Mia walked into her café the next morning, the soft hum of activity already filling the air. Her assistant, Greta, was setting up the pastry display while a few early customers sipped their coffees. It was her day off from violin practice with Lukas, and though she enjoyed the break, she couldn't help but think about the previous night.
Lukas's words—"You've earned it"—echoed in her mind, making her smile as she slipped on her apron. The café was her escape, but lately, her thoughts seemed to wander back to her enigmatic mentor more often than she cared to admit.
"Morning, Mia!" Greta chirped, placing a tray of freshly baked croissants on the counter.
"Morning, Greta," Mia replied, tying her hair back into a ponytail. "How's everything running so far?"
"Smooth as ever," Greta said, then added with a sly grin, "but I think we're missing a certain violinist today."
Mia shot her a playful glare. "Don't start."
---
Midway through the morning, the bell above the door jingled, and Mia looked up from the espresso machine. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Lukas walk in. He seemed out of place in his usual sharp, no-nonsense demeanor, standing amidst the warm, welcoming chaos of her café.
"Lukas," Mia said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"Coffee," he said simply, his tone casual.
"Is that all?" Mia teased, unable to hide her amusement.
Lukas smirked faintly. "And to check if your latte art is as good as your playing."
Mia laughed, motioning him toward a table. "Sit. I'll make you something special."
---
As Mia prepared his drink, Lukas surveyed the café. It was cozy, with warm wooden accents and shelves lined with books and records. A small corner was dedicated to live performances, complete with a stage and a worn piano.
"You've got a nice setup here," Lukas remarked as Mia placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of him.
"Thanks," she said, sliding into the seat across from him. "This place is my other passion. Music and coffee—they're both about connecting with people."
Lukas took a sip of the coffee, raising an eyebrow. "Impressive."
Mia grinned. "High praise from the great Lukas Adler."
"Don't get used to it," he said, though his tone was more teasing than serious.
---
Their conversation flowed easily, surprising Mia. She was used to Lukas's guarded nature, but here in the café, he seemed more relaxed.
"What made you open this place?" Lukas asked, genuinely curious.
"It was my parents' dream," Mia explained, her voice softening. "They loved coffee, and they always talked about opening a café one day. After they passed away, I decided to make it happen—for them and for me."
Lukas nodded, his expression thoughtful. "They'd be proud. This place has soul."
Mia felt a lump in her throat but managed a smile. "Thanks."
---
As the day went on, Lukas lingered in the café longer than Mia expected. He watched her interact with customers, her warmth and energy lighting up the room.
Greta leaned over and whispered to Mia, "He's totally into you."
"Stop it," Mia hissed, though her cheeks flushed.
---
When the café finally quieted down in the afternoon, Lukas helped Mia stack chairs and wipe tables.
"You didn't have to do that," Mia said as he placed the last chair upside down on a table.
"Consider it repayment for the coffee," Lukas said with a small smile.
"Well, in that case, you owe me hours of cleaning," Mia joked, earning a rare chuckle from him.
As they stood by the door, ready to lock up, Lukas hesitated.
"You've built something special here, Mia," he said, his tone sincere. "Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise."
Mia looked at him, her heart swelling at the unexpected compliment. "Thanks, Lukas. That means a lot coming from you."
For a moment, their eyes met, and Mia felt a spark she hadn't before. But before she could say anything, Lukas stepped back, his usual guarded expression returning.
"See you tomorrow," he said, nodding slightly before walking away.
Mia watched him disappear into the snowy evening, her heart pounding. She couldn't deny it anymore—she was falling for him.