#quenue

The air was thick with the scent of coffee-

The latte was over-priced and at first, you found it bitter. It sits prettily in a white china cup, a leaf pattern in delicate milky foam among the pale brown. You wrap your fingers around it, enjoying the heat that spreads through your hands.

You take another sip, still bitter, your tongue asking for something else, but only babies ask for hot chocolate or syrup. You take a bigger sip and this time let the warm liquid sit on your tongue for a bit longer. There is a flavor there, once accustomed to the bitterness it steps forth shyly. It is this undertone that is so apparent in the aroma - you can't smell bitterness and so in the warm air of the cafe that lies beneath the ADA, it is just as heady as the smell of baking pastries in the back.

Beside you, a knee almost touches yours beneath the narrow table, the full warmth and weight of a body leaning against your shoulder. After so long without it, you were surprised by the warmth of the body. No longer did it leech your heat but instead give it to you. It was such a luxury when you were used to your breaths being quite invisible and the birds were more active in the sky.

"You smell really nice..."

Your boyfriend's soft voice filled the quiet air and seemed to bring it to life in a way. His nimble fingers combed through your (hair color) hair, his touch bringing you a sense of comfort that no warm coffee could accomplish.

You had wanted to whisper to Tanizaki, tell him the bad news that was nothing other than the gray sky and bitter coffee. The orange-haired male had fallen asleep at your side earlier in the morning leaving you with nothing but his light snores and expensive coffee. But now he was awake, and upon hearing his kind, sleepy words you found that your day seemed a little less bitter.

"It's my new shampoo I think. Strawberries." You answer with a small smile. Tanizaki hummed sweetly in response, the feeling of his warm lips pressing against your shoulder making your heart race. You had been together for so long but he never failed to make your heart throb.

The smile on your lips grew wider as you leaned in for another sip of your beverage. You savored it this time, sipping it as if it were a luxury, but you were sure that your face gave away your true feelings.

“Hmm, something wrong?” Tanizaki asked. “Nothing, just this coffee…” You mumbled back.

Tanizaki adjusted his position, his back leaning against the plush booth seat beneath both of you. His hazel eyes blinked innocently as he stared at the coffee cup, wrinkling his nose in slight distaste as he stared at the beverage. “Do you want me to order something else?” he asked.

A tiny laugh leaves your lips as your body leans back as well, your frame turning only slightly as you wrapped your arms lovingly around Tanizaki’s waist. “No, I don’t need any more coffee”  you answer, not hesitating to turn down the request. “But, I would like something sweet~” you coo.

Tanizaki tilted his head, his orange bangs falling over his forehead as he stared at you questionably only for a rosy pink blush to spread across his cheeks. “O-oh-“ He stuttered knowingly, his hand immediately lowering to sheepishly scratch his cheek as he smiled widely.

With another small giggle, you tilt your head up slightly, placing your hands on Tanizaki’s chest as you leaned in and closed your eyes. Immediately afterward a warm pair of lips met yours. The kiss was soft just as you had expected and it was sweeter than any sort of coffee.