The Flame of Love

The next day, Delia awoke to sunlight filtering through the curtains, gently touching her face. She opened her eyes and, not immediately aware of where she was, lay in silence for a while, listening to her sensations. The room around her was calm, cozy, but... alien. Her head ached slightly, and her body felt slightly tired, as if she had experienced something significant, but could hardly remember what.

She turned her head and immediately noticed that the bed she was lying on was completely different. Not like the one in her dorm room - it was bigger, with a soft white coverlet, and the air in the room was fresh and, compared to what she was used to feeling in the hallways of the dorm, much quieter. The furniture in the room was pleasant, but not too bright, and even the smell was different - not like in that old building, but fresh and neutral, smelling of new fabric and wood.

Delia still couldn't understand what was happening to her. She had indeed come here with Jo last night, after they had agreed on the apartment, but it had all happened so quickly. Everything had seemed calm, without unnecessary words, without celebrations and worries - they had simply brought their things and settled in. And now she was waking up here, in a new apartment, feeling slightly confused, not understanding how she had ended up in this space.

She looked around again. There were no familiar sounds, no familiar surroundings. It was as if she had just entered a completely new world, where neither her past nor her usual routine existed. There was a silence that was almost unbearable, as if the very environment was designed to force her to be alone in her thoughts.

Delia rose slowly, feeling her body reluctantly awaken. Stretching, she glanced at the clock on her nightstand and realized that she had woken up late. The whole day was just beginning. There was a strange feeling that she should have done something by now, gone somewhere, but all of this seemed so unimportant compared to everything she had experienced in the last few days.

Then her gaze fell again on the interior of the room-the new apartment she and Jo had chosen. It was, in essence, another new beginning. And although Delia couldn't quite comprehend how she had gotten here, she sensed that this place wouldn't be as alien as she thought. Perhaps this was where she could find her place, where she could begin to build something of her own.

The bedroom door creaked and Delia turned her head. Jo appeared in the doorway, dressed in a simple white T-shirt and with a wide, slightly mischievous smile on his face. In his hands he held a cup of coffee, from which a light, morning aroma wafted, filling the room. His steps were confident and calm, as if he was the owner here, and all this new environment did not seem alien to him.

"Here," he said, walking over to the bed and placing the cup on the nightstand next to her. "Coffee for you."

Delia, still not fully awake, looked at him with a grin. She felt a little confused, but tried to hide it.

"Coffee in bed," she joked, raising herself up on her elbows and smiling. "I didn't expect such attention from you."

Her words were light, but there was something warm, almost playful, about them. Jo responded to her joke with an even wider smile, a slight laugh in his voice, and came a little closer.

"Well, since we got as close last night as two adults can get," he said with a slight squint, "then I'm simply obliged to behave with you as if you were my fiancée."

His words were soft, but with a hint of confidence that added a lightness to the moment. Delia, looking at him in surprise, felt her heart beat a little faster. It was all happening somehow unexpectedly - they had really been close yesterday, and at that moment there was something frankly sincere in his words.

She laughed, but this laugh was no longer as light as before. It was full of some strange excitement. Why did his words cause such a feeling in her chest? Maybe she was no longer ready for this.

"Are you sure you're ready to treat me like that?" Her voice became quieter, a little more serious, although there was still a joke in her eyes.

Jo laughed in response, looking at her again with a soft but confident gaze.

"With you? Of course I am. You know I don't like doing things halfway," he added, sitting down on the edge of the bed and carefully handing her a cup of coffee. "So, if you don't mind, tomorrow I can bring you breakfast in bed. And maybe more than just breakfast."

His words, although joking, were sincere, and Delia felt her tension ease a little. She accepted the cup, and their fingers brushed lightly against each other. It was brief, but enough to make her feel like there was something special between them again.

"Let's see how you behave with this coffee," she answered with a smile, trying to hide her awkwardness.

Jo smiled back, and his face flashed the familiar, friendly smile. In that moment, despite everything that had happened before, Delia felt like she could start a new chapter in her life, and this moment, this coffee, this simple but warm conversation, was a good start.

Delia slowly lifted the cup to her lips and took a sip. The warm coffee filled her insides with a pleasant warmth, carried away all her morning thoughts, leaving space for something important, hazy and at the same time tangible. She put the cup back on the nightstand and, after a moment's hesitation, got out of bed, not taking her eyes off Jo.

Her gaze became more intent, almost searching. It was so calm, so confident and open, that she felt as if she were on the threshold of something new and important. It was as if she were trying to read him, to understand what was behind that smile, behind his easy manner. But there was no hidden hint in his eyes, no understatement - there was just honesty in them, warm and clear. Delia felt her heart leap again, a strange lightness appearing inside her.

Jo froze. He noticed the way she was looking at him. He, too, was a little wary, as if at that moment everything that had happened between them in the last few days had suddenly gathered all its meaning in one look. He didn't know what she was thinking, but he knew that she saw him for real. Without pretense, without games. It was that very moment when they both understood - this is happiness.

