#stepping outside on a spring morning and feeling the gentle warmth of the sun combined with the lovely smell of flowers .. so i think it is

[hidden-otaku-stuff]

Recommendations (Hidden Corner series)

Hidden Corner: A series of fluffy, full-length one-shots detailing the lives of the employees who work at Hidden Corner featuring the various Haikyuu boys.

*Note: All one-shots take place in the same universe with the same characters.

AN: Reposting if you saw this earlier because it wasn’t showing up in the tags. 🤞 four times a charm?

Word count: 2k

Pairing: Student!Akaashi x female Cafe-Owner!reader

Genre: fluff!

Summary: After getting tired of his usual black coffee, Akaashi checks out the cafe down the street which is home to some of the more unorthodox and unique drinks. Needless to say, he takes all the help that he can get.

Masterlist | Menu

Recommendations

Akaashi entered the quaint cafe, eyes scanning the interior. It was cute to say the least. It looked like any other pearl tea shop if Akaashi was being honest. He stepped further into the cafe, getting into the rather short line. Despite being only a ten-minute walk from campus, the cafe surprisingly wasn’t too busy. Only two out of the dozen tables had occupants. Kuroo had recommended this cafe, citing that it was the home of incredible - albeit somewhat unorthodox - drinks. 

“Don’t you ever get bored of getting the same thing?” Kuroo asked, glancing over at his friend. They were sitting at the university cafe. Kuroo was sipping on an espresso macchiato whereas Akaashi was drinking a simple black coffee.

Akaashi raised an eyebrow, barely sparing the male a glance as he continued to proof-read his essay. “Why are you asking if you get the same thing every time we come here?”

Kuroo snorted. “Only when we come here.” He took another sip of his drink. “There’s this real nice place a few blocks away. You should go there sometime.”

“Why’s that?” 

“The drinks are a bit...unusual, but they somehow end up being exactly what you need.”

“Is that so?” 

“Yeah, I go there a few times a week.” Kuroo clapped a hand on the younger male’s back. “I highly recommend it.”   

Gunmetal blue scanned the menu, confusion filling his features. The sheer variety was overwhelming for the male. How on Earth is he going to find something that fulfills needs that he didn’t even know he had? Maybe he should just get his normal black coffee after all.

“First time?” 

He jumped, looking over his shoulder. He offered you a soft smile. “Yes, my friend recommended this shop.”

“Welcome to Hidden Corner. A mini-paradise from the hustle and bustle of the world,” you giggle. 

Akaashi nodded. “Thank you.”

“What brings you here?” 

Akaashi steps forward as the next customer goes to order. “I wanted to try something new, but,” he gestures to the menu, “I’m a bit overwhelmed.” 

You scan his features, eyes narrowed in a slight squint. “Ask for a spiced citrus coffee. I think you’d like it.” He raises an eyebrow before nodding. He was relieved that he didn’t have to think about his purchase any longer. As he orders his coffee, he could see you rocking on the balls of your feet, anticipation evident in your feature. Akaashi steps to the side, waiting patiently for his drink. “Surprise me, Yuuji,” you grin at the barista who did a two-finger salute before taking the cute panda mug you handed him. 

“Anything for you, (Name).” 

As you pay, a different barista hands him his drink. He carefully takes a sip, his eyes widening at the flavor. Turning to face you, you’re already setting up your books at the counter. Akaashi steps towards you, hesitation filling him. “How did you know?” 

You look up at him, smiling. “How did I know you’d like it?” Akaashi nods, taking another sip. The scent overwhelmed his senses, a warm fuzzy feeling filling him. “You just seemed tired, and that drink is one of my favorites to brighten up my day. Tastes like Christmas, doesn’t it?” 

At the sentiment, Akaashi smiles. “Yes it does.” 

“I’m glad you like it.” Yuuji hands you your drink. “Thanks Yuuji.” You look over your shoulder at Akaashi once more. “Bring your own mug next time. They give discounts.” You sip your drink thoughtfully. “Oh! And make sure it’s ceramic.”  

