Noah finally made it to the café with only three minutes to spare. He stepped inside swiftly and walked toward the rack where his apron hung. He fixed it on and turned to notice Daniel already there, leaning casually against the counter with his signature grin.

Of course he was there early. He had a car. That made everything just about ten times easier.

The heat rushed to Noah's cheeks as the traumatic memories of the grocery store incident flooded his brain. He instinctively tried to escape from his feelings, but Daniel came in his way, looking sheepish just like he did when Noah hissed at him.

"Hey... Noah? Sorry about yesterday. I took it too far."

You think? You almost gave me a heart attack.

"It's fine. I'll survive," he muttered, walking away to wipe a counter, and Daniel followed him.

Daniel's grin changed into a sweet smile. "I know you will... but did you have to hiss at me?"

"Yes. That was very necessary."

The blonde started laughing, his blue eyes sparkling. "Fair enough. Either way, I wanted to make it up to you."

"H-huh? You really don't have to do that."

Daniel never apologizes. What does this mean? Is he teasing?

"I know. So what?" His smile softened before he continued, "You always work overtime and you're always so busy. So after work, I'll give you a ride wherever you go."

At first Noah was tempted to accept, but he decided to be stubborn.

"You don't need to do that."

"I'll pay."

Noah's heart skipped a beat. And he whispered, "Okay."

Yessssss. Less money spent! Let's go! Score one for me!

"Great! You only have one shift, don't you?"

"Yeah."

"Okay then, let's get to work, buddy."

Daniel slung his arm around Noah's shoulder in his usual friendly gesture. His grin turned mischievous as a pretty customer walked inside.

Noah's heart dropped at the sight. It happened every single day. He told himself Daniel was just a flirty person in general. Don't pay attention to it.

The day passed more easily than usual, and laughter spilled between them as Daniel decided to crack the stupidest jokes.

Daniel waited at a table for Noah's shift to end. Noah untied his apron and placed it back on the rack. He glanced outside the door. The sun was still shining; it wasn't that late, but Noah had been worrying all day about Micah. What if he was hungry?

Noah quickly shoved the thought away into the back of his mind. Daniel waved him over, and they went inside his car.

The ride was peaceful as they sat in comfortable silence toward the grocery store.

Noah grabbed a big cart and started filling it with food and vegetables—more than he'd usually buy, but considering he was living with a big eater, this was necessary. Also, it wasn't his credit card.

"Noah... do you usually buy this much food?"

"Uhm... I'm shopping for two weeks!" Noah babbled, trying to come up with a good excuse because what was he going to say? He couldn't tell Daniel anything.

Next, they went to the seafood aisle for the fish. Noah wasn't a fan of fish, and Daniel knew that very well.

"I thought you didn't like fish?" Daniel asked, raising an eyebrow.

"My doctor said it's good for me." Which wasn't a total lie because it's healthy...

Finally, after buying a bunch of groceries, they went to the clothing store for Micah. Noah was looking for shirts and jeans. He grabbed a stack of white, grey, dark blue, and black shirts. Extra large.

"Is this for you?"

"Erm... it's umm... umm for when I start going to the gym! I'm trying to gain muscle! I'm gonna be buff."

Daniel blinked, looking so confused. Noah couldn't blame him. It's not like he could just say, yesterday I adopted an arrogant handsome werewolf, and he's sleeping on my couch and I basically left him all alone all day long, which sounds so bad now that he thinks about it—holy shit!

Daniel didn't ask any more questions, and the groceries along with the clothes turned out to be a hundred and twenty-five dollars on the dot. Daniel didn't seem to care. He just smiled like he was happy Noah got what he wanted.

That evening, when they reached Noah's apartment, he was almost excited to see Micah after all this time. Not that he'd ever say that to his face.

Noah stepped out of the car, with Daniel smiling at him.

"See you tomorrow."

Noah walked awkwardly as he watched the taillights fade into the night.

And then he turned toward the door, pulled out his key to open it.

The groceries in hand, the door opened slowly, as his heart pounded in anticipation.