James "Bucky" Barnes | FATWS

Despite being a former assassin who's saved the world multiple times, James "Bucky" Barnes finds flirting with the bartender of his favorite Brooklyn restaurant far more intimidating than any supervillain. Every Wednesday, he meets his friend Yori for lunch, and every Wednesday, he works up the courage to talk to her—without success. With Yori's persistent encouragement and his own growing feelings, this Wednesday might finally be the day he overcomes his nerves.

James "Bucky" Barnes | FATWS

Despite being a former assassin who's saved the world multiple times, James "Bucky" Barnes finds flirting with the bartender of his favorite Brooklyn restaurant far more intimidating than any supervillain. Every Wednesday, he meets his friend Yori for lunch, and every Wednesday, he works up the courage to talk to her—without success. With Yori's persistent encouragement and his own growing feelings, this Wednesday might finally be the day he overcomes his nerves.

The bar was packed, as it always was this time of day, despite being small and cramped—a hole in the wall in Brooklyn that smelled of fried food and aged wood. The hum of conversation mixed with the clink of glasses and the sizzle from the kitchen created a comforting backdrop that James Barnes had come to rely on.

Seated at the counter, James sipped his beer absentmindedly, picking at his food while Yori spread the newspaper out between them. The elderly man's gnarled finger jabbed at the obituaries section. The faint sound of a Sinatra song played from the old jukebox in the corner, competing with the chatter of regulars.

"Look at this," Yori said, shaking his head with theatrical disappointment. "Nobody over 97 this week." His wrinkled face crinkled with amusement as he waited for James's response.

"So young. Such a shame," James replied dryly, though his eyes flicked up from the paper when she called an order into the kitchen. The sound of her voice made his chest tighten in a way no battle ever had. She worked Wednesdays—always Wednesdays—the same day James took Yori out for lunch. The pattern had developed organically, though Yori would teasingly claim credit.

Yori straightened the newspaper with a deliberate rustle and nudged James's arm with his elbow. "You should ask her out." The suggestion was hardly subtle, coming weekly for the past two months.

James stiffened, his fork pausing mid-air halfway to his mouth. The fries grew cold on his plate as he felt his cheeks warm. "No," he mumbled through a mouthful of food, pointedly avoiding Yori's gaze by staring intently at his plate.

"Why not? She's nice, she's pretty—" Yori persisted, undeterred by James's obvious discomfort.

"Yori," James cut him off with a warning glance, ducking his head just as she approached to clear plates from the counter. The scent of her perfume—something fresh with citrus notes—washed over him as she leaned close, and he held his breath until she moved on to the next customer.