The week had flown by in a blur of schoolwork, shifts at the café, and quiet moments in between. Gianna found herself alternating between moments of relief and pangs of uncertainty. Since her talk with Ethan, her life felt less predictable, yet more open, as if the ground beneath her was shifting into something she could finally call her own.
Saturday morning arrived, bringing with it her usual martial arts class. She hadn't felt this excited to go in a long time, the anticipation of channeling her emotions into each movement making her feel grounded and strong. Gianna stood in the dojo, adjusting her hand wraps as she took in the scent of polished wood and sweat, her mind sharpening with each step.
As the class began, she threw herself into the drills, every punch and kick releasing tension she hadn't even known she'd been carrying. Her instructor, a tall, calm man with sharp eyes and a steady demeanor, noticed her intensity and gave her a nod of approval.
"Nice work today, Gianna," he said after class, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "You've been improving."
"Thanks," she replied, feeling a rare surge of confidence. "It's been… therapeutic."
He raised an eyebrow. "Martial arts often is. There's something about confronting your own strength—and your own limits—that clarifies things."
She nodded, understanding the truth in his words more deeply than ever.
After class, Gianna walked to the café for her afternoon shift, the sense of calm from her training still with her. She had just started brewing a new pot of coffee when the familiar chime of the doorbell caught her attention. Adrian walked in, his eyes lighting up when he spotted her behind the counter.
"Hey, stranger," he greeted with a grin. "Miss me?"
She smiled, rolling her eyes playfully. "Maybe a little. What can I get for you today?"
"Just my usual," he replied, leaning against the counter. "But only if you'll sit with me on your break."
She laughed, feeling the tension of the week slip away as they fell into their usual banter. As she prepared his coffee, she noticed the ease between them, how natural it felt to talk and laugh with him. It was a feeling she hadn't realized she'd missed.
When her break came, she slid into the seat across from Adrian, taking a sip of her own drink. They chatted about school, their favorite music, random stories from the week. For once, she didn't feel the need to overthink or worry about where this connection was going. She could just be, enjoying the moment.
As they sat in comfortable silence, Adrian's gaze softened. "You seem different, Gianna. Lighter, I guess."
She looked away, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Yeah… things have changed a little."
"Good changes?" he asked, his tone gentle, genuinely curious.
She nodded slowly. "I think so. I needed some space to figure things out. And I'm learning to let go of things that don't… feel right anymore."
Adrian watched her thoughtfully, as if absorbing her words. "That's brave, you know. Not a lot of people can do that."
They exchanged a quiet look, the warmth between them unspoken but unmistakable. Gianna's heart fluttered, but she quickly redirected the conversation, keeping things light.
"So, any big plans for the weekend?" she asked, smiling.
He shrugged. "Nothing major. Thought I might come by here, annoy you a little, maybe get you to tell me what's in that famous secret latte recipe of yours."
"Oh, so you think you can just waltz in here and steal my coffee secrets?" she teased, crossing her arms.
"Well, if that's what it takes to keep getting my coffee fix," he said, laughing.
They both chuckled, the tension between them fading as they slipped back into their usual rhythm, enjoying each other's company without the need for labels or expectations