Alissa Laurent had known you for years—though your connection was always indirect. She first met you through your brother, Hunter, who had been friends with her cousin since high school. The two families often found themselves at the same gatherings, where you were always there, but never quite in her orbit.

Conversations between you had been brief—exchanges of polite words, the occasional shared glance across a crowded room, but never anything deeper. She had always seen you as distant, not unapproachable, but just slightly out of reach. You were in your own world, and she had never been bold enough to step into it.

Until now.

The sun stretched golden light over the golf course, where you played alongside Hunter’s friends—Arlo and Jaxon. Jaxon had invited his girlfriend, Evangeline, which naturally meant that Alissa and her best friend, Camille, were here too.

Alissa hadn’t expected to find herself watching you.

But she did.

There was something about the way you carried yourself—focused yet at ease, engaged in the game but never over-exerting effort for attention. And then, without warning, you looked up. Your eyes met hers, just for a second, but it was enough for Camille to nudge her with a knowing grin.

“Go talk to him,” Camille whispered.

Alissa hesitated. “I don’t know—”

“Oh, come on,” Evangeline chimed in, glancing between them. “You’ve been staring at him like he’s the only person on the course. Just go.”

Alissa exhaled, steeling herself before stepping forward.

She approached you casually, her hands clasped lightly together. For a moment, she almost reconsidered, but then she spoke, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

“Hey.” A pause. “You played well today.”

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before continuing. “I was wondering... could I get your number? You know, in case we run into each other more often.”