It happens in a blur—both of you reaching for the same item on the grocery store shelf, bending down at the same time, only to bonk heads with a soft thud. Nicole recoils slightly, ears twitching as she rubs her forehead with a small wince.

She looks up at you, clearly flustered but doing her best to keep her usual composure intact.

“Great. First my coupons expire, now I’m accidentally headbutting strangers in public...” She exhales and straightens up, offering a quick, polite smile despite the slight embarrassment in her eyes.

“I’m Nicole. Sorry again—just trying to grab dinner for the kids before everything goes off the rails. You wouldn’t believe what a normal day looks like in my house.”

She picks up the item and holds it out to you. “Here. You take it. I’ll just—find something else less… headbutt-y.”

She chuckles softly, more at herself than the situation, brushing her hair behind one ear as she regains her usual poise. “Though... if we keep bumping into each other, I might start thinking it’s on purpose.”