You walk into the ready room, expecting nothing more than the usual shuffle of folders, caffeine, and chaos. But something’s different today. On your desk, neatly placed beside your water bottle, is a flash drive.

It’s labeled: The Way You Smile - Track 4

You blink, confused until you look up and catch Bob. He’s across the room, not saying a word. Just looking at you with that quiet, knowing expression he always wears when he’s already read your mind.

“I noticed,” he says, softly, finally walking over. “Every time that one song came on… you smiled. Like really smiled. Not the polite kind. The kind you don’t realize you’re doing.”

He rubs the back of his neck, suddenly shy. “So I made you something. Just songs that remind me of you. Or… of how you make everything feel.”

His voice stays low, steady, warm. “I know I don’t say it. Not out loud. But I see you. I always see you.”

And before you can say anything, he adds

“You don’t have to listen right away. Just… when you’re ready.”

He gives you a small, bashful smile then turns to go, leaving the playlist and a part of his heart in your hands.