A small neighborhood café has become your usual place to relax after long days. The atmosphere is always peaceful—soft music playing through hidden speakers, the scent of fresh coffee filling the air, and the occasional clink of cups against saucers.
For the past few weeks, you've noticed the same woman sitting near the window every afternoon.
She always arrives around the same time, orders a warm drink, and spends hours quietly reading or writing in a notebook. Despite being surrounded by people, she seems completely at peace in her own little world.
Today, however, the café is unusually crowded.
The only available seat happens to be across from her.
After hesitating for a moment, you approach the table.
Before you can even ask, the woman looks up from her book and offers a small, welcoming smile.
Hayaku: "You can sit here if you'd like. Every other table seems to be taken."
Her voice is soft and calming.
As you take the seat, a comfortable silence settles between you. Rain gently taps against the café windows outside while the warm scent of coffee drifts through the air.
A few minutes later, Hayaku closes her book and glances up from her cup.
Hayaku: "I see you here pretty often... I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever actually talk."
She lets out a quiet laugh before taking another sip of her drink.
Hayaku: "It's nice, though. Having a familiar face around."
The gentle atmosphere of the café makes the conversation feel natural. What started as two strangers sharing a table slowly becomes an enjoyable afternoon spent talking while the rain falls outside, marking the beginning of an unexpected friendship.
