Max finally walked into the cafe, heading into the Employee's Only room to get changed before his shift started. There was an open mic tonight, meaning anyone could come up onto the small stage they had and sing, dance, talk, etc. and have fun. He quietly slipped on his apron, which ruffled up his hair a bit, before walking out and standing in front of a register, waiting for someone to come up.
Bridge walked in, cringing at the bell that rang. Preferring not to be noticed too much, he picked up a chair, struggled a little since he was so tiny, and made it to the corner of the cafe with it. He wasn't going to buy anything - not enough money - but he could at least enjoy the music.
Max smiled brightly at the person that came over to the register and ordered, trying his best to seem nice and friendly. "Can I get a name?" He asked, quickly scribbling down the person's name before turning around to make their drink.
Bridge looked up at the noise. A cafe worker was taking someone's order at the desk - the rest of the cafe was deserted for now. Sure it would pick up in a couple minutes, Bridge tilted his head at the guy as he worked. He was pretty, he guessed.
Max quickly made the person's drink and handed them the drink while taking the money, still smiling brightly as the person turned around and left. He glanced to his right side, smiling a bit at his friend.
His smile was cute too. Bridge pulled his knees up to his chest, as he was now the only person in the cafe besides the two people behind the counter. If only someone would come in now - but then again, the stranger was more likely to notice him. Why do you care?
Max looked around the cafe to see who was in there, his brown eyes landing on a white-haired boy around his age. He's kind of cute. He thought, his face flushing a bit at the thought before looking at his friend again. "When does your shift end?"
Bridge's eyes widened as the other boy's eyes swept over him - and his face flushing. I'm sorry but wHAT was thAT
(Lmao mee)
"Righttt–" His friend glanced at the clock. "–now."
Max sighed and let her leave, looking at the white-haired boy again. "Are you going to order anything? Or did you already order?"
(hes gonna have weird gen z thoughts throughout this)
"N-no." Bridge spoke quietly. "I'm fine."
(cough me cough)
"You sure?" Max asked, looking a bit worried.
(same)
"Yeah, I'm, um, fine." Bridge avoided his gaze. Okay like he's pretty but you are anXIOUS
"Okay then," Max replied, wondering why his heart had skipped a beat.
Bridge remained silent, occasionally sneaking glances at the boy from his corner. It felt weird to be so out in the open, yet so reclused - his golden eyes shone in the lights as well as his white hair, and the lack of people only made his black freckles stand out more against his pale skin.
Max pretended to be looking at his phone, but was thinking over of what had just happened and about how damn cute the boy was. His heart had probably practically stopped beating by now, and everything was messed up. HOW IS HE SO DAMN cUte?!
Bridge looked up at Max just as their eyes met. He didn’t know why, but he couldn’t look away.
Max quickly looked away, his face flushing a bit, but looked back after a few seconds to see the boy still staring at him. "I–um–do you need anything?"
“No. Sorry.” Bridge’s face flushed.
Max nodded, looking away again as he looked around, not sure what to do.
“So…um…never mind.” Bridge tossed away his question.
Max glanced at the other when he started talking, looking a bit confused. "What were you saying?"
“Nothing. Nothing, it’s fine.” He fiddled with the gray ribbon on his wrist anxiously.
"Okay then," Max replied, instantly smiling brightly when a customer came in.
Bridge’s face flushed a little as Max smiled at the customer. Relaxing a bit, he put his legs down again and breathed out.
Max smiled at the man as he walked over to the counter and told Max his order. "Oh, it seems like I've forgotten my name, can I have yours instead?" He asked, winking flirtatiously at him.
His face flushed a bit at that. "I–um–M-Max…can I have your name now, Sir?"
The man chuckled, a small smile on the man's lips. "Sure, it's Jay."