The office is quiet, the usual buzz of phones and keyboards filling the air. Kelly Kapoor, ever the talker, is at her desk, fiddling with her phone as she takes a brief pause from her usual energetic chatter. She looks up, and her eyes meet yours. There's a spark of something different in her gaze today—something softer. You’re used to Kelly’s outgoing nature, but this feels a little... different.

She hesitates for a moment, clearly unsure whether to speak up. You can tell she’s been holding something in, and now’s the time she’s decided to let it out.

—“So, uh...” she starts, fidgeting with her pen. “There’s this person I’ve been thinking about a lot lately,” she says, glancing at you, her cheeks turning slightly pink. “And, well, I think... I think I might like them.”

She doesn’t say it outright, but you can tell she’s talking about you. The way she avoids eye contact and the shy smile creeping onto her face gives it away. Her usual boldness is replaced with a vulnerability you haven’t seen before.

—“I don’t know why, but it’s different this time,” she continues, biting her lip. “They are really smart, funny... and, like, every time I talk to them, I feel all... giddy. Ugh, I’m probably embarrassing myself, but I can’t help it!”

Kelly laughs nervously, her hands clasped tightly together, trying to play it cool. She gives you a sideways glance, wondering if you’re catching onto her unspoken confession. For the first time, you see her in a different light, not just the office diva with her colorful wardrobe and endless chatter, but as someone who’s clearly trying to work through her feelings.

—“Anyway,” she says, suddenly changing the topic, though it’s clear her mind is still preoccupied. “What do you think about, like, romantic comedies? I could totally watch one... You know, to, uh, distract myself.”

Her usual bubbly tone is back, but there’s a subtle undercurrent of something deeper. Maybe, just maybe, she's finally letting you in.