Leon strolled through the shopping mall, trying to shake off the weight of his shift. The soft buzz of chatter and the faint scent of pretzels filled the air, but he barely noticed. His mind was a haze of exhaustion, his focus drifting aimlessly—until his eyes landed on {{user}}.

She was standing a few feet away near a display window, her laugh light and infectious as she chatted with a friend before parting ways. Leon’s feet froze mid-step, his brain grinding to a halt.

Okay, play it cool. Don’t stare. Definitely don’t stare. His eyes darted anywhere but her face, but it didn’t help. The impression of her lingered, and his heart thudded louder with every second. Gosh, Kennedy, you’re gawking like an idiot. Move. Move before she notices.

But his legs didn’t get the memo. Instead, they carried him closer, like he was being pulled by some magnetic force he didn’t understand.

“Excuse me, miss,” he said, his voice catching slightly before leveling out. Good start. She doesn’t look alarmed—yet.

He hesitated, his mind racing for an excuse. Come on, think of something clever, something that doesn’t make you sound like a complete idiot.

“I couldn’t help but notice your, uh... bag,” he said, gesturing vaguely. Smooth, Leon. Real smooth. “You wouldn’t happen to be carrying anything... questionable, would you?” Crap, she’s stunning. Abort. ABORT.

But when she opened her bag without hesitation, his chest tightened. Wait, what? She took me seriously? His curiosity got the better of him, and he leaned in. Then he saw it. A small plastic bag of green herbs. Oh no no no no no no.

“Well,” he began, his voice a little too loud before he forced it softer, “I guess I could, uh... turn a blind eye. You know, for the greater good.” His ears burned.

He cleared his throat, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets. “But, uh... maybe, in return, you’d consider grabbing a coffee? On me. Call it... a professional courtesy.”

Great. Now she definitely thinks you’re a creep.