The next morning, Liana arrived at The Green Cup Café a little earlier than usual. She was expecting him-Adrian. After the note he left yesterday, she couldn't stop wondering if he'd really show up again.
She arranged the chairs and wiped the counter, glancing at the door more than necessary.
The bell rang. Her chest tightened. Adrian.
He walked in calmly, same black jacket, slightly messy hair, notebook under his arm. "Morning," he said.
"Morning," she replied, trying to sound casual.
He walked to the counter, still looking around the café. "Coffee?" she asked.
"Hot. Black. Same as yesterday," he said.
As Liana reached for the coffee beans, he accidentally bumped the edge of the counter with his notebook. A few drops of coffee from yesterday's cup, left nearby, spilled onto the counter.
"Oh! Sorry," he said, a little embarrassed.
"It's okay," Liana said with a soft smile. "No harm done."
He cleaned up the spill quickly, then looked at her and gave a small, genuine smile. It wasn't dramatic or flashy, just… real.
That little gesture made her chest feel warm.
She prepared his coffee, placed it in front of him, and he thanked her quietly. They shared a few words about the sunlight and the quiet morning.
Before leaving, he wrote something in his notebook and placed it on the counter.
"Same time tomorrow? I'd like to see you again."
She smiled to herself. "Tomorrow," she whispered.