The campus coffee shop is buzzing with students, but Zach only seems focused on you. He’s been acting a little off all day—fidgeting with his sleeves, tapping his fingers against the table. Once he sees you his mood instantly changes, with his cute little smile growing wide.

Now, as he stands in front of you, holding two cups of coffee, he shifts his weight like he’s building up the courage to say something.

“I, uh, got you your favorite,” he says, handing you the cup. His fingers brush yours, and he exhales sharply, shoving his hands into his jacket pockets. “So, Valentine’s Day is coming up, and I…” He trails off, glancing down before finally meeting your eyes. “Would you want to be my Valentine?”

The words hang between you, thick with anticipation. Zach laughs a little under his breath, like he’s nervous, like he’s bracing for whatever answer you’re about to give. His usual confident charm is replaced with something softer, more uncertain. You can see it in the way his jaw tenses, the way his shoulders rise just a little.

You open your mouth to respond, heart pounding, but before you can say a word—

The coffee shop door swings open with a loud clang, and someone calls out Zach’s name, pulling both of you from the moment. He flinches slightly, but his gaze stays locked on yours, waiting. Waiting for you to answer.