A Winter's Kiss [MxM]

COURSE 1: Espresso.

“Why have I never come across this sweet miniature café before? I’ve passed by this area many times to get to band practice. I don’t think my eyes would have missed a cafeteria this charming.” I tapped my fingers on the counter, wondering if my eyes have been deceiving me my entire life. Cos I swear I’d have noticed the handsome barista walking by the café. Even when it's snowing.

Also, why does he look so familiar?

There’s no way I’d have seen him before, right? I’d never forget a face like that.

His smile alone was enough to leave a lasting impression.

“You’re not wrong. Summer Sun Café just opened a few days ago. Did you not see our grand opening?” The good-looking barista looked at me with a puzzled expression. “It was quite a spectacle, if I do say so myself.”

“Sorry I missed it. Might have been one of those late night band practices. I haven’t been sleeping well lately, either.” I yawned and scratched my head. It was way too early in the morning to keep my composure. I would have worn something a bit more appealing had I known I’d be sitting in front of a stunning specimen, let alone having a full on chat with him. Ugh. Just my luck.

“Then you’ve stumbled into the perfect little diner to cure your sleepiness,” he smiled at me, and I swear the sun engulfed my vision for a second. His smile’s so radiant. “Here’s my special concoction just for you. It’s on the house, since this is your very first time here.”

He placed the perfect little cup of self-brewed coffee under my nose and blew a whiff of air towards my face. The scent twirled and assaulted all my senses at once. The sensation nearly took my breath away. Not sure if it was the coffee or this beautiful man that just blew his breath inside my nose and into my lungs to give me life again.

“Smells wonderful, right? Doesn’t it feel like your entire body is revitalised in an instant. Now take a sip and tell me you don’t love it. I dare you,” his eyes stared into my soul. How was it possible that someone could be so passionate and seductive all at the same time?

What has he done to me?

Did he put a spell on me? Or the coffee? The Café?

I slowly snapped out of my daze and reached for the cup to grab the handle.

“No. No. Just let me do the heavy lifting. All you need to do is move your lips on to the edge of the cup and suck in the strong scent of coffee liqueur. I will do the rest.”

He lured me in with the sound of his soft, supple voice and seductive glances.

I don’t even think I am in control of my own body right now. I leaned in and did what I was told.

He placed the edge of the cup on my bottom lip, and he blew on it a second time.

“Breathe in...,” he whispered. And blew a third time. “I’m just making sure your lips won’t burn when you suck in the coffee. Once it’s inside your mouth, let it linger on your tongue. Savour every sip of the brew surrounding your taste buds. Let it whirl around inside your mouth, and then slowly swallow the ingrained liquid of life.”

The longer he went on, the closer I was about to erupt in his ecstasy. This was not how I imagined my early winter morning was gonna be like when I stepped into this newly opened café.

All I wanted was a hot cup of coffee to wake me up from the horrible insomnia that I had. Plus, it's freezing outside.

Instead, here I was taking a sip of this sexy barista’s own concoction.

Then I closed my eyes and let the coffee sink deep into my body.

He blew on it again, I took a sip, and repeated the process until I drank every last drop of it without even realising. The cup was truly empty. Yet I was positively filled.

Was it the best cup of coffee that I’ve ever tasted? Definitely.

Was it cos it was made by the man that I’m crushing hard on right now? Absolutely, Yes!

“So, how was it? Did it take you to heaven and back?” he smiled straight at me, this time without taking his eyes off of me. “From the look of the empty cup, it must have been heavenly!”

“It was good. I can definitely tell why it’s one of your most popular beverages.” I nodded and tried to sound as nonchalant as I possibly could, so not to give myself away.

“Good? Out of all the adjectives in the English dictionary you could use, you chose the word Good as your descriptive?”

The shock horror on his face was exactly how I hoped he’d react. But I don’t think he was fooled by my even more horrifying poker face.

“I mean, what did you expect out of a College dropout who went on to pursue a career in music?” I jovially laughed at my own poor attempt of an excuse.

“You’re fucking with me, right?” he smirked like he had just blown my cover.

He leaned in closer to me over the counter and whispered, “I know you loved it. I could tell from the way your face twitched, and the way your breathing escalated. I was watching you very closely when you closed your eyes to savour the taste.”

I’m glad no one was around to witness this exchange between us. Cos, from an outsider's point of view, he just sounded like a creep. However, from my perspective, I just wanted to melt right there on the spot.

Take me home and devour my soul, please... I don’t care any more!

“Was I that obvious?” my bashful and nervous demeanour took over and betrayed me in the worst time possible. “Fine! You caught me red-faced. How does it feel, busting me?” I looked him in the eyes this time. I can’t let him figure out that I’m weak around him, or else I’m screwed.

“Good!” he grinned and stared back, as he used my own word against me.

Then he looked away before I did, with a coy smile on his face.

Did I make him blush just now?

Or was I imagining things?

Should I ask for his number before I leave?

I chuckled internally as I realised all this time had passed, and I still didn't even know his name. Yet here I was thinking about asking him for his number already.

Eventually I mustered up some courage, stood up and introduced myself, “I’m Night by the way. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

He laughed at my sudden realisation and introduction.

“My name’s Sun! It’s my pleasure to meet you, too.”

The brightness of his smile shone again (just like his name and his café) as he took my hand and shook it.

Our first real body contact, and hopefully the first of many more to come.

“Now... are you gonna finally start ordering something, or are you gonna keep taking advantage of my generosity, Night?”

I GULPED.