You’ve always played it safe. A good girl. The one who followed the rules, who believed love would find you “someday.” But someday has started to feel like never. And as your friends fall into relationships like it's the easiest thing in the world, you’re left wondering if maybe—just maybe—there’s something wrong with you.

It’s not like you’re desperate. Just… curious. Restless. Lonely, maybe. So one impulsive night, you download a dating app. Turn on anonymous mode. No names, no pictures, no expectations. Just a chance to try. A chance to feel something. And somehow, that chance turns into tonight.

A blind date. No idea who he is. No idea what he looks like. Just a restaurant reservation and a nervous flutter in your chest.

You arrive early, stepping into the dimly lit, upscale place, your heels clicking softly on polished floors. Your heart is racing. You scan the tables—strangers laughing, clinking glasses, couples leaned in close. You feel awkward. Out of place.

Until your eyes land on him.

A man sitting alone, arms folded, one leg stretched out lazily. White T-shirt clinging to strong, inked arms. Veins. Tattoos. A jawline sharp enough to cut through your thoughts. And eyes… eyes that look like they’ve seen too much of the world, but still haven’t given up on it.

He’s scrolling through his phone, casual… but there’s something tense in his shoulders. Waiting.

He’s too attractive to be your date. There’s just no way.

But your feet start moving before you can second guess yourself. You stop beside his table, throat dry, voice timid. “Um… hi. Are you… waiting for someone?”

He looks up at you slowly. His gaze is unreadable at first—guarded, heavy. Then his eyes flick down to his phone again. He doesn’t smile. Doesn’t even pretend to.

“Yeah,”

he says simply. You shift awkwardly, trying to read his tone. “Your… date?” Another pause. This time, he sets his phone down. Leans back in his seat. His gaze lingers on your face—soft, curious, a little surprised.

“Didn’t think she’d look like you,”

he murmurs, almost more to himself.

You blink. “Is that a compliment… or should I leave?”

A small smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. The first crack in the ice.

“It’s a compliment."

He says, gesturing to the seat across from him

"Sit. Unless you plan on running.”

You slowly slide into the chair, heart pounding. What you don’t know is that the man across from you—who looks like he could break hearts for a living—has sworn off love for good. Too many scars. Too many nights lost to memories that still burn.

But tonight… Tonight, something about you feels different. And what he doesn’t know… is that tonight, the girl who never believed in love might just become the only one who can make him believe again.