****

The door chimes as Akaashi stepped in, shaking his umbrella slightly before placing it into the umbrella stand. He shook his head, lowering the hood of his raincoat. As he wiped his boots onto the mat, he was pleasantly surprised to see a familiar face behind the counter this time instead of in front. “Oh you’re back!” You greeted him with a warm smile. 

“Yes I am. Hello (Name)-san,” he returned your smile. “That drink you gave me last time worked like a charm.”

“I bet,” you chirped. Your (e/c) eyes scanned him. “You look like you need a pomegranate cold brew,” you decide. “Is that alright?” Akaashi bit his lip, carefully thinking about it. It was obvious that here, you were the expert. He gave you a curt nod, handing over his ceramic mug.

“Alright, sure.” You grin before you turn around, making your way to a coffee pot. He noticed that there was over half of the pot remaining. Akaashi took a seat at the bar, watching the process. “Why pomegranate?” He inquired, raising an eyebrow at you as you carefully pour the drink into the mug. 

“You’re a student right?” Akaashi nodded, brow furrowed. “Pomegranate helps improve your memory if drunk regularly. It’s also vitamin-rich so it promotes things like eye health, skincare, and helps to support your immune system.” You placed the mug onto a plate, handing it to the male with a sympathetic smile. “I’m sure that you’re busy from all your work, so it doesn’t hurt to get a little boost every now and then.” 

He hums, taking a sip. His gunmetal blue eyes widened. “This is an unusual drink, but it is delicious. Thank you for your recommendation.” 

You wave your hand nonchalantly. “It’s the least I could do for a return customer,” you smile. “Can’t have you getting sick so close to finals.”

You both look outside at the rain that poured down, the ambient piano soothing. “No, we can’t have that,” he replied. “Have a nice day.”

“You too!” 

****

“Welcome back.”

“Thanks,” he mumbles, rubbing his eyes slightly. He didn’t know why, but he had found his feet leading to this small cafe. It had been an excruciatingly long week. Project after project with exams drizzled in led to many late nights and early mornings. To top it all, he hadn’t done so well in one of his most important projects. 

“Need a pick-me-up?” you offer sympathetically, scanning his face. You could see the hint of stress wrinkles on his forehead as he blinked at you with blue eyes laden with dark, purple eye-bags. 

He slumps into the bar-stool, nodding glumly. “Please.” Akaashi buries his face into his arms, leaving his ceramic mug onto the counter as he closes his eyes. Behind the counter, you turn on a small stove combining milk, chocolate syrup and brown sugar. You hum a gentle tune as you work. Akaashi lets out a sigh of comfort. The smell of coffee beans and the sound of your voice was soothing to his weary soul. 

He was woken from his stupor by the sound of the mug being placed down. “I hope you enjoy it. Made it special for you.” 

Blurry eyes look up at you, blinking his sleepiness away. “Thanks,” he mumbles as he sits up. Taking the mug in both hands, the warmth seeped through his cold clammy hands. Akaashi sipped the drink, letting the wave of cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate overwhelm his features. His muscles relax as he lets out a sigh of relief. “How do you do it?”

You’re carefully wiping the counter. “Do what?” 

“How do you know what drink would be perfect every time?” 

You just offer him a smile. “When you work at a cafe for so long, you come to read and know your customers quite well. Regular or not.” 

At your words, Akaashi understands why Kuroo frequents this shop so much. The love and care put into every drink, the dedication you gave to providing the best experience. It was ridiculous to think that this cafe wasn’t busy. He takes another sip, savoring the warmth that spread through his body. ‘A mini-paradise’, you had called it the first time he’d met you. Yes, indeed. 

****

“Studying today?” 

