A/N: Hello! This will be my first multi-chapter fic...it's a 'slice of life' fic so nothing too dramatic, I don't think. Enjoy!

Grind, press, drip

Grind, press, drip

A pair of hands work the espresso machine with fluid movement as if on auto pilot. The aroma of fresh brewed coffee whiff through the air bringing a smile to the face of the barista. She hasn't tired of the same routine yet, but it has only been three weeks. She was grateful to be working here, it was close to school and home. Plus the free coffee, it's the best thing for any college student. The other perk was the discount on books as this cafe was part of a bookstore.

"Tenten-chan, please restock the flavor syrup before leaving today." A male voice called out to her from across the room.

"Ok, Boss!" She looked over to flash a smile to show her acknowledgment. She let her eyes linger a moment longer to take in her boss's appearance. Today he was wearing a navy bandana across the bottom half of his face. He usually wore a face mask so she wondered at the sudden change...maybe he ran out. She had asked him the first week if he was sick, but he told her that it got too dusty while he cleaned the books. He just got used to covering his face all the time.

Although her coworker, Hana, had refuted his claim. Instead she said it was because their boss was too handsome and all the school girls would create a disturbance. Their boss had brushed off the comment as nonsense, but Tenten had chuckled and wondered if there was any truth to Hana's statement. Now she couldn't help but think about it every time she came into work. It seems like it could be true. His physique and aloof demeanor already made him attractive. She couldn't imagine how many girls would have their hearts captured if he really was as handsome as Hana said.

"Hi Tenten-chan"

"Hinata-Chan, what are you doing here?" Tenten happily asked her friend. It was always nice to see a familiar face during work. The other girl gave a small smile in return.

"Just left campus, I'm meeting Uchiha-San here. We're partners in the finance project."

"Blah, I hope he's more talkative these days." Tenten commented as she rolled her eyes at the mention of said Uchiha. Hinata only giggled in response. Tenten made two drinks and passed them to Hinata.

"Thank you, Tenten-Chan. I'll let you know how it goes later." She gave a little wave and proceed to a table to wait for her finance partner. She didn't have to wait long before a tall moody looking young man walked in. She passed him a drink when he sat down opposite her. Tenten could see him give Hinata a slight nod of acceptance while pulling out his notebook and pen.

"They look good together." A voice said by Tenten's ear. She didn't even flinch at the sudden intrusion and warm breath. She was getting too used to her boss's uncanny ability to sneak up on her. The first time it happened though, she had jumped about three feet into the air and banged her arm against the wall. She felt like half her soul flew out after that experience. Subsequently, she reacted less and less after each incident.

"You think? I never pictured it. But I guess two beautiful people together will look good. Although they're not dating."

"What a shame." Tenten turned to see if he would say more, but he was already walking away. She wasn't bothered by his behavior. He always made off-handed comments.

Hinata glanced across the table at her partner. She wasn't particularly happy or upset at being partnered up together. It was more of a worrying feeling as she didn't know if they would work well together. She wasn't closed to him, but they did have some mutual friends. There was also the acquaintance of their clans. Both having old and distinguished bloodline, therefore a sense of familiarity, but that was it. The only other thing she knew about him was what her friend, Sakura, told her, but that was bias information. Sakura having a massive crush on the Uchiha only presented a skewed impression. Hinata tried to keep an open mind during this time.

"Uchiha-San, have you thought about which company you want to base our project on?"

"Let's go with a mid-size corporation that's new to the market. We can argue their success or failure either way since they're still relatively unknown."

Hinata nodded thinking he reason sounded good. Their assignment was to take a look at a company's offering and analyze the long term success rate using the finance equations and logic taught in class.

"I can see which corporations my clan is looking into investing with, it'll help narrow down our choices. I'll send you the list tomorrow." Hinata offered.

"That'll be good."

"Um...will you be coming to Sakura-Chan's party this weekend?" She inquired, trying to be friendly. He looked at her, wondering where this came from. He knew they weren't friends, per say.

"Haven't thought about it."

"Oh...I think she'll be pleased if you came."

"En"

"It'll be fun. You should come." She smiled.

He didn't reply this time, already knowing he would be dragged there by his best friend. One very loud mouth best friend who happens to be in love with said party host.

"I'll be going then." He finally spoke as he gathered his things. Swiftly and elegantly, he stood and made for the exit. Hinata stared at his retreating back. She didn't even have the chance to say goodbye. What made her friend like this guy...Hinata couldn't see it.

Hinata took her things and walked up to Tenten again.

"How was it?" Tenten asked.

"Alright. He's...polite?"

"Hahahaha did he say more than ten words?"

"I guess. Does two sentences about the project count?"

"No! Hahaha looks like he's still the same Sasuke Uchiha from high school."

"I asked him about the party this weekend. Do you think he'll come? Sakura will be happy if he does."

Tenten contemplated her answer for a moment. She was aware of the 'love triangle' between her friends, even though no one was actually dating any one. How to tell Hinata that Naruto would definitely go and he would make sure Sasuke came too without referencing Naruto's crush on Sakura. Tenten's head started to ache.

"We'll just have to wait and see." This was the best she could do.