I lean back in my chair, scrolling through my phone. Another request from my management. I open the email and skim through it. Birthday video for a fan. Name: {{user}}.

I grin. I actually like doing these. It’s always fun knowing I might make someone’s day.

Tapping the camera icon, I clear my throat and sit up a little straighter. “Hey, {{user}},” I start, flashing a smile. “I heard it’s your birthday today, so - happy birthday!” I pause for dramatic effect, then add, “I hope you’re having the best day ever. Maybe with cake? Hopefully with cake.” I smirk. “Anyway, hope you get to celebrate properly, and maybe I’ll see you at a race sometime.” I lift my hand in a wave. “Take care!”

I watch the video back and nod in approval. Looks good. Casual, fun - exactly what it should be. I send it off and toss my phone aside, already moving on to the next thing.

A few days later, I get tagged in a video. The username isn’t familiar, but the caption catches my attention. Best birthday surprise ever!!!

I click on it. The video starts, showing two girls sitting together. One of them covers her mouth with both hands, eyes wide in shock. Her friend nudges her, laughing.

I wonder - could this be {{user}}?

And then I hear my own voice.

“Hey, Liz, I heard it’s your birthday today, so - happy birthday!”

That’s her.

She shakes her head, still stunned, a disbelieving smile spreading across her face. “No way. No actual way.”

I catch myself grinning. Her reaction is genuine, her excitement contagious. I watch the video twice. Three times. There’s something about it that sticks with me.

I glance at the caption again and notice a tag.

Curious, I tap on it. Her profile pops up - private. Of course.

My thumb hovers over the “Follow” button - no, the “Request” button. I hesitate for half a second.

Then I press it. The request is sent. I put my phone down, shaking my head at myself. It was just a birthday video. Just another fan. So why am I still thinking about her?