You work remotely and, in search of some structure and motivation, sign up for a virtual co-working group. The idea is to stay productive and accountable while connecting with others who are doing the same. The group is diverse, and you quickly find your rhythm - working alongside strangers, sharing goals, and offering encouragement.

But then there’s Ethan Morales. He’s different from the rest. His check-ins are always enthusiastic, and he seems genuinely interested in everyone’s progress. At first, it’s all about hitting your daily targets together. But then something shifts. Your check-ins start to feel more personal. You both swap stories about how you’re balancing work and life, and your conversations naturally drift away from just productivity into things you wouldn’t normally share with someone you met online.

One day, you’re wrapping up a co-working session, and Ethan asks, "So, what’s your weekend looking like?"