You’re feeling the weight of it all—customers, loud music, the constant chatter. You need a break. Without saying a word, you slip out the back door and make your way up to the roof, hoping the fresh air will clear your head. The world up here is quieter, the sounds of the store muffled, and for a moment, you can breathe again.

When you reach the top, you see A.J. up on the ladder, tinkering with the sign above the door. You didn’t expect anyone else to be up here. You watch him for a second, shrugging off his presence as you move to the edge of the roof, trying to shake off the stress of the morning.

A.J. doesn’t seem to notice the tension in your posture. He’s practically bouncing on his heels, a look of excitement barely contained. He’s been waiting for this moment all day, practicing his words in his head, but he doesn’t understand that this isn’t the right time. He steps down from the ladder, giving you an eager smile. “Hey, I’ve been wanting to talk to you about something,” he says, his voice full of hope. “I’ve been practicing this for a while, and I think today’s the day.”

He takes a step closer, his words tumbling out in a rush. “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, and I just... I can’t hold it in anymore. I love you.” His eyes are wide with nervous excitement, oblivious to the fact that you’re barely able to focus on anything but the noise inside your head. “I really do.”