Weiss exited the cafe, and she pulled out her watch from under the coat sleeve.
Great, I was going to arrive ten minutes early, but now I'm just arriving on time. Because of that dolt, I'm going to have to sit at the back.
Weiss groaned and began walking, letting the tea cool a bit. But she couldn't wait for long, as the winter weather began seeping through her clothes.
Oh, this…. She took another sip. It tasted like heaven, and it began a warm her chest. It wasn't too bitter, or too sweet. It was far better than what the coffee vending machine at the university had to offer.
She didn't notice the coffee shop before, as she often used this time to think about, well, pretty much anything that needed meditation, such as organising her exams, but today was an specially cold day, and she couldn't focus on anything else because of it. Taking another sip, she was glad about this discovery.
I could get used to this. She thought. It was on her way to university, so if she woke up 10 minutes earlier, she could get herself tea every morning.
And from a cute barista, too.
She took another sip, and then she realised what just crossed her mind, causing her to blush slightly.
Shut up, me!
Oh, isn't that...?
"Hey Blake! Why aren't you at uni yet?" She said, beaming up. She was glad she had walked into her. They didn't have much in common, but everyone at university had their acquaintances, and the two were left without the chance of meeting anyone.
At first she talked to her out of necessity, as they were asked to do a group project. But they became fond of each other.
She didn't have any friends before, even Blake had a few, so she was glad she had her, at least.
"O-o-oh he-ey Wei-i-ss" Blake was shivering from the cold. Her coat wasn't as thick as hers, and she was having a hard time fighting against the cold winter.
"Here, drink some, it'll help warm you up a bit"
She watched as Blake took the cup from her hands, and took a sip.
"Wow, this stuff is good. Where did you get this?"
"Oh, I just realized there's a really nice coffee shop on my way to uni. It's far better than the coffee machine we have there"
"Well, if you could, would you get me something tomorrow too? I swear, this weather is gonna kill me. Don't worry, I'll pay for it"
"Sure! An espresso, as always?"
"You know me, get me something I'd like. Thanks"
She smiled at her, and Weiss smiled back.
"By the way, how is your project going?"
"Ughhh, don't remind me of it. There's this bug that makes the whole thing crash, and I don't have a clue on what's causing it. On top of that, the deadline is on Friday. How are you managing your business major?"
"Well, pretty well actually. I'm not having any real problems with the contents, it's just that accounting is the worst. It just takes opening Excel to make my blood boil. Oh, and don't worry about your project, you're pretty sharp, you'll figure it out."
"I god hope so. Oh, are we here already?" Blake said, a little said that they had run out of time to talk.
Weiss didn't notice either until Blake said it. They were already at the university entrance, which meant they had to split up.
"Seems like it. Well, at least we will see each other at marketing right?"
"Yeah. Welp, see you later!" She began to walk off waving her hand.
"Later!" She waved back.
Weiss let out a sigh, and began her walk to her class. Talking to Blake about anything helped. Both of them relied on the other when they were feeling down or stressed out. University could be harsh at times.
It's a shame we don't have much time to hang out with each other. I'll have to treat her to something, instead of studying together at the library. Maybe we could go to this cafe.
For some reason, that sounded like a bad decision. She didn't want to be seen in that cafe. She didn't like why she was feeling that.
Ughhh, focus on your studies, you fool.
It had been two weeks since she had started stopping by the cafe every morning. It was really pleasant to start her day with a warm cup of tea. And for some reason, she was happy when she saw this barista. She thought nothing of it, of course. It was just probably because having someone prepare tea for you and treat you with kindness made her happy.
Of course that she noticed that the barista was nervous at her presence. And that she stared for a bit more than necessary. It wasn't bothering her, quite the opposite, she liked making her fluster. It was reassuring, it made her feel confident, or at least, it was what she thought.
But, when the following week, that cute, silvered eyed barista was nowhere to be found. Weiss didn't want to admit it, but it felt pretty disappointing. Instead of finding her preferred barista, and this other blonde working with her, she found a guy wearing a black and blue fedora and a girl with short orange hair. They weren't bad either, they were kind, and made really good tea too. It seemed like the manager of this place knew what she was doing.
What am I worrying about? It's likely that she is just doing another shift. The cafe stayed open for the whole day, after all. What I need to focus on is on my exams.
She looked at the clock at the corner of her laptop. 3:58 PM.
She looked around, as if she was searching for something.
Ughhh, I can't be alone if I want to study all of this.
She grabbed her phone, and sent a message to Blake.
'hey, do you want to go to the library? I cant handle studying this on my own. I need someone in order to keep me from distracting myself'
She was about to leave her phone at the table, but she saw Blake was online now.
'sorry, but the library it's a no-go. I went there earlier, but it was so cramped I decided to head back. you're welcome to come to my flat, tho.'
