Melody Between Us

The morning sunlight filtered through the café's windows, casting a warm glow on the tables as Mia set up for the day. Despite the familiar routine, her thoughts were a jumbled mess. Lukas's words from the night before played on a loop in her mind.

"Why does he care so much?" she wondered for the hundredth time. "And why does it bother me this much?"

Greta's arrival snapped Mia out of her thoughts. "Morning, Mia. You look like you didn't sleep a wink."

Mia forced a smile. "Just a lot on my mind."

Greta narrowed her eyes, clearly not convinced. "Does this have anything to do with the tall, brooding guy who walked you home last night?"

Mia groaned. "Greta, not now."

Greta smirked but didn't press further, much to Mia's relief.

---

By lunchtime, the café was bustling, and Mia was grateful for the distraction. That is, until Lukas walked in, his presence commanding attention as always.

Mia's stomach flipped, and she cursed herself for the reaction. Pull it together, Mia.

"Morning, sunshine," Lukas greeted, leaning casually against the counter.

"Don't call me that," Mia muttered, focusing on the espresso machine.

"Why not? It suits you." Lukas's smirk was infuriatingly charming.

Mia shot him a glare. "What do you want, Lukas?"

"Coffee, obviously. And maybe to see if you're still mad at me for being right."

Mia rolled her eyes, but her cheeks betrayed her, heating up under his gaze. "I'm not mad. I'm… processing."

"Processing, huh?" Lukas said, leaning in slightly. "Is that code for 'thinking about me?'"

Mia froze, caught off guard by the teasing lilt in his voice. "In your dreams," she shot back, trying to regain her composure.

Lukas chuckled, clearly enjoying her flustered state. "You're cute when you're defensive, you know that?"

---

As the day went on, Mia found herself stealing glances at Lukas, who had taken a seat near the window with his laptop. He seemed so focused, yet there was an ease about him that drew her in.

Why does he care so much? Why does he go out of his way to protect me?

The questions gnawed at her, and before she knew it, her feet were moving toward him.

"Do you always make a habit of showing up unannounced and stirring up my life?" Mia asked, crossing her arms.

Lukas looked up, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Only when the person in question needs a little shaking up."

Mia huffed. "I don't need saving, Lukas."

"I know," he said simply. "But that doesn't mean I'll stop watching out for you."

His sincerity caught her off guard, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond.

---

Later that evening, as Mia was closing up, Lukas lingered, waiting for her by the counter.

"You don't have to stay," Mia said, tying her apron behind the counter.

"I know," Lukas replied. "But it's more fun watching you pretend you don't like my company."

Mia shook her head, biting back a smile. "You're impossible."

"True," Lukas said with a grin. "But I'm also patient. So, what's it going to take for you to admit you like having me around?"

Mia paused, her heart skipping a beat. She wasn't ready to answer that—not yet.

"Goodnight, Lukas," she said, grabbing her bag and heading for the door.

"Goodnight, sunshine," he called after her, his tone laced with warmth.

---

As Mia lay in bed that night, she couldn't shake the memory of his smile, his words, his presence. For the first time, she allowed herself to wonder—was Lukas's care and attention more than just friendly concern? And if it was, did she want it to be?

The questions swirled in her mind, but one thing was clear: Lukas had become more than just a passing figure in her life. Whether she liked it or not, he was weaving himself into her story.