The sun hung low in the sky, turning Maple Hollow's streets into a wash of gold and amber. The café buzzed softly with the afternoon crowd, the smell of fresh pastries mingling with the rich aroma of espresso.
Hannah moved behind the counter with ease, pulling orders, wiping down the display, and stealing glances at Emma, who had settled into her usual corner seat. Emma's sketchbook was open, but more often than not, her pencil paused as she watched Hannah with a quiet smile.
"You're staring again," Hannah teased as she approached the counter with a cup.
Emma looked up, mock-offended. "I am not. I'm… appreciating your dedication."
Hannah raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Appreciation, huh? Fancy words for 'I like watching you.'"
Emma laughed softly, shaking her head. "Fine. Guilty as charged. But only because you make it impossible not to notice."
Hannah felt a warmth in her chest and leaned against the counter, smiling. "I guess that's fair. I'd probably do the same if the roles were reversed."
For the next hour, the café moved in its usual rhythm — the soft clatter of cups, the low hum of conversation, the hiss of the espresso machine — but every so often, their eyes would meet, holding just long enough to make the day feel brighter.
When the last customer left, Hannah wiped her hands and leaned down slightly toward Emma. "You coming with me for a walk? The day's too nice to waste inside."
Emma grinned and grabbed her coat. "Lead the way."
Outside, the town glimmered in the soft afternoon light. Leaves swirled gently at their feet as they walked side by side, hands brushing occasionally before finally intertwining naturally. They laughed at small things — a dog chasing a squirrel, a child chasing a balloon — and in every little moment, the quiet joy of being together made the ordinary extraordinary.
By the time they reached Hannah's apartment, the sky was streaked with pink and lavender. They paused on the porch, lingering, shoulders touching, sharing a smile that said everything they didn't need to speak.
Hannah whispered, "Days like this… I could get used to them."
Emma squeezed her hand gently. "Me too. Every single one."
And with that, they stepped inside, letting the warmth of home and the comfort of each other's presence carry them into the evening.