The next few days passed quietly.
8:17 a.m.The doorbell.Haruto.
It became so natural that Miyu started noticing when the clock was almost there. 8:15 made her heart lift. 8:16 made her fingers restless.
Haruto always sat by the window, but now… sometimes he stayed a little longer.
One morning, he didn't open his bag right away. He just held the cup with both hands, staring into the coffee like it was telling him something important.
"Miyu," he said suddenly.
She looked up at the sound of her name. It still felt new—too gentle in his voice.
"Yes?"
"…Do you ever get tired of mornings?"
She blinked, surprised by the question. Then she thought for a moment.
"No," she answered honestly. "They feel like beginnings. Even if the day is bad, mornings are kind."
Haruto nodded slowly."I think that's why I like this place," he said. "It reminds me that days can start over."
Miyu smiled.For the first time, she poured herself a cup too.
They didn't talk much after that. They didn't need to. Sitting across from him, sharing silence, felt like sharing something fragile and precious.
When he stood up to leave, he hesitated again.
"Tomorrow," he said, softer than usual, "I might be a little late."
"Oh," Miyu replied, hiding her disappointment. "That's okay."
"…But I'll still come."
And he did.