The next morning, Miyu arrived at Hana Café a little earlier than usual.The air was crisp, and the smell of fresh coffee beans already filled the small space. She adjusted the sugar jars on the counter and stole glances at the door, half-hoping, half-wishing to see the familiar figure waiting outside.
And there he was. Haruto, standing quietly just beyond the café's threshold.He didn't look up at her immediately, just reached for the door, then paused and glanced her way with a faint, almost invisible smile.
"Good morning," Miyu said, her voice lighter than yesterday.
"Good morning," he replied, his tone still calm, but now with a small warmth.
She noticed the subtle change and felt her chest flutter. He's… smiling at me?
He walked in and took his usual spot near the window. Miyu prepared his coffee, hands moving almost automatically.Today, she decided, she would add something different—a tiny touch. A sprinkle of cocoa on top of his latte, arranged in a small heart shape.
When she placed it in front of him, Haruto looked down, then up at her.
"You made… a heart," he said softly, his eyes widening slightly.
Miyu's cheeks warmed."Just… a little something different," she murmured.
He tilted his head, studying her for a moment. Then, almost imperceptibly, his lips curved upwards."Thank you," he said.
The café was quiet. Only the soft hum of the espresso machine and the occasional footsteps outside.They both sipped their coffee, pretending nothing unusual had happened, but the air between them felt… charged in a subtle, comforting way.
After a few minutes, Haruto spoke again."Do you… always start your day so early?"
Miyu nodded."Yes. The mornings are peaceful. I like to see the city wake up slowly."
He glanced outside the window, watching the first rays of sunlight filter through the buildings."I see. It… suits you," he said quietly.
Her heart skipped. Huh? Suits me? She quickly looked away, busying herself with cleaning the counter, hoping she didn't appear flustered.
For the first time, they didn't just exchange polite words—they shared a moment. A little pause in their routines, a small connection that hadn't existed yesterday.
When he finished his coffee, he placed the cup down gently."See you tomorrow?" he asked, standing to leave.
Miyu smiled, a bit more confidently this time."Yes. See you tomorrow."
As he walked out, the doorbell chimed behind him. Miyu watched him disappear down the street.
Her hand rested on the counter.She realized something:
It's not just coffee that brings him here…
It's her.
And for the first time, she wasn't afraid to admit she didn't mind at all.