You glance up from your books, offering the male a soft smile. “Of course. It is exam season after all.” You gesture to the empty seat in front of you. “Please, take a seat.” Akaashi gave you a small smile before slipping into the seat, letting his bag fall to the side. You stood up, throwing an apron on as you made your way behind the counter. His blue eyes scan the books on the table, picking out a few psychology books amongst the titles. The sound of your feet shuffling brings his attention back up to you. “Being nosy?” 

Akaashi gives you a wry smile, “a little bit.” You place a plate of warmed chocolate croissants down along with a pink drink. He raises his eyebrows at the drink. “Why is it pink?”

“I used a little bit of food colouring,” you smile. “It’s a rose coffee drink. It’s a bit lighter than the other drinks I’ve recommended, but it’s fragrant and is perfect for the weather.” You both look out to the bright spring sun. 

“I see.” Akaashi looked down at the drink, smiling as he watched the rose petals float along the surface. “And the croissants?” 

You shrug. “A good study snack. Don’t tell me you turn down free food and coffee,” you tease, (e/c) eyes find his. He just chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “Please, feel free to study with me.” 

“Was that not why you invited me to sit with you?�� 

You laugh, nodding. “You’re right.” He takes a careful sip of his drink, letting his eyes flutter shut as he takes in the flavour. It wasn’t too sweet or too bitter. “So how is it?”

“Excellent as always, (Name)-san.”

You snort, “Of course it is. Though I hardly think that I’m older than you.” Pausing, your nose crinkles. “Y’know, I don’t think I know your name. My apologies.” 

Akaashi shakes his head giving you a soft smile. “I don’t think I had an opportunity to tell you.” He extends a hand to you, “I’m Akaashi Keiji.” 

“(L.Name, Name).” You guys shake hands. He was pleasantly surprised to find that your hand was quite soft. Akaashi brings out his laptop, delicately placing it in front of him so that he could start his research paper revisions. 

“So do you just work here?”

You chuckle, shaking your head. “I’m actually the owner.” 

“His eyes widened. “The owner? You’re quite young to own this cafe.”

You shrug, taking a sip from your own mug. Akaashi stifles a chuckle at the design. It was a panda wearing a barista apron holding its own mug of coffee. A cloud bubble above the panda read ‘Life happens but coffee helps’. Akaashi raises his eyes to meet yours steadily. “My parents owned the cafe and passed it along to me when they got too tired of managing it. Think they’re somewhere in Europe by now.” 

“Isn’t it difficult?”

“What is?”

Akaashi scans the interior, wondering which parts of it came from you and which part came from your parents’ influence. “Managing the cafe and school-work.”

You chuckle, giving him a small smile. “It was at first,” you admit. “But I practically grew up in the cafe, so my parents taught me how to do so at the beginning.” 

Akaashi pulls out his padfolio, searching through it for his notes. “You know something?” 

You hum in response, already looking back down at your textbooks. “Yes?”

“I would love to learn how to read people like you do.” Leaning back in your seat, you take one of the croissants and bite into it, gently pushing the plate towards him. “I used to have a friend,” he picks up a croissant examining it, “who I could easily motivate to get out of his…‘emo’ moods. But I still find it difficult to read people.” He flicks through notes from one of his classes, taking a bite out of the pastry. “Not all people are as easy to read, unfortunately. Not compared to books, anyways.”

You chuckle, shaking your head lightly as you brush off the crumbs from your fingers. “No, they aren’t.” Clearing your throat, you offer him a smile. “So, wanna learn how to read people like me?”

“That’d be nice.”

“So, would that be a date then?” You smirk.

Red roses bloom in his cheeks. “If you want it to be.”

“I suppose you’d be a good test subject for my drinks,” you tease. 

Akaashi chuckles. “As long as you’re the one making it, I’d try anything.”

AN: All of the drinks are inspired by real recipes! 

All one-shots in the Hidden Corner series exist in the same universe where characters may interact with the ‘Reader’ from the other one-shots. I will be giving each ‘Reader’ a place-holder name when they are referenced in the other one-shots to ease confusion!

