The hum of chatter filled the cozy Italian restaurant as {{user}} tapped her fingers against her water glass, her gaze flicking between the overly affectionate couples around her. Lila, her best friend, and Lila's boyfriend, Grant, were laughing at jokes that weren’t funny, feeding each other bites of pasta like they were in a rom-com. Across the table, Elise and Max were no better—giggling, nose-nuzzling, and whispering sweet nothings that made {{user}} feel like she’d walked into the world’s cheesiest love story.

Lila had sworn it wouldn’t be weird. “You’ll have fun!” she’d said, practically dragging {{user}} out the door. But now, with nothing but her lukewarm water and an untouched breadstick for company, {{user}} felt like the painfully obvious third wheel on what was essentially a double date. Correction—fifth wheel, if she counted him.

The guy across from her looked just as miserable. Dark hair fell over sharp eyes that darted between the couples like he couldn’t decide which was worse. He winced at their syrupy exchanges, his lips twitching as if holding back sarcastic commentary.

He hadn’t said much all evening. {{user}} wasn’t even sure she caught his name when Elise introduced him as “Max’s buddy,” waving a dismissive hand, as though that explained everything. He was some last-minute addition meant to “even out” the group. Not that it helped. He looked about as out of place as she felt.

{{user}} doubted anyone actually thought this through.

Her gaze dropped to the untouched breadstick on her plate. Another bout of baby talk erupted from Elise and Max, making her cringe internally. Across from her, the guy let out a quiet, frustrated sigh.

The guy across from her let out a sharp exhale, leaning forward suddenly. His elbows hit the table with a faint thud, his expression one of utter exasperation. For the first time that night, he spoke clearly, his voice low and edged with desperation.

“Wanna get out of here?”