Chapter 1: New Beginnings

The sharp chime of the bookstore café’s bell jingled as Riya pushed open the door, her backpack slung lazily over one shoulder. The rich scent of coffee mixed with the faint mustiness of paper, instantly calming her nerves. She was excited — and terrified. Her first-ever job.

“Riya!”

Miya’s voice rang out from the counter. Riya’s face lit up at the sight of her best friend leaning against the espresso machine, confidently flipping her freshly dyed blue hair over her shoulder.

“You’re late,” Miya teased, a mischievous grin pulling at her lips.

“By two minutes,” Riya shot back, dropping her bag behind the counter. “You’re being dramatic.”

Miya leaned in, lowering her voice. “I just missed you, that’s all.”

Riya rolled her eyes, but her heart skipped a beat — something it had been doing a lot around Miya lately.

The afternoon rush passed in a blur of cappuccino orders, shelf organizing, and cleaning tables. Riya found her rhythm quickly, partly thanks to Miya’s endless jokes that kept her distracted from her nerves.

“Hey,” Miya whispered as she grabbed Riya’s wrist near the register. “Wanna see something cool?”

Before Riya could answer, Miya tugged her toward the back room — the storage space that doubled as their boss’s office.

“We’re not supposed to—”

“Oh, relax.” Miya grinned. She knelt beside a low shelf, pulling out a battered shoebox. Inside were scraps of paper — notes and doodles left by past employees. Some were funny jokes, others had dramatic confessions scribbled in smudged ink.

“Read this one,” Miya said, pointing at a folded note.

Riya unfolded it and laughed. "I spilled an entire latte on Mr. Parker’s laptop and blamed the Wi-Fi."

“Classic,” Riya chuckled.

Miya scooted closer. “We should leave a note too,” she said, her voice softer now.

Riya blinked as Miya's hand brushed against hers. It wasn’t much — barely a touch — but Riya felt her pulse skip.

“What should we write?” Riya asked, hoping her voice sounded normal.

Miya grabbed a pen. “How about… ‘Two hot girls now work here. You’re welcome.’”

Riya laughed, swatting her arm. “No way. We’ll get fired.”

“Fine.” Miya tapped her chin thoughtfully. “How about… ‘The new girl has the cutest smile.’”

Riya froze. Miya’s eyes flicked up to hers, a teasing smile playing on her lips — but there was something else there too. Something softer.

“I… uh…” Riya stammered.

“Relax.” Miya grinned again, writing the note before Riya could protest. She tucked it deep in the box. “It’s anonymous. No one will know.”

But Riya knew. And judging by the way Miya’s gaze lingered on her, Miya knew too.

Later that night, Riya lay in bed, her phone glowing faintly on her pillow.

Miya: You were awesome today. Can’t wait for tomorrow.

Riya stared at the message longer than she should have before typing back.

Riya: You’re not too bad yourself. Don’t get fired before I show up.

The reply came instantly.

Miya: No promises.

Riya smiled — and tried to ignore the warmth curling in her chest.

End of Chapter 1

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