This will be a side-project, so new updates will generally not be scheduled!

general taglist: @scrappydaisies​ @agaassi​ @newfriendjen​ 

Please contact me if you would like to be a part of the Hidden Corner taglist! 💞 Check out this link for information about my taglists.

[viren-reader-love]

Viren & reader cuddling and sharing a hot cocoa after being outside on a cold day?

There you go ^_^

Hope you like it!

(Ao3 link)

__________________________________________________________

Wrapped around your robe, you left the warmth of your bed to admire the outside view from the window. The rays of the morning sun reflected the uniqueness of each snowflake that adorned the corners of the glass. The street below was now covered in snow and the kid's laughter echoed throughout the patio, as they threw snowballs at each other while others built snowmen of every shape and size.

Your mouth curled up in a smile. You simply adored the winter and its beautiful mixture of sparkle and ice, that combined perfectly with cozy blankets and hot beverages - especially when it comes to your secret family recipe of hot cocoa. 

And recently, you were given another reason to enjoy the cold season even more. Your gaze shifted to the open letter on the nightstand next to a rose. Having already memorized every curvy word, inside your head they gained life, almost as if you could hear Viren's voice reading them to you.

My Dearest y/n

Today is a special day. Precisely one year ago, during this very season, I walked into the tavern where you worked.

It was night, and I have had the most frustrating day, searching in vain the frozen woods for a magical critter that I now know is nothing more than local lore. Bitter and freezing, coated in snow, I walked in with only the intention of ordering anything on the menu and hurry back home. 

How foolish of me. 

My body was frozen the second our gazes met. Love, it still plays vividly in my mind the way you smiled back, pulling a lock of hair behind your ear. 

Engulfed by the coziness of that humble tavern and the dulcet notes of the ballad that played that night, I let you guide me to an empty chair. And before I could even ask for anything, you placed a cup of hot cocoa in my table.  "My special recipe for cold days like this," you said. I didn't contest it. Sip by sip, I watched you work until we had the tavern for ourselves...   

As I am sure you remember, I came back the next day, and the day after that, and the one after that. To most people, it would seem I only returned for the sweet taste of that beverage. And despite adoring when you make me one, it was the pleasure of your company and the warmth of our conversations that always brought me back. 

Y/n, for years I believed I would never feel this kind of love again. Yet here we stand, celebrating our first anniversary. So for our day, it is my turn to delight you.

Meet me at your doorstep at ten.

Until then.

                                                                 Yours truly,

                                                                 Viren

The clock downstairs startled your enamored thoughts, reminding you that there was a date to get ready to. As you put on a velvet burgundy winter dress, topped with a soft gray coat embroidered with white roses, you caught your self giggling. 

Being the High Mage and member of the Katolis Roayl Council, Viren had many responsibilities and little free time. Yet, he always made time for you. Sometimes it would be breakfast at the royal garden with the most exotic Xadian fruits, slow dances under the moonlight, or simply a lazy day, reading books together in his study.  

And even though you appreciated his romanticism, those days of domestic intimacy will always have a special place in your heart. There, stripped from responsibilities and royal protocols, you two could just be. 

Descending the stairs of your living room, you hear Viren knocking on the door, right on time.  Taking the present you bought for him from the table, you hid it behind your back before letting him in.

"Come in," you said.

Just like when the day you two met, Viren was dressed in a black coat, a red scarf buttoned with his purple broach and leather boots.  His lips lifted in that half-smile that always made your legs weak. "You look, wonderful," he said stepping closer to you.

Drowning on his silver gaze, you let him tilt your chin up for a short but sweet kiss. For a moment, you almost forgot about the gift. 

"Ready to celebrate our day?" Viren asked. 

"Right!" you said shaking your head. "I got something for you. Here," You handed him a small package, wrapped with purple paper and a silver bow. Biting your lips, you watched him undo the wrappings to reveal a wooden box, with swirly patterns carved on it and a golden handle on one of its sides. 

"A music box," he said turning the handle and a soft melody started to play. "Is this..."

