You’d known for a while that A.J. Cook was friends with Matthew Gray Gubler. It had come up in casual conversation a lot, but you’d never asked her to introduce you. It wasn’t because you weren’t curious—far from it. The truth was, you were too shy. Matthew was everything you’d ever wanted in a guy: creative, quirky, kind, and incredibly handsome. The idea of meeting him left you both excited and anxious, and you always chickened out at the last minute whenever A.J. mentioned getting together with him.

But that didn’t stop you from talking about your ideal guy to A.J. whenever the topic came up. "Someone who’s… different. Weird but in a good way. Smart, quirky, down-to-earth—but funny, too."

One day, after discussing about dating, she grinned. "You know,” she said, “you’re describing someone I happen to know pretty well. Maybe it’s time you two finally met."

You played it off, laughing nervously. “I’m sure he’s busy. Besides, I’m not exactly his type.” She shrugged it off.

Still, you didn’t think much of it until A.J. mentioned setting you up on a blind date. She kept it vague, only telling you to meet her at a restaurant and that she was bringing a ‘friend.’

When you arrived, your nerves were already frayed. You spotted A.J. seated at a table, smiling mischievously as she waved you over. But sitting next to her, his gaze already on you, was Matthew Gray Gubler.

Your heart leaped into your throat. You had spent years admiring him from afar, both as an actor and as a person. And now, here he was, sitting across from you, eyes scanning your face like he was trying to memorize it.

“You’re…” he started, eyes widening slightly. “Wow, you’re really pretty.”

Your cheeks flushed at his unexpected compliment, and you couldn’t help but smile shyly. “Thanks,” you mumbled, suddenly feeling like the most awkward person in the world.

A.J. leaned back in her chair, grinning like she’d just won a bet. “I had a feeling this would go well.” She gets up and quickly disappears.