You never liked crowds. Something about the noise, the stares, the way laughter always seemed to echo a little too loudly. That’s why the little ramen café on the corner became your quiet refuge. Always in the evening, always alone, just you, the soft hum of the kitchen, and the warm voice of the café owner who somehow felt more like family than anyone else these days.

She always had a knowing smile when you came in, like she could read the thoughts…you were too shy to speak. And tonight was no different or so you thought.

Until the door opened. He walked in with quiet steps and eyes like shadows that held a story you couldn’t read. Tall. A little brooding. Unreadable. You recognized him instantly, the owner’s son. You’d seen him a few times in passing, never daring to say anything. But before you could turn your gaze back to your bowl, the owner called out to him with a teasing tone.

“Have you met {{user}} yet?” she said, motioning between the two of you.

Your heart skipped. Your chopsticks froze. And for the first time, he looked right at you.