Lucas didn't have any family; he couldn't even remember what his parents looked like, and he had no friends either. He was basically a loner, staying in the house his parents had left him when they died.
He wasn't a very social person either, and he had never gone on dates. So, hearing Devon say he was adorable and that was why he wanted to treat him with care, the stuff he said actually went a long way, and his heart warmed up.
"Well, I think," he grabbed Devon's hand on his head and brought it to his front. "...there's nothing wrong with having a below normal body temperature. It just sets you apart from the rest. It..." He managed to make eye contact, staring into Devon's eyes with this sharp determined and yet warm gaze. "...Just makes you more distinct from the crowd."
Devon stared at him. The gaze he had in his eyes. He knew it very well.
"And there are so many things about you that make you even more distinct than the crowd."
"Oh? Things like?" Devon asked and Lucas' firm determination started to waver a bit as he returned to his blushing mess, throwing his gaze away as he mentioned,
"You're kinder than most people. Your smile... your smile is very pretty. Your skin is also very beautiful that it reminds me of porcelain, and your eyes..." He secretly stole a glance at his yellow eyes once more. "They're so charming."
"Thank you, Devon." He patted Lucas' head, smiling at him. "Your words are very inspiring. I'm glad to know you think so highly of me. Well, now we have to..." He wanted to turn and leave but Lucas had caught on to his apron. "Hm? Do you still have something else to say, my adorable little employee?"
"I..." Lucas squeezed tightly. He didn't know what had come into him but he wanted to get it out of his chest. If he could, then he would be able to work without always getting distracted.
There was a high chance that Devon would reject him, but if he did, then that would be for the better. At least then, he wouldn't be able to have other thoughts or entertain childish fantasies.
"Those are not the only things I think of you." He said and gulped. "In truth, I... I actually..."
The words were stuck in his chest. Just how was he going to confess if he didn't bring the words out?
"I actually-"
*Ting-ting* the little bell on the counter rang, indicating there was a customer.
"Oh, there's a customer." Devon said and turned to Lucas. "Maybe we can pick this up later, Lucas. Let's get back to work, okay?" He said and turned, ready to head back outside when Lucas shot out the words like a rocket.
"I think I'm in love with you." He said and Devon paused. "I know it's weird. I'm weird. We met just a week ago. And it's very unbecoming of me to talk for my boss, but I couldn't help it." He rushed his words like he was rapping, scared that Devon would suddenly interrupt him and he would never have the courage to say those words again. But from there, he slowed down a bit, his head bowed as he nodded longer knew what his fate would become. "From the first day I saw you, from the first day..." He paused his lips and finally raised his head to look at Devon with a little warm expression. "You had taken my breath away."
Devon was speechless, honestly. He didn't expect a confession. At least, not this soon.
"Now, I know I shouldn't have had such thoughts but it's not like I ever had control over my feelings. I really like you but don't get me wrong. I'm not asking you to like me back. I just... Wanted to get it off my chest."
Now that he said it all, he was feeling so embarrassed, awkward, and panicked.
What if Devon was homophobic and he fired him right away, feeling disgusted that another guy would have feelings for him?
That was the last thing he wanted.
He just wanted a simple rejection and that was it.
*Ting-ting* The customer hit the bell again and Devon had to walk out.
"Lucas, let's talk about this again when the cafe closes. Is that okay?" He asked and walked away.
Lucas was left there, feeling he might've actually crossed a line somewhere.
But wasn't it just a simple rejection? Why did he have to delay it?
Now, Lucas had no choice but to think of what Devon would say to him later after they had closed up.
"Ah, does he want to fire me?" He wondered out loud and the lady waiting for him to take her order, stared at him like he was a weirdo. He noticed it and quickly apologized. "Oh, I'm so sorry."
He still kept thinking of it. Why would Devon ask to talk about it later?
Did he have so many things to say? Maybe it was an essay-like rejection, stating all the possible reasons why he could never like him and a long lecture thereafter.
'Yeah, that was probably it.'
They were closing soon and Lucas was washing the things that had been used in coffee preparation.
He looked towards the door that led to the back where employees could change out of their work clothes and into their regular clothes, as well as relax. It was the place he had confessed earlier on.
"He must be resting." He mumbled, pouting his lips as a certain sadness overcame him.
If Devon rejected him and even went as far as firing him, he wouldn't feel okay at all. He would feel... Sad.
Then, the glass in his hand fell.
"Shit! Now I've done it." He cussed out and bent down to quickly pick up the broken pieces but in the process, slit his thumb. "Ouch."
Devon's eyes widened and he looked towards the door, alarmed.
He rushed towards the door, opened it and found Lucas on the floor, picking up broken glass pieces and a bleeding thumb.
"What did you do?" He asked with a cold tone that Lucas had never heard before.
He froze, feeling Devon was mad. This was the first time he was... Sounding so mad.
He was always so calm, patient and smiling. And the reason he was so mad was because...
"You've broken rule number one, Lucas." Devon said, his head down and Lucas gulped.