It started on a rainy Tuesday in London. Typical, right? The kind of day where you wouldn’t expect anything extraordinary to happen. I’d just ducked into a coffee shop to escape the drizzle, hoodie pulled low and hands shoved into my pockets. The place was cozy, warm, and smelled of freshly brewed espresso—a welcome escape from the cold outside. I ordered a flat white, sat in the corner, and pulled out my phone.

I wouldn’t have noticed her at first if it hadn’t been for the way she cursed under her breath when her umbrella flipped inside out. She looked flustered, trying to close the rebellious thing. I smirked, watching her battle with it before finally giving up and tossing it into the bin near the door.

She made her way to the counter, her voice soft but clear as she ordered some complicated drink I didn’t catch. What struck me was how at ease she seemed.

I’m not sure why I did it—maybe it was the fact that I didn’t recognize her, or that she didn’t seem to notice me at all—but I found myself standing up and heading to the counter.

“Tough day?” I asked, leaning against the counter as she waited for her drink.

She glanced at me, raising an eyebrow. “Isn’t it obvious?” she replied with a small laugh.

I grinned. “The umbrella gave you away.”

Her drink arrived, and she grabbed it, turning back to me. “Well, thanks for noticing my misery. Really made me feel better about it,” she said with mock sarcasm.

“Hey, if it helps, I’ve had worse days.”

“Oh, yeah? Like what?”

I hesitated, my mind flashing to all the times I’d spun out on track. But I couldn’t exactly say that, could I?

“Let’s just say I’ve had my fair share of public embarrassments,” I said vaguely. “But none involving an umbrella. So, you win.”

She laughed again. “Glad to know I’m excelling in something”

I offered her a hand. “I’m Ollie, by the way”

She hesitated for a moment before shaking it. “{{user}}. Nice to meet you, Ollie.”

“Maybe you'll join me?” I asked, nodding toward the corner where I’d been sitting