Melody Between Us

The next morning, the café hummed with activity as Mia worked behind the counter, pouring latte art with practiced ease. But her mind wasn't on her work; it was on Lukas. His words, his teasing, his care—they all lingered like a melody she couldn't get out of her head.

"Earth to Mia," Greta's voice broke through her thoughts. "That's the third time you've poured foam onto the counter instead of into the cup."

Mia blinked, realizing her mistake. "Sorry, I'm just… distracted."

Greta smirked knowingly. "Does this distraction happen to be tall, brooding, and annoyingly charming?"

Mia glared at her. "Don't start."

"Oh, I've already started," Greta said, leaning on the counter. "You like him, don't you?"

Mia opened her mouth to protest but found herself hesitating. Did she?

---

That afternoon, Lukas walked in, his presence as commanding as ever. He made a beeline for the counter, his smirk firmly in place.

"Still processing?" he teased, leaning casually against the counter.

Mia crossed her arms, trying to ignore the way her heart raced. "Don't you have work or something? Or is bothering me your full-time job now?"

"Bothering you is a hobby," Lukas said, his grin widening. "But I do have work—right here, with my favorite barista in the city."

Mia couldn't help but laugh, the tension in her chest easing slightly. "You're impossible."

"So I've been told," he replied. "But you're still smiling. Must mean I'm doing something right."

---

As the day wore on, Lukas found more ways to tease her, from ordering the most complicated drinks on the menu to subtly correcting her form when she reached for something on the top shelf.

"Careful, sunshine," he said, steadying her by the waist. "Wouldn't want you to fall for me. Literally."

Mia rolled her eyes, though her cheeks flushed. "I think I'll survive."

"Good," Lukas replied, his tone softening. "Because I'm not going anywhere."

---

By the time the café closed, Mia felt like she had spent the entire day on an emotional rollercoaster. But it wasn't over yet.

As she locked the door, Lukas was waiting outside, his hands in his pockets.

"Walk you home?" he asked, his voice uncharacteristically gentle.

Mia hesitated before nodding. "Sure."

The walk was quiet at first, the only sounds coming from the city around them. But as they neared her apartment, Mia broke the silence.

"Why do you care so much, Lukas?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lukas stopped walking, turning to face her. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes held a depth she hadn't seen before.

"I care because I've been where you are, Mia," he said finally. "Trying to keep it all together while the world keeps throwing punches. It's exhausting. And lonely."

Mia frowned. "But you don't even know me that well."

"I know enough," Lukas replied. "I know you're strong, but you don't have to be strong alone."

---

As they reached her building, Lukas hesitated before speaking again. "Can I tell you something?"

Mia nodded, her curiosity piqued.

"When I was younger," Lukas began, his voice low, "I lived my life trying to be perfect for someone who didn't even care. My father—he was all about control, discipline, and achievements. But no matter what I did, it was never enough. So I stopped trying. I walked away from it all."

Mia stared at him, her heart aching at the vulnerability in his voice. "Lukas…"

He shook his head, offering a small, sad smile. "I'm not telling you this to get sympathy. I just want you to understand why I can't stand seeing you doubt yourself. You're worth so much more than you give yourself credit for."

Mia didn't know what to say. So instead, she reached out, her fingers lightly brushing his.

"Thank you," she said softly.

Lukas's smile grew, warmth returning to his eyes. "Goodnight, Mia."

"Goodnight," she replied, watching as he walked away.

---

That night, as Mia lay in bed, she thought about Lukas's words, his past, and the way he made her feel. He was right—she was strong. But maybe, just maybe, she didn't have to be strong alone.