Quiet Between the Noise The apartment was unusually quiet when Ava and Mia returned home.
The laughter that had followed them out of the restaurant slowly faded as each woman retreated to her own thoughts.
Ava offered Mia a tired smile before disappearing into her apartment.
“Good night.” “Good night.” The click of two doors echoed almost at the same time.
Mia had barely kicked off her shoes when her phone vibrated on the kitchen counter.
She glanced at the caller ID.
Lucas Hawthorne.
The corners of her lips lifted before she could stop them.
She cleared her throat, trying to sound composed as she answered.
“Hello?” “Hi.” His voice was warm-gentle enough to make her smile widen.
“Did I wake you?” “You’ve only known me for a few days and you’re already assuming I sleep this early?” Lucas laughed.
“I had to ask.” “So…
how was your evening?” “It was nice.” “Just nice?” She chuckled softly.
“It was really nice.” “I’m relieved.” “Why?” “Because I spent the last ten minutes wondering whether I should call you.” “And yet you still did.” “I did.” “I’m glad.” For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
The silence wasn’t awkward.
It was…
comfortable.
Lucas was the first to break it.
“How’s Ava?” Mia rolled her eyes.
“Recovering from Ethan.” Lucas laughed so hard that Mia had to pull the phone away from her ear.
“So my brother is still hopeless?” “Oh, very.” “And Ava?” “Even more hopeless.” They both laughed.
The conversation drifted effortlessly from work to favorite foods, childhood memories, embarrassing stories, and ridiculous jokes.
Lucas had a surprisingly playful side.
He wasn’t the teasing younger brother everyone knew at work.
He was simply…
Lucas.
Relaxed.
Funny.
Kind.
Every few minutes another laugh escaped Mia’s lips.
Through the thin apartment wall, Ava buried her face into her pillow.
“Oh, for goodness’ sake…” Another burst of laughter echoed from Mia’s apartment.
Ava groaned dramatically.
“Is she dating a comedian?” Nearly an hour later, the call finally ended.
Mia stared at the dark screen for several seconds before hugging her phone against her chest.
She didn’t realize she was smiling until she caught her reflection in the mirror.
“…Oh.” — The following morning…
Mia stood outside Lucas’s office with a notebook tucked neatly beneath her arm.
She knocked twice.
“Come in.” She pushed the door open.
Immediately, she noticed something strange.
Lucas wasn’t behind his desk.
Instead, he was sitting comfortably on the couch by the window, one leg crossed over the other, as though he’d been waiting for someone.
For her.
“Good morning, Mr.
Hawthorne.” The moment he saw her, his face lit up with a grin so bright it looked almost boyish.
“Morning.” She stepped closer.
Before she could say another word, Lucas reached for her hand.
With a gentle tug- “Ah!” She stumbled forward and landed squarely on his lap.
Her eyes widened.
“Lucas!” “What?” “What if someone walks in?” “I locked the door.” “You what?” “I wanted five uninterrupted minutes.” She stared at him in disbelief.
“…You’re unbelievable.” “I’ve been told.” He reached into the pocket of his blazer and pulled out a small velvet box.
“This is for you.” Mia blinked.
“…For me?” He nodded.
She slowly opened the box.
Nestled inside was a delicate silver necklace with a tiny sapphire pendant that shimmered like the morning sky.
Her breath caught.
“It’s beautiful…” “I saw it yesterday.” “And?” “It reminded me of your eyes.” Mia looked up at him.
For the first time in a long while…
She couldn’t think of anything clever to say.
Lucas gently took the necklace from the box.
“May I?” She nodded.
He carefully brushed her hair over one shoulder before fastening the necklace around her neck.
His fingertips barely grazed her skin.
Still…
Her heart raced.
“There.” He smiled proudly.
“It suits you.” Mia touched the pendant with the tips of her fingers.
“I love it.” Lucas leaned back against the couch.
“A gift.” “For what occasion?” “Our second day…” He paused dramatically.
“…of being whatever we are.” Mia laughed so loudly that she had to cover her mouth.
“That is the cheesiest thing I’ve ever heard.” “I know.” “It’s adorable.” “I’ll take adorable.” Their laughter slowly faded.
Then…
Their eyes met.
Lucas’s gaze drifted from her eyes…
…to her lips.
He didn’t move.
He simply looked at her, silently asking permission.
Mia smiled.
Instead of waiting, she leaned forward herself.
She pressed a soft kiss against his lips.
It lasted only a second.
When she pulled away, she whispered, “Thank you.” Lucas remained frozen.
“…I forgot how to breathe.” She giggled.
“Oh, stop.” “I’m serious.” “You kissed me.” “You looked like you wanted me to.” “I did.” She playfully flicked his forehead.
“Now get back to work before your employees discover the mighty Lucas Hawthorne has become hopelessly romantic.” He sighed dramatically.
“Fine.” “But only because my girlfriend told me to.” Mia’s cheeks immediately flushed.
“I…
I never said I was your girlfriend.” “You didn’t say you weren’t either.” “…You’re impossible.” “So I’ve been told.” — The rest of the morning passed in laughter.
Documents were sorted.
Meetings were scheduled.
Emails were answered.
Somehow, every task became lighter whenever they worked side by side.
Outside the office, employees passed by with curious smiles.
Inside…
Two people who had met under the strangest of circumstances were slowly discovering that love didn’t always arrive with fireworks.
Sometimes…
It arrived quietly.
With laughter.
With little gifts.
And with five stolen minutes on a couch before work began.