He leaned forward slightly, as if afraid to break the silence, but at the same time feeling that this was what was needed. He was silent, but his eyes said everything. Delia felt it - a direct, open sense that their paths were intertwined, and there was no longer a distance between them. It was just the two of them, in this moment, in this space.

It was as if everything had come together in an instant: a quiet, barely noticeable laugh, a look that no longer required words, the certainty that they had found each other. It was happiness. Simple and clear. Like the morning light, like the aroma of freshly brewed coffee they shared, like a warm hand that could be close.

Delia narrowed her eyes slightly and, without looking away, quietly said:

"You're right. This is it. We found it."

Jo only smiled in response, and his look was so sincere that Delia felt her heart fill with warmth. He didn't say a word, but his smile said more than any phrases. He walked lightly to the door, and before he went out, he looked back at her.

"I'll be there soon," he said, and without waiting for an answer, he left the room.

Delia stood there, a little confused by the way it was all happening. A moment ago they had been so close that the world around them seemed to have disappeared. But now she was alone in this room, and she still had that thrill that had filled her when they both realized that happiness was already here, next to them. But now she wanted to change something. She wanted to feel different, to be who she could be when there was someone who appreciated her. This was the moment when Delia decided that she wanted to be more than just a girl to have coffee with for Jo, but someone special, beautiful.

She walked over to her suitcase, where the clothes she had just recently brought into the apartment were lying. Among them, she noticed her white dress - light, delicate, with thin straps and a translucent fabric that barely touched her skin. The dress was simple, but there was something sophisticated about it, something that made her special. This dress was probably not suitable for ordinary days in the dorm, but in that moment she realized that it was perfect for Jo to see her not just as a girl with whom he could drink morning coffee, but as someone with whom he could share something more than just simple moments.

She pulled the dress on slowly, feeling it hug her figure, wrapping her softly, reminding her that she could be beautiful when she wanted to be. Delia looked at herself in the mirror, fixed her hair, and smiled slightly. Suddenly, the girl in the mirror wasn't the same girl who always hid behind jeans and a T-shirt. She looked different, more confident somehow. This girl wasn't just a musician, but something much more-someone who knew she was appreciated, someone who could choose who she was.

As soon as she finished dressing, her gaze fell on the window and she saw that it was already bright sunlight outside. The day was continuing and her life seemed to be starting anew.

Delia walked out of the room, feeling the soft rustle of her dress, the confidence that came with each step. She was taking her time, not rushing, but her inner feeling was clear: she wanted Jo to see her as she could be-beautiful, confident, not just a part of his world but his true companion.

When she entered the kitchen, Jo, noticing her, froze in place. His eyes immediately lit up, and on his face appeared that very smile that Delia remembered from the very beginning.

"You're... amazing," he said, almost in a whisper, and there was a sincerity in his voice that she couldn't help but notice.

Delia felt something melt inside her at the simple compliment. She stepped closer, meeting his gaze.

"I wanted you to see me a little differently," she replied with a slight smile, feeling her heart begin to beat evenly, calmly, with a confident feeling that she had made the right choice.

Delia felt her heart beat faster as Jo walked up to her and, without taking his eyes off her, gently placed his hands on her shoulders. He leaned forward a little, and before she could say anything, he wrapped his arms around her. It was a warm, gentle embrace that seemed to connect them in that moment. Delia stood there, lost in what they both felt. There was concern in his arms, and in hers, a quiet joy at being with someone who valued her.

He pulled back carefully to look into her eyes, and without breaking away from her gaze, he leaned a little closer. Delia felt his breath and knew that nothing mattered anymore, just this moment, just the two of them. His lips touched hers, and the world around them disappeared. It was a kiss, quiet and sincere, without haste, without unnecessary words, as if they both suddenly realized that they needed this, to feel that everything was in its place.

When they pulled away, he didn't let go of her right away. They both stood there, holding each other, enjoying this brief but important moment. Delia felt a lightness in her chest, as if she had finally found her place.

"Let's go have breakfast?" Jo said quietly, smiling and running his hand down her back, as if inviting them to continue this cozy morning moment.

Delia nodded, and together they went into the kitchen. There, in the simplicity of this morning, they began to prepare breakfast, without rushing, without unnecessary conversation, enjoying each other's presence. Jo cut the bread, and Delia prepared the fruit. In that moment there were no doubts, only ease and a feeling that their world was right here and now, where there were no worries or questions, only happiness from being together.

When breakfast was ready, they sat down at the table, slowly enjoying their food and at the same time raising the topic they had both been trying to put off - the rehearsal. Jo, noticing how Delia thoughtfully placed her spoon on her plate, was the first to break the silence.

"So, are you going to rehearsal?" His voice was light, but there was some wariness in it.

Delia sighed, running her finger along the rim of her coffee cup. She had actually thought about it, but she couldn't shake the feeling that the rehearsal was just a part that was missing something important.

"I have to go," she replied, though her voice sounded uncertain. "After all, in a few days there's the premiere of Mahler's sixth symphony, and I'd like to play in it, to be part of that event."

