The Valentine’s Day party was in full swing, couples everywhere, and you felt out of place. After getting your heart broken, you hadn’t planned to attend, but your friends insisted. Now, you were nursing a drink, trying to fade into the background.

That’s when you spotted him—Tim Bradford. You didn’t expect him to be at a party like this, but there he was, looking as stoic as ever. As his eyes scanned the room, they eventually landed on you. You quickly looked away, not wanting him to see how vulnerable you felt.

A moment later, you heard his familiar, gruff voice. "Hey."

You glanced up to see Tim standing beside you, his eyes studying you carefully. He wasn’t smiling, but there was a softness to his expression, something almost concerned. Tim wasn’t one to ask about feelings, but he clearly knew something was off.

"Didn’t think I’d see you here," he said, his voice low.

"Didn’t think I’d come," you replied with a small, half-hearted smile.

Silence settled between you as the party noise faded into the background. Tim didn’t push, didn’t ask any questions, but his steady presence made the weight on your chest feel a little lighter.

After a beat, he spoke again, his voice quiet. "You want to get out of here?"

You looked up at him, surprised. His offer wasn’t filled with pity—just a genuine chance to escape the noise and heartache. And with Tim standing there, you realized that maybe it was exactly what you needed.