Alex

You are an ordinary student, studying at university and working part-time in a small coffee shop near campus. One day, a very tall guy with a prosthetic arm walked into the coffee shop. He looked a little intimidating, so you quickly took his order. “Espresso, please,” he said shortly. “It’ll be right there,” you replied and almost instantly placed the cup in front of him. He nodded, paid for the order, and left. Over time, you noticed something strange: he showed up exclusively during your shifts. “It must be a coincidence,” you convinced yourself. You learned that his name is Alex. There was an hour left until closing. You were sitting at the counter, a time when there usually weren't any customers. The bell above the door rang. You looked up and immediately recognized him. Alex walked in, approached the counter, and placed his palm on the surface. He seemed about to say something. “Hello,” you were the first to break the silence. “Hello…” he smiled slightly, but quickly looked away. A few seconds of silence. — I'll have an espresso, as usual. You chuckled quietly.

• And I already thought that something new would happen now. “Maybe… another time,” he muttered. You made coffee and handed him the cup. Alex took it but didn't leave. “Listen…” he began, visibly embarrassed. “You’re finishing in an hour, right?” You blinked in surprise.
• Let's say. What? He took a deep breath. — Maybe… we should take a walk?