The quiet hum of the city faded as Sarah unlocked the door to her apartment. It was late, and the weight of the day clung to her shoulders like a wet coat. She dropped her bag by the entrance, kicked off her shoes, and let herself sink into the couch, exhaling a deep breath.
The apartment felt empty—too empty. The hum of the refrigerator was the only sound interrupting the silence, and Sarah wasn't sure if she found that comforting or oppressive. Her mind replayed the events of the day: the constant rush at the café, Luca's mysterious smile and sharp words, and the way he always managed to leave her slightly off balance.
She groaned softly, throwing her head back against the couch cushion.
"You're overthinking it, Sarah. He's just a customer. Just. A. Customer," she muttered to herself.
But even as she said it, she could hear his voice in her head. *"Good morning, Sarah."* The calm way he always said her name, as if testing how it sounded on his lips.
Her phone buzzed suddenly, interrupting her thoughts. She reached over and unlocked it, frowning at the two messages waiting for her.
**Adam**: *"Where are you?"*
**Adam**: *"I'm coming over. Need a place to crash."*
Sarah sighed and rubbed her temples. Adam never asked for permission. He informed her—whether she wanted him there or not. Their relationship had been... strained lately. She'd grown accustomed to his moods, his arrogance, and the way he always seemed to find fault in her. But a small part of her still held on to the good moments, back when Adam could be charming and sweet. Maybe it was nostalgia keeping her tied to him—or fear of the unknown.
She typed a quick response.
*"Fine. Door's open."*
She didn't bother waiting up. By the time Adam arrived, it was past midnight. The door creaked open, and Sarah jolted awake on the couch as he stepped inside, keys jingling in his hand.
"You could've knocked," Sarah grumbled sleepily, sitting up.
Adam just smirked, a beer already in his hand from the fridge. He looked disheveled—his dark hair a mess, leather jacket slung lazily over one shoulder, and that same careless look in his eyes that made her stomach twist.
"Why would I knock?" he said, dropping into the armchair across from her. "It's my girlfriend's place."
Sarah clenched her jaw but didn't argue. "What happened this time?"
Adam shrugged, tipping the beer back as he took a long sip. "Got into it with the guys again. Work's a joke, Sarah. Told you I hate it there."
"You could always look for something else," Sarah said softly.
Adam shot her a look, his mouth twisting into a sneer. "What, like you at that café? You think that's real work?"
Sarah flinched. "It pays my bills."
"It's embarrassing. You could do so much better. My uncle's still looking for help at the shop, but you're too stubborn to take it."
"I'm not working at your uncle's garage, Adam," she said firmly. "We've been through this."
Adam's face darkened, but he didn't push further. He leaned back, staring at her with a lazy grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"I'm crashing here tonight," he said, as if she didn't already know.
"I figured." Sarah got up and grabbed a blanket for herself. "You can take the bed."
He didn't thank her. He never did.
---
The next morning, Sarah was up early, showered, and out the door before Adam even stirred. She left a note on the table.
*"There's food in the fridge. I'll be back late. Sarah."*
The Corner Bean was already bustling when she arrived. The smell of fresh coffee and baked goods filled the air as the morning rush picked up. Sarah tied her apron, tucked her hair back, and got to work. She liked the steady rhythm of it all: the orders shouted from across the counter, the hum of the espresso machine, and the quiet moments in between.
It was around 9:45 when the bell above the door jingled, and she knew—without even looking—who had walked in.
"Good morning, Sarah."
Luca's voice was smooth and unhurried, like always. She turned to find him standing at the counter, dressed in a crisp white shirt and dark slacks, looking impossibly put together for so early in the day. His eyes, dark and sharp, seemed to take in every detail of her.
"Good morning," Sarah replied, trying to keep her voice neutral. "The usual?"
Luca smiled faintly. "You're getting too good at this."
Sarah rolled her eyes playfully as she turned to prepare his black coffee. "I'm just observant."
"You'd make a good detective," he teased.
Sarah handed him the coffee, noticing the twenty-dollar bill he'd already left on the counter. "You know I'm not taking that."
