It's been a while since I last visited my favorite coffee shop. I was busy traveling abroad during the New Year holidays. Let's be honest—Bangkok during New Year is boring and super hot. We city people barely feel the cold; at most, it's just a little chilly for a day or two, and then it's back to being scorching hot again.
That's why I usually hang out with my group of friends and travel abroad during this time. We usually go for a whole month. This time, we went as far as Finland. It was one of my dream destinations, and I finally got to go. I wasn't disappointed at all—the freezing cold and the beauty of that country were amazing. I'll definitely go back there again.
People are starting to get back to work now, but the streets are still pretty quiet, which is normal for early January. There aren't many customers in the coffee shop today, but it's not completely empty. Since this is a famous franchise, it still attracts regulars and new faces. If it were just a small, ordinary cafe, they'd probably be struggling with the lost income during this time.
I stood in line with other customers to buy my favorites: an iced Americano and a French-style ham and cheese sandwich. While I was browsing the menu, my eyes suddenly stopped on a young guy. He looked about my age. I'd never seen him here before, so I guessed he was a new employee. I come here so often that I recognize almost everyone, and this guy looked very energetic and friendly. I didn't think much of it, though—it would be pretty weird if I suddenly got interested in a guy. So, I just kept looking at other things on the menu I might want to try, even though I knew I'd probably end up ordering the same old thing anyway.
When it was my turn, the new guy gave me a cheerful smile and asked,
"What can I get for you today?"
Believe it or not, I didn't even hear his question. I was frozen, completely stunned by something right in front of me...
This guy had "charming fangs"!!!
I found myself staring at those two small teeth peeking out from his smile. I was mesmerized. The guy—who was a bit small with almost-fair skin—asked me again and again, but I didn't hear a word until the person behind me tapped my shoulder. That's when I snapped back to reality. I heard some giggling behind me; they were definitely laughing at me for spacing out like that.
"What would you like to order, sir?"
"Oh, uh... a tall iced Americano and a French-style ham and cheese sandwich, please," I stammered. I felt so embarrassed, wondering what everyone was thinking. The "charming fangs" guy smiled and laughed softly. I held my head in my hands because all I could think was...
He's so cute!
Back in middle school, I randomly met a girl with charming fangs near Siam Square. I remember being so stunned that I just stared at her. I never knew a girl with fangs could be that cute! By the time I realized it, she had disappeared. I tried to run after her, but she was gone.
Since then, I've been determined: if I'm going to have a girlfriend, she must have charming fangs. But believe it or not, I never met another girl with fangs like her again. That's why I've been single until almost twenty-five. Everyone started wondering if I was gay, especially my friends. They asked me all the time because they'd never seen me hit on anyone. I have good looks, a decent background, a good education, and a great job. I have it all. So, I always gave my friends the same scripted answer:
"I'm waiting for my 'charming fangs' girl, man."
I was obsessed with this idea. I've waited for ten years—that should tell you how much it meant to me. But fate never seemed to pity a lonely guy like me.
"Are you new here? I haven't seen you before," I asked while he was ringing up my order.
"Yes," he looked up to answer and told me the total price.
I pulled some cash from my wallet, paid him, and kept the conversation going. "What's your name? I come here often, so I thought I should get to know you."
"Nam Nuea," he answered without hesitation while handing me my change and receipt. He gave me a wide smile, showing off those fangs again.
"Oh, I'm Typhoon," I said with a shy smile.
"Okay, please wait a moment."
"Sure."
The guy with the tan-ish skin gave me a small smile before walking off to prepare my coffee and food. Even though I knew it was just professional service, those charming fangs were making my heart race.
Normally, I never ask for the staff's names here. I just remember their faces so we can chat. The staff here know me well because I visit two or three times a week since it's near my condo.
It's so strange. I've waited years for a girl with fangs but never found her. Instead, I met this guy—sharp face, hardworking, perfect build, sweet smile, and... those fangs. In my whole life, no one has ever made me so stunned that I embarrassed myself like I just did.
Don't tell me I'm actually falling for this "Nam Nuea and his charming fangs" guy!?