Mia returned to Sunbeam Café the next day.

And the day after that.

Each time, Noah was there, smiling like he had been waiting just for her.

“Back again?” he said, teasing gently as she stepped inside.

“I think I’m addicted,” Mia said. “To your coffee—and maybe the quiet.”

“Well, you’re always welcome here.”

Soon, coming to the café became her daily routine. Mia would order a drink, sit by the window with her book, and sometimes chat with Noah during his breaks.

She learned that Noah had opened the café with his older sister, but she had moved abroad last year, so now he ran it alone.

“It’s hard work,” he said one afternoon, handing her a muffin, “but I love it. This place feels like home.”

“I know what you mean,” Mia said. “I’ve moved a lot. I want to stay here. I want this place to be the one that finally feels like home.”

Noah’s smile softened.

“You’ll find it,” he said. “And maybe, home is not always a place. Sometimes it’s people.”

Mia looked at him.

He looked at her.

And then he laughed and added, “And cats, of course,” pointing at the café cat, now curled up on her bag.

---

Days passed like warm wind. Weeks flowed like soft music.

Sometimes Noah would sit with Mia when the café was quiet. They talked about everything—books, favorite childhood snacks, silly dreams, and secret fears.

One rainy afternoon, Noah joined her at the window with two cups of hot cocoa.

“Rainy days are good for heart-to-heart talks,” he said.

“Okay,” Mia smiled. “Tell me something nobody knows.”

Noah paused. Then, in a quiet voice, said, “I’m scared of failing. I don’t want this place to disappear. I’ve put everything into it.”

Mia looked at him seriously. “This café is special, Noah. You made something beautiful. It won’t fail. People can feel the love in here.”

He looked at her, eyes warmer than usual. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

“What about you?” he asked.

Mia took a breath. “I guess… I’m scared of being alone forever. Like, I want to build something with someone. But I’ve never really found that person.”

The rain tapped gently on the glass.

“You’ll find them,” Noah said. “Maybe when you least expect it.”

Mia smiled. “Maybe they’re closer than I think.”

Their hands brushed.

Neither pulled away.