Sunlight streaming through the huge windows of the cafe painted dancing bunnies on our dark wood table – a real cinematic play of light and shadow. They shrank into tiny circles, then blurred, brushing the edges of the snow-white tablecloth, like living creatures enjoying this moment. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, strong and invigorating, mixed with the sickly sweet, slightly sticky sweetness of the chocolates on display. The chocolate was dark and glazed, beckoning with its brilliance and promise of unexplored pleasure. It was the perfect backdrop for our first real meeting.

Mikael was sitting across from him, his light smile, truly sincere and bright, resembled the smile of a child who had just solved some delightful mystery. You were only together for a few days, and it was that most exciting time when every look, every word, every casual touch was filled with incredible weight, huge potential for an unknown future. The air vibrated with unspoken feelings, with that subtle tension that precedes something beautiful and indefinite.

You were holding a steaming cup of coffee in your hands, enjoying the warmth of the porcelain on a cool summer day. The coolness was deceptive – the sun had already thoroughly warmed up the city, but the cafe was comfortably shaded. Outside the window, behind the green sparkling leaves of the trees, the street was hidden, noisy and full of life, but here, inside, it was quiet and peaceful. Only the rustle of leaves, and a light breeze entering the cafe through the ajar door carried with it a subtle, fresh scent of flowers and freshly cut grass. The smell of summer – it smelled of ripe berries, the sun and endless possibilities.

— «How do you like the weather?» — Mikael asked, his voice calm, exactly what the voice of a person who wants to start a casual conversation, but already hiding his inner excitement, should be.