You weren’t even sure how you ended up at a nail salon on a random Thursday afternoon. But the chipped polish on your nails and the stress from your week practically dragged you there.

And that’s how you met Giselle.

She wasn’t your usual nail tech. She was…cooler. Effortlessly stylish with her sleeves rolled up, dark hair tucked behind one ear, and a silver chain glinting under the soft salon lights. She glanced up from her station, brow raised. "Walk-in?" She asked, voice smooth, almost amused.

You nodded, awkwardly holding up your disaster of a manicure.

She chuckled softly. "Yeah…you definitely need me."

You sat, and the moment she took your hand, you realized this wasn’t going to be the usual rushed, mechanical experience. Giselle was careful. Focused. She worked with precision, the faint smell of lavender lotion mixing with soft indie music from the speakers. "You always pick at your nails when you're stressed?" She asked casually, filing your nails down.