Liana told herself she wouldn't look at the door every five seconds.
She still did.
The morning rush had just started when the bell rang. She didn't need to look to know it was him.
"Morning," Adrian said.
"Morning," she replied, trying to sound normal.
He ordered his usual. Hot. Black. No sugar.
But this time, the café wasn't quiet. Two college students were arguing over a charger. Someone complained about the Wi-Fi. The espresso machine made a louder noise than usual.
It wasn't their peaceful morning.
Liana handed him his coffee. "Sorry. It's busier today."
He glanced around. "It's fine."
But she noticed something he didn't sit right away. He looked uncomfortable, almost distracted.
"You don't like noise?" she asked.
He shrugged. "Not really."
She hesitated for a second.
"There's a bench outside," she said. "Behind the café. It's quieter."
He looked at her. "You're allowed to leave your post?"
"Technically… no," she admitted. "But it's my shift. I can step out for a minute."
He studied her for a second, like he was deciding something.
"Come with me," he said simply.
Her heart skipped. "What?"
"Just for five minutes."
She glanced around. Her coworker had just arrived and was busy with a customer.
Five minutes.
"Okay," she said.
They stepped outside to the small bench behind the café. It wasn't fancy just an old wooden bench near a narrow alley with a few plants Liana had placed there months ago.
It was quiet.
Adrian sat down. She sat beside him, leaving a small space between them.
"This is better," he said.
She nodded. "I come here when it gets too loud."
He took a sip of his coffee, then looked at her properly.
"Why do you work here?" he asked.
The question caught her off guard.
"I need the money," she said lightly. Then after a second, "And I like it. It's simple."
He nodded slowly. "Simple is good."
"And you?" she asked. "Why are you just staying here 'for a while'?"
He looked ahead instead of at her.
"I don't stay anywhere too long."
"Why?"
He gave a small smile. Not playful. Not happy. Just distant.
"Habit."
She didn't push.
For a moment, they just sat there, side by side, not talking. It wasn't awkward. It felt… steady.
Then Adrian stood up.
"Thanks for this," he said.
"For the bench?"
"For staying."
Her chest tightened slightly at that.
They went back inside. Before leaving, he placed his empty cup on the counter.
"No note today?" she asked before she could stop herself.
He looked at her, amused.
"I thought I'd say it instead," he replied.
"Same time tomorrow?"
She felt herself smile.
"Same time tomorrow."
This time, it felt less like curiosity.
And more like something beginning.