Tokyo mornings were always a little rushed.People walked fast, trains arrived without stopping to breathe, and even the streets seemed impatient as they woke up. But Hana Café was a small place that somehow stayed outside all that hurry.
Miyu Tanaka tied her apron and took a slow breath.As she wiped the café windows, she watched the street outside. The sun hadn't fully risen between the buildings yet; the light was soft and gentle. She liked this time of day—the quiet before everything began, when the world felt undecided.
The doorbell rang with a soft chime.
Miyu looked up.
The man who entered paused, just like he always did.As if he wasn't stepping into a café, but into a thought.
He wasn't especially tall, but his posture was calm. A simple jacket, a dark bag over his shoulder. His hair was slightly messy, as though he didn't spend much time in front of a mirror. His eyes briefly scanned the room before moving toward the counter.
Miyu recognized him.At least… she was used to him.
Every morning.Exactly 8:17 a.m.
He always came at the same time.
"Good morning," Miyu said with a gentle smile.
The man seemed startled for a split second, then lightly bowed his head."Good morning."
His voice was quiet, steady.
"The usual?" Miyu asked.
He nodded."Yes… thank you."
Miyu turned toward the coffee machine. Her hands moved on their own, guided by habit. But her heart—for some reason, it was beating a little faster today.
The usual.She liked the way he said it.It meant that, even in a small way, she had become part of his routine.
As she prepared the coffee, she felt the silence behind her. He never looked at his phone while waiting. Never seemed distracted. Standing there felt like a pause for him—a moment of rest.
When she handed him the cup, their fingers brushed for just a moment.
Miyu flinched.So did he.
Both pulled their hands back at the same time.
"I—sorry," Miyu said quickly.
"No, that was my fault," he replied, avoiding her gaze.
A brief silence followed. But it wasn't uncomfortable.It was soft.
He handed over the payment.As Miyu took it, she hesitated.
"The weather's nice today," she said without thinking.
He looked up, as if he hadn't expected such a small comment.Then he glanced outside the window.
"Yes," he said. "No rain."
Miyu smiled."That's rare for Tokyo."
The corner of his lips lifted—just slightly. Barely noticeable.
"I guess so," he said.
He took his coffee but didn't leave right away.He hesitated.
Then he spoke again. "Your café… it's calm," he said. "It feels good."
Miyu's heart beat faster at that."Thank you. It's quieter in the mornings."
He nodded."That's why I come here."
Those words…left a small warmth inside her chest.
The doorbell rang again as he stepped out, but he stopped for a moment.Then he turned back.
"I'm… Haruto," he said. "By the way."
Miyu's eyes widened slightly.This was the first time. He was telling her his name.
"I'm Miyu," she replied, her voice softer than before.
Haruto inclined his head."See you tomorrow."
The door closed behind him.
Miyu stood there for a few seconds, unmoving.Then she let out a quiet breath.
Tomorrow…
The word felt strangely full of hope.
As she wiped the counter, she caught her reflection in the mirror.Her cheeks were faintly flushed.
Tokyo was still rushing forward.But for Miyu, the day had slowed down just a little.
And without realizing it, a man who came at the same time every morning had begun to settle into her life.