Jo leaned forward slightly, looking at her intently. There was determination in his eyes, but at the same time, there was something soft and supportive about them.

"But you're just a temporary replacement anyway," he said, his lips curling slightly. "That girl you're replacing will be back soon. You'll just be in the shadow of everyone else. To hell with this rehearsal, Delia. You deserve better than that."

Delia paused, her gaze sliding across the table, her thoughts returning to the days when she had felt part of something important. But now that she was just filling in for someone else, it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to find her way in the orchestra.

"I know," she said quietly, "but I still want to play. I want to be a part of it, not just a passing part."

Jo reached across the table and gently took her hand. His touch was firm and his eyes were full of understanding.

"You're already a part of something," he said softly. "You see that I'm here, that we're together now. You don't have to please the orchestra or those who don't see your value. You have the right to rest, to be happy. Rehearsals aren't the most important thing. What's important is what's happening here, with us."

He looked at her, and there was genuine concern in his eyes, as if he wanted her to understand that her happiness was more important than anything else.

"You'll miss one rehearsal, and the world won't end," Jo added with a smile. "And I'm ready to spend this day with you. Let it just be the two of us. What do you say?"

Delia looked at him, her heart responding to his words, and suddenly she felt the tension she had been carrying around inside her all this time begin to fade. Missing rehearsal? It wasn't that bad. Being with Jo, enjoying this moment, that was more important. She met his gaze and smiled.

"You're right," she admitted, giving in. "Okay, I'll skip this day. So be it."

Jo stood up, walked over to her, and leaned over to kiss her on the forehead.

"Excellent," he said with a smile, "then let's spend this day together. I'm sure it will be better than any rehearsal."

Delia felt her shoulders relax. In that moment, despite all the worries and difficulties, she realized that sometimes you just need to allow yourself to be happy, without thinking about what will happen next.

After breakfast they decided to go for a walk, to spend time together, away from all the worries and responsibilities. Delia felt that she needed to rest a little, to walk the streets, to feel the fresh air. Jo agreed, and they left the apartment. Delia thought for a moment, feeling the warm morning sun that was coming through the windows, but then she took his hand lightly, and they headed towards the stairs.

Walking down the old wooden stairs, she felt a lightness in her step, and everything around her seemed cozy and familiar. Jo walked next to her, as always, with a slight smile on his face, his hand confidently holding hers, and this feeling was so simple and right.

As they stepped outside into the courtyard, Delia noticed how everything around them was alive with life-the fallen leaves scattered across the pavement, the cheerful children playing nearby, and the silence that permeated the entire space.

But suddenly her attention was drawn to a little girl standing on a swing at the very edge of the yard. Her long black hair was fluttering in the wind, and she was looking at it with interest. Delia recognized her - it was Mollie, the same girl she had talked to a couple of days ago when she was wondering whether she should accept Jo's offer to rent an apartment in this house.

"Delia!" Mollie suddenly called, rising from the swing and running towards her.

The girl was small, about six years old, but she looked so grown up, with curious eyes and the elusive confidence of those who have known how to attract attention since childhood. Jo stopped, looking back at Delia in surprise.

"Do you know her?" he asked, puzzled.

Delia smiled and nodded, turning to Jo.

"Yes, this is Mollie. We met a couple of days ago, when I was just starting to think about whether you and I should move in here."

Mollie came closer, looking at Jo with interest, and Delia leaned down to talk to the girl at her level.

"Mollie, this is Jo, my…" she hesitated, not knowing how best to say it, but there was already such an open smile on Mollie's face that everything became clear.

"Hello, ajussi Jo!" Mollie said, holding out her hand.

Jo couldn't help but smile back, leaning slightly towards the girl to shake her small hand.

"Hello, Mollie," he said with a warm smile, and then added, "Have you met Delia?"

Mollie nodded and looked at Delia cheerfully, as if they were already old friends.

"My father is a pianist," she said proudly. "We've been living in this house for a long time, and how long have you been here, Delia?"

Delia smiled and thought for a moment.

"We just moved yesterday," she answered, looking around the yard in which they stood.

Jo, now fully aware that there were people here whom Delia knew, listened attentively, but at the same time felt a little out of place. There was no room in his life for such small but important meetings. But he could not help but notice how Mollie watched him with interest, and how easily Delia found a common language with this child.

"You have a fun time here," said Jo, smiling at Mollie, "and your dad plays the piano, doesn't he?"

"Yes, he teaches me to play!" the girl answered proudly. "He tells me that I am almost ready for a home concert!"

Delia laughed, delighted by Mollie's answer.

"You're going to have a fantastic concert," she said with a smile. "And you're going to play like a real star!"

Mollie laughed happily, and Jo looked at Delia again, his eyes filling with a warm light.

"It looks like you already have friends here," he said with a hint of irony. "Such cute friends. Maybe we can really stay here?"

Delia nodded, smiling. She felt her life slowly filling with new colors, as new connections began to form in this courtyard where she had once thought about her future. She didn't know what would happen next, but now everything felt right.