#ahintofbliss

[melviships]

My body tells me no But I won't quit 'Cause I want more 'Cause I want more

[melviships]

For the Moment, Let’s Pretend We Never Left  (LaKKe)

The platform was quiet- no rumble of the crowd, no hiss of brakes on the tracks- nothing except the silent footfall of a stranger approaching the attendant who leaned against the wall. Headphones sat on his shoulders, electronic music faintly playing. The stranger tapped underneath them and the man peered underneath the brim of his cap.

“Hey, KK.”

Mr. KK’s blank expression broke into to a sly grin and he practically purred,“Hello, sweetheart.”

Latte sputtered like a stove top kettle and shoved a paper cup towards the smirking man. They muttered,“Shut up and take your damn coffee.”

“Heh heh, heading home?” He chuckled as he took the cup.

“Yeah.”

His head tilted slightly as he took a sip. “Mind if I join you?”

“Your shift’s over?” Latte asked as they took a drink of their own coffee.

“Mhm.”

They hesitated for a moment then nodded. “Alright.”

Only a couple of minutes passed before the train pulled in. A woman’s electronic voice echoed through the platform as the doors slid open. Latte slowly boarded the car, pointedly avoiding their companion’s stare. Mr. KK followed close behind, standing next to Latte as they grabbed onto the ceiling hold. He took the handle next to it, leaning against the barista and revelling in their familiar warm scent of espresso and vanilla. They sucked in a breath and exhaled unsteadily.

“I missed you.”

Mr. KK smiled sheepishly. “I’ve been busy. I’m free now. We should catch up over lunch.”

“That sounds nice,” they sighed.

“You okay?”

Their grip loosened around the leather strap and their gaze fell to the floor. They murmured,“Where do you keep going? I can’t stand you always disappearing like this.”

“Sorry, honey. ‘Fraid it’s how my business operates. I can’t tell you anything more than what you already know.” Mr. KK shrugged. 

A few strands of hair fell over their eyes as they turned towards him. “You’ll keep coming back, right?”

He gave them a long look then snickered, grabbing their hand. “‘Course.”

They fell silent and the air in the car went from stuffy to mildly humid. Their hands stayed clasped the rest of the way, swaying gently between them. Walking from the station, down the narrow streets, snaking through back alleys, and pushing past overgrown was ingrained into Mr. KK’s memory. A pang of sadness clutched at his heart as he caught a glimpse of the dusty cat bowl on the porch. It quickly faded as he heard the click of the lock as Latte turned the key. 

Latte toed off their shoes once they stepped inside. Mr. KK threw his hat and coat onto the console table before walking into the kitchen. When he picked up the kettle from the stove, it was still heavy with leftover water. A smirk tugged at his lips. He exchanged glances with Latte as they padded over to the table.

“I’ll start you some tea.” He stated as he took two mugs from the cupboard.

“Thanks.”

He smiled to himself. “No problem, sugar.”

[melviships]

It was so nice to see you Don't be a stranger now You've got my number Give me a call, give me a call

[melviships]

P/op’n Music SI

Name: Latte

Character description: A barista who dreams of being in jazz band The only thing worth listening to with them is the hiss of steam as they make your drink

Tracks:

FUSION JAZZ

INDIETRONICA

INDIETRONICA 2

ELECTRIC KETTLE

Incoming rain at night

Outfits:

Solid black outfit (turtleneck, slacks, boots, glasses frames) that turns into a shifting rainbow on certain chords, hair is black and curly, stops at chin - Alt. is white and the rainbow changes from a gradient to a sponged look, hair is light grey

Casual street wear (cardigan, striped shirt, clogs, messenger bag, glasses, beanie) monochrome - Alt. is green and brown, has red hair 

Barista uniform (blue apron, white button down, slacks, wingtips, glasses) hair is pulled into a short ponytail - Alt. is a green apron with a black button down, hair is a dusty brown

Animations:

FUSION JAZZ (solid black/rainbow outfit)

Neutral - Standing and tapping foot

Good - Jazz hands

Great - Dancing

Fever - Neon-lit as they play a saxophone, the audience looks scared

Miss - Trips

Lose - Falls and stays on the ground

Win - Leans against wall

Fever Win - Break dances and leans against wall with sax

INDIETRONICA and INDIETRONICA 2 (casual street wear)

Neutral - Walking

Good - Adjusts glasses

Great - Humming

Fever - Finds a flower

Miss - Shivers

Lose - Stops and checks map

Win - Stops at bus station

Fever Win - Boards bus and sits next to someone

ELECTRIC KETTLE (casual street wear but no beanie and cardigan)

Neutral - Blinking as they read

Good - Flips page

Great - Laughs

Fever - Takes a sip of tea and a bird flies by

Miss - Yawns

Lose - Closes the book and takes a nap

Win - Bookmarks it and smiles

Fever Win - Finishes the book and the kettle whistles

Incoming rain at night (barista uniform)

Neutral - Nodding at counter

Good - Wipes counter

Great - Pours coffee

Fever - Hands out a latte

Miss - Spills milk

Lose - Drops a mug and stares in horror

Win - Sighs and rubs back of head

Fever Win - Stares out the window and watches the lightning flash, mug of coffee steaming in front of them

[melviships]