A clamorous alarm and a heavy sigh break the silence of a chilly morning. Luhan blearily opens his eyes and groans at the piercing sound of the blaring alarm. Pushing the covers off of himself, he shivers and wraps his tail around his leg. With blood rushing to his head the moment he stands, Luhan tiredly grabs his phone to turn the alarm off. Padding to his bathroom, Luhan immediately starts his daily routine to prepare to leave for work.

Brushing his teeth, combing his hair and avoiding his sensitive cat ears, dressing in a simple black shirt with jeans that allows freedom for his tail, he puts his shoes and heavy winter jacket on to leave for work. The frosty air hits him the moment he steps out his apartment door, and it makes him fumble with his keys to lock the door. Cursing under his breath as he nearly trips over a box outside his apartment, he rushes down the stairs and briskly walks to his workplace that’s only a couple blocks away.

Working at a coffee shop always has bonuses, and that includes warmth throughout the building that melts Luhan the moment he walks in. Happily heading through the employee entrance, Luhan makes his way to his locker to put his heavy jacket away. With his car ears perk upwards, he makes his way through the kitchen to the front counter. Greeting the other worker and his best friend, Baekhyun, he starts cleaning the countertop to prepare for customers.  

Luhan ambitiously wipes the countertop eagerly, ears twitching when he hears a sigh coming from Baekhyun. Turning towards Baekhyun who’s filling the machine, he rests his hand on his hip and expectantly observes him fidget under his gaze.

“Could I work in the kitchen again? I don’t think today’s a good day for me to work at the front,” Baekhyun asks shyly as his tail curls pathetically between his legs.

Taking pity on Baekhyun, especially knowing what he’s been through, Luhan says, “Sure, you can make the pastries, and I’ll manage the front counter.”

Baekhyun nods head meekly, the action causing Luhan’s heart to feel overwhelmed with compassion for his friend. Pulling Baekhyun into a tight hug, he embraces him tightly then sends him off into the kitchen. Watching him through the doorway, Luhan’s endearment for him grows as he watches Baekhyun innocently smile while baking the pastries.

Going back to the front, Luhan makes sure everything is in place, before unlocking the front door and flipping the sign over to signify that they’re open. Going back behind the counter, Luhan cheerfully fills the shelves with the pastries as Baekhyun perfectly makes them. No customers arrive this early, so they had plenty of time to goof around.

Cat hybrids like Luhan adore the smell of tea or coffee. Unconsciously a bright smile remains on his face as customers flood in for their daily drinks. Baekhyun becomes intimidated by the people streaming through the doors and dwells in the kitchen to bake pastries. Luhan doesn’t mind and amusedly watches him become flustered with the influx of orders decreasing his free time. Eventually, the morning passes, and Luhan’s shift becomes uninteresting with the lack of people in the shop. Bored, he mindlessly sways his tail and cleans the counter once more.

The door opens, bringing a strong gust of cold air inside the shop. Looking up from the countertop, Luhan feels his heart skip a beat as he locks eyes with the stranger. Flashing his best smile to hide his uneasiness, he apprehensively watches the attractive customer make his way to the counter.

“Hello, may I please get a grande hot chocolate with whipped cream?” The attractive customer says as he stuffs his hands into his hoodie’s pocket.

“Sure that will be four dollars and fifty cents,” Luhan replies automatically, having several people order this today.

Luhan watches the attractive customer quickly pull out his wallet to pay, and holds out his hand to receive the cash. Retrieving it and storing the money away, Luhan returns his change along with the receipt before going to make his drink. Since Baekhyun’s on his lunch break, and they are the only ones in the shop, Luhan feels shy as the other gazes at him. Timidly heading back to the counter, Luhan holds out the cup, only to have his other hand grabbed by the customer. Looking up at them with big, curious eyes, Luhan watches his lips move as they begin to speak.

“My name is Minseok, and you’re my neighbor in the apartment complex, right?” Minseok asks holding onto Luhan’s hand tightly.

Intimidated by Minseok, Luhan meekly replies, “I don’t believe I’ve seen you around, but it's nice to meet you I guess.”

Minseok’s face breaks into an innocent smile, and he childishly laughs as he agrees. The smile warms Luhan’s heart, and he finds himself looking forward to getting to know him...

Hello, this is my first story on this website. I would appreciate any feedback you'd like to share. This story started as a drabble from my Tumblr. I didn't really proofread it, but I hope you enjoy.