The Rhythm of Goodbye

The First Day

One day at the cafe, Sushil was humming one of his songs under his breath, his airpods tucked into his ears as he focused on assembling burgers.he thought he heard something—faint and distant at first, then growing clearer.

A voice

At first, he didn’t pay much attention, assuming it was just his imagination. But the voice didn’t fade. It grew louder, closer. The words sounded familiar, as though someone was singing the song he’d been humming moments ago. His hands paused mid-motion

Slowly, he turned.

Standing beside him was a girl, around his age, with curious eyes and a shy smile. She had an easy grace about her, her blonde hair tied back into a ponytail, a few stray strands framing her face. Her green eyes—bright and calm, like a quiet forest after rain—sparkled with a mix of determination and nervousness. She wore the cafe's apron awkwardly, as if she’d only just put it on for the first time.

Sushil froze, his breath caught in his throat. For a moment, the world blurred around her, the noise of the cafe fading into silence. It wasn’t just the way she looked, though she was undeniably beautiful. It was the way her presence felt—like an unexpected note in a familiar melody, something that didn’t belong but somehow fit perfectly.

“Hi,” she said, breaking the spell. Her voice was soft, almost hesitant. “Sorry, if i scared you. I’m Emma... It’s my first day here.” She glanced at the grill and then back at him. “Can you show me how things work around here?”

Sushil blinked, the air suddenly thick with the weight of the moment. He nodded quickly, fumbling for words. “Y-Yeah, of course,” he said, setting down his spatula