Mia had always been independent, handling her life's ups and downs with quiet determination. But since Lukas had stepped into her world, there was an undeniable shift. His presence wasn't overwhelming; it was gentle, steady, and somehow always exactly what she needed, even if she didn't realize it.
---
The day began like any other, with Mia heading to the nearby market to pick up some fresh produce. It was a quiet, sunny morning, and she enjoyed the stroll through the familiar streets. What she didn't notice was Lukas following a short distance behind, keeping an unobtrusive eye on her.
As she reached for a basket of oranges, one of them rolled off the pile and onto the ground. Before Mia could bend down to pick it up, Lukas's hand had already retrieved it and placed it back in the basket.
"You should watch out for these escape artists," he said with a small smile.
Mia blinked, surprised. "Lukas? What are you doing here?"
"Just passing through," he replied casually. "Thought I'd grab some breakfast supplies."
Mia gave him a skeptical look but didn't press further. They ended up walking through the market together, Lukas subtly taking her heavier bags without her noticing until much later. By then, he'd already dropped them off at her doorstep with a quick wave and an "I'll see you later."
--
Later that day, Mia decided to visit the library to work on a new violin composition. She'd just settled into a quiet corner when she realized she'd forgotten her water bottle. With a resigned sigh, she prepared to get up and buy one from the vending machine.
Before she could leave, a cold bottle of water appeared on the table in front of her.
"Forgetting things again?" Lukas's voice was light, but his eyes held a warmth that made her pause.
"How do you keep showing up like this?" she asked, half amused, half exasperated.
"Just lucky timing," he said with a shrug, pulling out a chair across from her. "Need a second opinion on your composition?"
Mia hesitated, then handed him her sheet music. Watching Lukas's focused expression as he studied her work made her chest feel strangely lighter. He didn't know much about music, but he pointed out areas where her notes seemed to hesitate, where her emotions seemed to falter.
"It's good," he said finally, handing it back. "But it feels like you're holding back. Let it flow."
Mia nodded, her fingers itching to make adjustments. She didn't say it, but his insight had been exactly what she needed.
---
That evening, Mia decided to cook herself a proper dinner for the first time in weeks. As she chopped vegetables, she hummed a tune from her childhood. Her phone buzzed with a text from Lukas.
Lukas: Made it home safe?
Mia: Yes. Why do you always check on me?
Lukas: Just making sure you're okay.
She smiled at the screen, shaking her head. A few minutes later, the doorbell rang. Opening it, she found Lukas standing there with a small bag of spices.
"Thought you might need these," he said, holding up the bag. "Your cooking could use a little extra flavor."
Mia rolled her eyes but stepped aside to let him in. "I can handle myself, you know."
"I know," he said, setting the bag on her counter. "But a little help never hurts."
They cooked together, their movements easy and comfortable. Lukas didn't try to take over; he simply assisted where needed, handing her utensils, stirring sauces, and tasting dishes with exaggerated critiques that made her laugh.
---
After dinner, they sat on her couch, the remains of dessert between them. Mia leaned back, feeling more relaxed than she had in days.
"You don't have to keep looking out for me, you know," she said quietly, breaking the comfortable silence.
Lukas glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "I know I don't have to. I want to."
Mia met his gaze, her heart skipping a beat. She wanted to ask why but found herself unable to form the words. Instead, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes, letting the warmth of his presence envelop her.
Lukas stayed until she drifted off to sleep, quietly tidying up before leaving. As he stepped into the cool night air, he glanced back at her window, a small smile playing on his lips. He didn't need to say it aloud, but every action of his carried the same unspoken promise: "I'll always be here for you."