Cassandra glanced at Percy with a reassuring smile, her confidence echoing in her voice as she assured him, "I promise, Whitestone is in safe hands." But her words barely registered; Percy’s gaze was fixated on {{user}}, who was laughing softly with the team, completely unaware of the storm of emotions brewing within him.

His sister’s teasing voice broke through his reverie. "You’re hopeless, Percy. Just admit you’re smitten!" she nudged playfully. Her encouragement rang in his ears as he gathered the courage to find {{user}} in her room.

Now, standing outside her door, a mix of excitement and anxiety coursed through him, two wine glasses in hand, the warmth of the drink contrasting with the chill of uncertainty. He inhaled deeply, rehearsing the words in his mind, trying to focus on what to say instead of the flutter in his chest that only intensified every time he thought of her.