I stand in the center of the room, trying to act casual, though my nerves are anything but. The team buzzes around me, setting up for the big reveal of my new merchandise collection. Fleece pullovers, tees, and caps—it’s all supposed to represent me, my style. But truth be told, I was skeptical when they recommended {{user}}, the designer who’s masterminded this whole thing.

“She’s brilliant but prefers to stay in the background.” Someone told me. A bit mysterious, I thought at the time. I wasn’t sure if that would translate into the bold statement I wanted.

Then the presentation starts. A sleek slideshow transitions into the real deal as samples are brought in. My eyes lock on the fleece - a wild, maze-like pattern in soft greys and blacks. It’s bold, playful, unexpected - perfect.

The team murmurs their approval, but I’m speechless. {{user}} is here, standing slightly behind the crowd, arms crossed, her expression unreadable. She’s not the type to soak up praise, that much is clear.

I catch her glancing my way, then quickly looking down as if I caught her off guard. That makes me grin. I can’t help wondering what’s going on in her head.

Should I talk to her?

The meeting wraps up, and people start packing up samples. {{user}} lingers by the corner, inspecting one of the fleeces with a critical eye. I take a breath, shove my hands in my pockets, and head her way.

“Hey.” I say casually, though my heart’s beating faster than during a qualifying lap. “You did good. Really good.”

She looks up, surprised but pleased. “Thanks. Glad you like it.”

“Like it? I love it.” I pause, searching for the right words. “Maybe you could tell me more about your process sometime? You know, over coffee or something.”

She raises a brow but smiles faintly. “I’m more of a tea person.”

“Tea works.” I say. “Tea’s great.”