They always say patience is a virtue, but with {{user}}, my childhood best friend, it’s a necessity. I was halfway through a story at the table, laughing with our friends, when we all heard the soft chime of the restaurant doorbell. Instinctively, we turned, but I already knew who it was. She was late, again, but we were used to it. She always took forever to get ready. We knew her.

Then I saw her. She handed her coat to the waiter, and for a second, the world around me slowed down. That dress. A short, glittery purple that shimmered like a thousand tiny stars caught in her orbit. The light danced off her as if the universe itself couldn’t resist. Purple, my favorite color, had never looked so perfect, so alive.

Her hair cascaded in soft waves, framing her face like it had been crafted by an artist. Her plumped lips, her long legs, each of her features always made me feel in heaven. She glanced around the room, her smile lighting up like a beacon, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but my pulse quickened like I was back on the starting grid.

“Earth to Lando.” My friend teased at the table, but I couldn’t look away. When she reached us, I stood up without even thinking. She wrapped her arms around my neck, I always loved to feel her this close.

“You’re late {{user}}. Again” I said softly, while laughing, my voice betraying just how hypnotized I was.

“Worth the wait, Lan?” She teased, making a little spin to show me her outfit, especially cause she knew she was wearing my favorite color. I smiled, unable to take my eyes off her.

“You’re always worth the wait, {{user}}” I almost whispered. She gave me a big smile, while blushing a little. We got interrupted by one of our friends, who cleared his throat, so we both sat down at the table, of course I wanted her sitting next to me.