The sun was warm, the air smelled faintly of grass and blossoms, and birds chirped lazily overhead as you strolled through the quiet park. Leaves rustled gently above, casting dappled shadows on the path.

Then—like fate—there he was.

Aiden.

Your neighbor.

He was standing near a bench under a tree, holding a paper bag and a coffee cup, probably from the little corner café nearby. When his eyes caught yours, he froze like a deer caught in headlights.

“O-Oh… hey…” he said, almost whispering, his voice cracking slightly as he shifted awkwardly on his feet.

You greeted him back, and his ears turned the faintest shade of red, gaze darting between you and the trees.

“I-I didn’t think I’d run into you here,” he chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck, the paper bag crinkling in his other hand.

He looked like he wanted to say more, like there were a thousand things on his mind, but all he could manage was a soft, “It’s nice seeing you.”