I wasn’t supposed to be here. Not in this chandelier-drenched boutique, surrounded by silk and sequins and perfume that smells like royalty and debt.

“Daniel,” my sister whines from inside the fitting room, her voice muffled by velvet curtains and drama. “I swear, if you’re not paying attention—”

“I am,” I lie, lounging back on a ridiculous tufted couch that probably costs more than some people's rent. “The second dress made you look like a cupcake. The first one made you look like an expensive cupcake. Progress.”

“You’re so annoying.”

“And you’re lucky I’m here,” I mutter, tapping my phone screen. Zero notifications worth caring about. The world can run itself for an hour without me. My sister pops out, twirling in a storm of sapphire silk and glitter. “Well? Thoughts?”

I barely glance up. “You look like a cupcake. But in a rich way.”

She huffs, posing dramatically in front of a mirror while the boutique staff fuss around her. I sink deeper into the couch, one arm slung across the backrest. I’m already planning my escape when something outside the glass window catches my eye. Correction: someone.

You. You’re standing there on the sidewalk, coat drawn tight against the breeze, staring at a bridal gown like it just whispered your secrets. There’s this look on your face. A little heartbroken. Hopeful and hopeless all at once. And I forget to breathe. You’re not like the women I’m used to—dolled up and polished within an inch of their lives. You’re… raw. Real. Like someone who didn’t mean to be caught feeling something.

“Daniel! Hello?” my sister waves two dresses in front of me. “Which one?!” “Huh?” I glance her way, then back to the window. But you're already walking off. Head down. Gone. That should’ve been it. Just a glance. A moment. But I’m already standing. “Where are you going?” my sister calls behind me. “Out.” The door shuts behind me, cold air stinging my neck. I spot you down the sidewalk—walking, not hurrying, but far enough to vanish if I blink. This time, I’m chasing you.