The morning sunlight spilled through the tall glass windows of the restaurant.
Maya was already there, wearing her white chef coat, hair tied neatly, lost in her work.
She was decorating a chocolate tart, but her mind was miles away — back to last night, when Adrian had said, "It's perfect."
That word kept echoing.
Not because of the dessert — but because of how softly he said it.
---
Adrian entered quietly, holding two cups of coffee.
For a moment, he just stood near the door, watching her.
She looked calm, but her eyes — those deep, quiet eyes — were filled with something unspoken.Still the same," he murmured under his breath.
Maya looked up. "You said something?"
He blinked, caught. "Uh… just coffee. Thought you might need it."
She smiled, taking the cup.
The same flavor — hazelnut cappuccino. Her favorite.
"You still remember," she said softly.
Adrian looked at her, his voice low.
"Some things… you can't forget, no matter how much you try."
Their eyes met — the world around them stilled.
It felt like time itself had paused to watch them remember.
---
Just then, Lila came rushing in, holding a small notebook.
"Chef Maya! You promised to teach me how to make macaroons!"Maya laughed gently. "Alright, but they're tricky — patience is key."
Adrian shook his head with mock seriousness. "She has none."
Lila gasped. "Excuse me, I'm improving!"
The trio laughed, the kitchen finally feeling alive again.
And for the first time, Maya didn't feel lonely in that big, shining room.
---
Meanwhile, miles away, Max walked through the airport.
Tall, calm, confident — his eyes scanned the crowd as he adjusted his glasses.
He had been invited to join the upcoming Global Culinary Gala as a guest speaker.
But that wasn't why he came.
A letter from Adrian sat in his jacket pocket —
"Need your help, old friend. Not with business… with something I lost."
Max smiled faintly. "Guess it's time I visit Paris again."
He didn't know that his return would also lead him to someone unexpected —
someone who'd change the rhythm of his quiet life.That night, Maya stood near the window, holding her cup of coffee.
From the other side of the glass wall, Adrian watched her — unaware that she could see his reflection.
Their hearts beat in the same silence, whispering the same question neither dared to ask:
"Do you still feel the same?"