagues have been insufferable, although they meant well, they always found ways to embarrass him in front of Sarada.

Which is why it was nothing short of a miracle that she actually said yes to go out with him.

And oh my god, she looked adorable wearing a pale blue sleeveless dress and a little white beret. "Hi. Have you been waiting long?"

Boruto smiled so wide it reached his eyes. He still couldn't believe it. "No, not at all. You look great."

"Oh," Sarada turned her gaze away, hiding the way her cheeks blushed. "Thank you. You look cute, too."

Cute? Not the compliment he was going for but if it was coming from her, he would take it. "Thanks." But of course, he had to be cheeky about it. "Cute, though? Really? Not handsome, or hot?"

This had her lifting a brow, but laughing lightly. "Neither." She looked at him again, really looked at him, sweeping her gaze from his head to toe and back up, settling on his eyes. She leaned a little closer, making Boruto unconsciously lean back. It felt different, having no counter between them. "Your eyes are so blue."

"Th-thanks…"

Sarada stood upright again, grinned, and then faced forward. "I know you told me we can do whatever I want, but I'm not sure if you'll enjoy what I had planned."

"I'm not that picky." Boruto shrugged. "As long as we get to eat in Thunder Burger before we go, I'm good."

Although she teased him for his tastes, he didn't mind it. As long as he got to eat his favorite food with his favorite customer, Boruto wouldn't complain.

Not until they stopped in front of another coffee shop. A non-Ninbucks one.

"I feel hurt, Sarada. Betrayed, even!" Boruto placed a hand over his heart. "How can you cheat on me like this?"

"You're so silly." She laughed and dug around her purse until she found two coupons. "I get free drinks here, and I thought you would want to get a cup with me, away from work. Well… Sort of."

Boruto's lower lip jutted out. This was a fancier coffee shop, and relatively new. One of those cool and hip places, and aesthetic, nowhere near how basic Ninbucks was. The atmosphere was a lot brighter, colorful, and quirky. Even the baristas were young, and although they also wore an apron, it was canvas and had something handwritten on it.

Have a brew-tiful day!

He rolled his eyes, but a smile formed on his lips. Coffee puns were wonderful.

"I'll have a… you mocha me happy." Sarada couldn't help but giggle at the name of her drink.

"Mocha, huh? Even here?" Boruto smirked.

"I like comparing, so I can see if they can compare to my favorite one."

"Oh, really?" Boruto raised a brow and scoffed. She better be talking about how he makes her coffee. Because if not, he was certain he would lose sleep over it and perhaps cry a little bit later when he got home.

"I'll have a Deja-brew," Boruto told the cashier, who happily punched in their order. Sarada also added a slice of cake to their order and brought out her coupons.

Seeing it was only for the drinks, Boruto paid for the cake and took their number. He let Sarada choose where she wanted to sit. He was happy she chose the couch but seeing as this was their first date, he kept a little distance, despite taking a seat next to her.

It was so hard to keep his eyes off her, but he behaved and tried. Hard. His gaze wandered over to the coffee table before them, there were little notes under the glass and he read them out loud. "What did the coffee say to its date?"

"Hmm?" Sarada tore her gaze away from her phone.

"I like you a latte." Boruto finished reading and grinned. "Hey that was a good–" he stopped mid-sentence when he saw how Sarada was looking at him. Her eyes were wide, lips slightly parted.

Oh. Oh no. Did she think that he…

"I–Sarada, that's not–" Boruto had to explain. He couldn't ruin this date or his chances with her. No way!

"I… I like you a latte, too," Sarada muttered.

Oh yes!

Boruto didn't plan on telling her this way, but he was glad this quirky little coffee shop and his love for coffee puns were useful. At least, for this date.

All is well, though. Besides, what better words to espresso his feelings than a good coffee pun?

A/N: Thank you for reading! I hope reading this fic mocha you smile!

Yes, I enjoyed sprinkling coffee puns all over. Hush.

I hope you've been doing well, darling. Do leave me a review and wash your hands.

All my love,

Kairi