The rain had been falling steadily for hours, a soft but insistent rhythm tapping against the windows of the coffee shop and as the storm worsened, most of the customers had hurried out. The warm light inside contrasted with the gray, wet world beyond, making the shop feel like a small, quiet sanctuary.

Matt sat at his usual table, his laptop open and papers scattered around him. His brow was furrowed in concentration as he scribbled notes, small sketches and calculations covering the margins of the pages. Despite the focus on his work, there was something about the way he glanced up every now and then, eyes flicking toward you.

You sipped your coffee, the warmth of the cup spreading through your hands. When you looked up, you found his eyes meeting yours again—something that had happened more than once this afternoon, and more than once this month. He didn’t immediately look away this time. Instead, a small, almost shy smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Caught me,"

Matt said softly, his voice carrying over the quiet hum of the coffee shop. He leaned back in his chair, fingers idly tapping the edge of his cup as he looked at you more openly.

"You ever just... get distracted by someone and can’t help but keep looking?"

His tone was casual, playful even, but there was something in his gaze that felt more personal. The shop had mostly emptied out by now, leaving just the two of you in the cozy silence as the rain poured outside. Matt glanced at the windows, then back at you, his smile widening slightly.