Weiss grunted in frustration. Her home and Blake's were in each corner of the city, but the library was conveniently placed in the middle. Hence, they met at the library to study together often. But going to the other's flat and back took too long.
'ughh you know that's not possible'
'sorry'
'dont be, it isnt your fault. anyways, good luck studying'
'you too. thanks for telling me about the library being full'
She tossed her phone angrily at the table. She didn't like studying alone. She liked to study at the library, even if she was going without Blake. Even if she didn't knew anybody, being surrounded by people made her feel less alone.
She looked at the ceiling, thinking of a solution. Her mind blank, she went back to think about that barista. When she noticed, she sighed.
Why am I so obsessed with her? She it's just cute, that's all. Those silver eyes are really beautiful too…
Oh crap.
She tried to stop that train of thought, but had an idea.
Wait! I can study at the cafe! I'm sure it isn't as cramped as the library, I could sit by a table, ask for some tea, and with my headphones I should be able to get rid of the noise.
I'm a genius! She praised herself.
She took her laptop and her bag, and left her apartment.
She entered the cafe, and sat by a table at the corner. It wasn't full, but it wasn't empty either. While her laptop was booting, she looked around. Among everyone, she managed to see a family, and what seemed like a couple dating.
Then she saw her. Those unmistakable red strands of hair, and those characteristic silver eyes. She smiled, and felt better. Then, a blonde girl came her way.
"Hi! How may I help you?" Two lilac eyes was were looking at her, as she was holding a pen in her hand, ready to take her order.
"I want some Chamomile tea, please." She said. She expected herself to be disappointed at the fact that she was the one taking her order instead of her. But, she wasn't. She felt relieved and happy.
"Do you want something to eat as well?"
She thought about it for a moment. Yeah, it would be nice, but she needed to focus on studying first.
"Maybe later, thank you"
She started studying, and about six minutes later, she came back with a cup of tea.
"Thanks"
"No problem. Good luck with that" She said, looking at her laptop. Then she walked away.
Well, no more slacking off. Time to study!
…
4:30.
5:00.
5:30.
6:00.
6:15.
Time was passing slowly, and half and hour of studying later non stop, she was completely drained. She was highlighting her notes, with one hand, and her head rested in the other. Then, she felt her eyes were drifting shut.
No! Bad Weiss! I know you have being doing nothing but studying for three days, but now is not the time to sleep.
Don't. fall. asleep.
Don't… fall…. asleep…
Weiss was startled awake by the sound of a plate being put on her table.
"Mmm?"
"Oh, sorry, I just thought you maybe needed some caffeine, and something to eat couldn't be bad either, right?"
She looked up. She discovered a portion red velvet cake, and a cup of tea at her table. And of course, her favourite barista at the other side of the table, her eyes darting around, not knowing where to settle.
Being caught off guard with such a kind gesture on her part, her silly heart fell down some stairs.
"O-oh? Oh my god, you didn't have to! Th-thank you so much!"
Then she glanced at the cake.
"I'm sorry, but I can't eat that, I'm sure it's wonderful, but I don't want to think about the last time I went to the gym" She said, a little embarrassed.
"Don't worry, it's sugar free! I uh, had a hunch?" She put her hand behind her neck, and looked at her, sheepishly.
Cute.
"If that's the case, then I'll gladly take it. How much?"
"Don't worry, it's on the house"
"Please, don't give me that, at least I have to pay"
"W-well, if you want, it's four fifty, but it's no big deal"
"Don't worry. Here." She handed of the cash, smiling at her. She could swear that she saw her blush for a second.
"Good luck with studying, or working, or…. well, you know"
"Thanks"
And with that, she left.
She looked at herself. Her heart rate had accelerated a bit, and she was happier than before. A bit flustered, maybe. She worried about it, when she finally understood what it meant.
Oh no. Am I really?
Then, another thought took over. This was her chance. She had a suspicion that the barista might feel the same way.
She has to, right?
If she didn't make a move today she might lose her chance. Her heart began pumping harder again.
Okay, calm down. She took a long breath.
Since when I fell for someone I don't even know the name of? She giggled mentally at the thought.
A bit more relaxed, she began thinking. She wanted to solve this, so she could focus on studying again. She took a sip a bite of her cake.
Oh god, this tastes wonderful! Anyways, back to the problem. So, I want to talk to her, but I don't want to be too straight forward. Hmmm.
She took a ship from her tea.
Oh this tastes even better than before. She remembered what I like too. She definitely deserves a substantial tip.
Wait. A tip….
She smiled when she thought of something. She took her bag and began searching for something.
Where did I put my post-it notes?
Hey! This story managed to gather a couple of followers, so, thanks to you all!
I hope this second episode was of your liking.
In case any of you are wondering, yes, the guy with a fedora is Flynt, and the girl working with him is Neon.
Sooooo, what is Weiss going to do with a post-it note?
Who knows?
Me. I know. And I'm not telling. Until next episode of course.