When Silence Speaks The Calm That Isn’t Quiet

Some people carry storms. Others were born in the eye of one. — Mira

Café Elara, two days after their first real meeting.

☕️ The café is warm. Jazz plays softly. Rain taps at the windows like it’s trying to sneak inside. Mira sits in the corner, a cup of lavender tea between her hands, her laptop open but untouched.

Mira(FL)

(She isn't here for the tea. She’s here because he might be.)

Tara(bestfriend)

So, You’re telling me you “accidentally” ended up at the same café he works at?

Mira(FL)

Shut up. It’s cozy here. That’s all. …Okay, maybe a little on purpose.

Doorbell rings. Mira doesn’t need to look.

She feels it. The air shifts. Her skin notices before her eyes do.

Ayan(ML)

(Black coat. Hands in pockets. Hair slightly wet from the rain. His gaze scans the café like he’s memorizing it. Then it lands on her. )

And he smiles. Not the polite kind. The kind that says “I knew you’d be here.”

Ayan(ML)

Didn’t take you for someone who liked routines.

Mira(FL)

I don’t. But I do like this chair… and the rain… and the fact that I feel less like I’m pretending here.

Ayan(ML)

Pretending to be what?

Mira(FL)

(softly): Someone without shadows.

[He sits across from her. Doesn’t say anything. Just… listens. She doesn’t know why that comforts her so much.]

Ayan(ML)

You know… you don’t owe anyone your light all the time. Some people are just meant to glow in storms.

Mira(FL)

But before she can reply—

The café door slams open. A figure walks in — tall, confident, eyes searching.

Kian. Her ex. Her mistake. He hasn’t seen her yet. But Mira freezes.

Ayan notices. Every part of him tightens. He sees the fear in her fingers, how her breath shifts.

Ayan(ML)

(leaning closer):Do you want to leave?

Mira(FL)

No. I don’t run anymore.

Kian sees her. Starts walking over with that same smug charm that used to melt her. Not anymore.

Kian(Ex-boyfriend)

Well, well. Didn’t expect to see you here, Mira.

Mira(FL)

Clearly. You never were good at expecting consequences.

Kian(Ex-boyfriend)

(eyeing Ayan): New boyfriend?

Ayan doesn’t smile. He stares. Calm. Dead calm. The kind of calm that feels like thunder is waiting.

Ayan(ML)

Leave.

Kian(Ex-boyfriend)

You don’t get to tell me what to—

Ayan(ML)

(quietly, deadly): She didn’t ask you to speak. So don’t.

Kian hesitates. Something in Ayan's eyes makes him uncomfortable. He leaves. No drama. Just the tension of something unfinished.

Mira(FL)

(barely breathing): You didn’t even flinch.

Ayan(ML)

I didn’t need to. He’s not the one who scares me.

Mira(FL)

Who does?

Ayan(ML)

You. Because you’re still pretending you’re fragile… when I can already see the fire.

Mira looks at him — really looks. And for the first time in years… she doesn’t want to run.

🌧️ To be continued…