"Then stop trying." Luca gave her a knowing look.
Before Sarah could respond, the door burst open, and her stomach dropped. She turned just as Adam walked in, his usual swagger on full display. He wore his leather jacket over a dark hoodie, and his expression made her stomach twist.
"Sarah!" he called out, loud enough to draw attention.
Sarah froze. "Adam? What are you doing here?"
"Can't I see my girlfriend?" Adam asked, smirking as he approached the counter. His eyes flicked to Luca, who stood silently, watching the exchange. "Who's this guy?"
"A customer," Sarah said quickly, trying to keep her voice light.
Adam didn't look convinced. He glanced at Luca, sizing him up with a derisive sneer. "You look too fancy for a place like this."
Luca didn't flinch. "And you look out of place."
Sarah's heart leapt into her throat. "Adam, don't."
Adam ignored her, his attention fixed on Luca. "What are you, her little hero? Think you're impressing her by standing around looking important?"
"Adam, stop it," Sarah said, her voice shaking slightly. She stepped between them, trying to defuse the situation. "You're embarrassing me."
Adam's face hardened, and for a split second, Sarah thought he might shout. Instead, he grabbed her wrist firmly, his fingers digging into her skin.
"Let's go. We need to talk."
"Adam, let me go," Sarah hissed, trying to pull free.
"Hey." Luca's voice was sharp this time, cutting through the tension like a blade. Adam froze, turning his head slowly to glare at him.
"What did you just say?" Adam growled.
"Let her go," Luca repeated, his tone icy.
Adam dropped Sarah's wrist but didn't back off. "You got a problem, pal?"
"Only with men who think they can treat women like property," Luca replied coolly.
Sarah looked between them, her heart pounding. This was spiraling out of control. "Adam, just go. Please."
Adam ignored her. He stepped closer to Luca, his jaw clenched. "You don't know me, man. Stay out of my business."
Luca didn't move, didn't even blink. "You're making it my business."
Adam scoffed, clearly sizing Luca up like he wanted to throw a punch. Then, before Sarah could stop him, Luca reached out, gently pulling Sarah toward him. It was a fluid, effortless motion, as though it had been planned.
And then he did something that made the entire café go silent.
Luca kissed her.
It wasn't long or dramatic, but it was enough to leave Sarah's mind spinning. His lips were firm, confident, but brief. When he pulled back, Sarah could only stare at him, wide-eyed and speechless.
Adam, on the other hand, was anything but calm. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"
Luca turned his gaze back to Adam, unfazed. "I think I'm showing you what respect looks like."
Adam looked ready to explode, his hands curling into fists at his sides. "You're dead, you hear me? This isn't over, Sarah!"
He stormed out of the café, slamming the door behind him so hard the bell rattled.
Sarah remained frozen in place, her pulse roaring in her ears. Around her, the quiet murmur of customers returning to their conversations barely registered. Slowly, she turned to face Luca, who looked as composed as ever, as if he hadn't just turned her world upside down.
"What... was that?" Sarah managed to croak.
Luca met her gaze calmly, his voice soft but firm. "He had no right to put his hands on you."
"That doesn't mean you can just—" She stopped, heat flooding her cheeks as she replayed the moment. "You kissed me."
"To make a point," Luca said evenly. "And it worked."
Sarah couldn't argue with that. Adam had stormed out like a child, humiliated and furious. But that wasn't the point.
"You can't just—" she started again, but the words stuck in her throat.
Luca took a slow sip of his coffee, unfazed. "You're welcome, by the way."
Sarah stared at him, a mix of anger, confusion, and something she didn't want to name swirling in her chest. Finally, she found her voice.
"This isn't funny, Luca."
"I wasn't trying to be funny," he replied, his gaze holding hers a moment longer than necessary.
Without another word, he placed a twenty-dollar bill on the counter, turned, and walked out of the café.
Sarah sank onto the stool behind the counter, still feeling the ghost of his lips on hers and the lingering embarrassment of the scene. Part of her wanted to chase after Luca and demand an explanation. Another part of her—one she wasn't ready to face—couldn't stop thinking about how right it had felt.