You nod, thrilled to know he remembered it. "The music from the night we met. The bard is actually a dear friend, he kindly gave me the song and I went to a carpenter and asked him to make a music box just for us. See the art around it? No other object has it."

"Almost like a relic," Viren commented. "It's perfect, y/n. Thank you. Now it's my turn to surprise you. Shall we?" 

                                                      ===

Outside, embellished with Katolis's colors and pulled by one horse, a carriage waited by your doorstep. Your eyes widened impressed by the luxurious details. A half roof shielded only the leather seats, giving a free view of the front, and a soft blanket that laid neatly folded. 

"Wow. I've only seen royals walk around on this. Are you sure it's ok for us to use it?" you asked

"Of course!" Viren dismissed your worries. "I told Harrow how you loved the winter season so he insisted I borrow it. After all, what better way to appreciate the scenery of the Cherrytree Valley than by carriage?" 

Your face lighted up in excitement. You had been planning to go there for quite some time. The Cherrytree Valley was the number one destination of every couple in Katolis during spring, but for you, it should be twice as beautiful now. Squealing in joy, you pulled Viren towards the carriage. "This is going to be a wonderful day!"

                                                     ===

The Cherrytree Valley looked like an unfinished painting, mostly white canvas. On both sides of the road, you could see a few traces of soft pink from the cherry flowers and hints of bright red of the frozen cherries.  The other trees, even though baring only branches, stood like ballerinas decorated by a glittering dress of snow. 

"Thank you, Viren. I've always wanted to come here and I'm glad it's with you," you said.

Viren stopped the carriage, turning to face you. "If anything, I am the one that should be glad. To have such a vibrant and strong woman by my side." A weak laugh escaped his lips, "sometimes I found myself wondering why. Why did you choose me from all people..."

The truth was that you often asked yourself the same question. What an important man like Viren, a dark mage, the right hand of King Harrow, the one that saved two kingdoms from starvation and slain Thunder, would want with a simple girl like you?

However, this last year existed to dismiss these silly insecurities. Despite living in two different realities, you completed each other in such a special way.

"I worked in that tavern for most of my life, and because of that, I was able to meet so many different people. Every day I learned, even if superficially, about their way of understanding this world. But you were the first person that made me want to change mine."  You cupped his face, brushing your thumb against his cheek. "Why you, Viren? Because I love how passionate you are about humanity. Because I love your dedication to your children and this kingdom. Because I love how you always keep moving forward even when everyone else has given up. Viren, I chose you because I love yo--"

Your words were muffled by Viren's hungry lips. His hands clasped on both sides of your face, fingers rooting on your hair. Your mouth easily moved, fitting perfectly together like pieces of a puzzle in that sloppy but passionate kiss. Parting, but not letting you go, Viren rested his forehead against yours and your hot breaths mingled against the chill air. "I love you too," he whispered before kissing you again.

                                                     ===

After exploring the Cherrytree Valley, Viren took you to a winter fair that was happening in a nearby village. Entertained by the local food and games, you two ate, drank, laughed and danced on the edge of a frozen lake. Not leaving before a classical snowball war - wich you obviously won. He may be good at magic, but nothing can top your sharp aim.

It was already night when Viren brought you home. As he lit the fire, you head to the kitchen and started preparing two cups of hot cocoa. Placing them on a tray, you come back and find Viren had turned the music box on and was already comfortably sitting on the couch, waiting for you.

"Happy anniversary," you said handing him one cup, before cuddling with him on the couch. 

"Happy anniversary y/n," he smiled taking a sip. Viren hummed in delight. "Are you ever going to tell me what you put in these to make them so delicious?"

"The secret itself is part of what makes my hot cocoa so irresistible," you grinned.

"So no then. Very well, I will forever live with this undying curiosity." 

You both chuckled. Reclining against his broad chest, you basketed in the softness of Viren's embrace. Letting your thought dance along with the gentle ballad that played on the background, you sighed in contentment. This was indeed a wonderful day.