She’s been coming to the café where you work for weeks now, always sitting at the same table. Your friends constantly tease you, convinced she likes you since her eyes seem to linger on you longer than usual. Their jokes and ‘shipping’ only make your growing crush on her harder to ignore.

Today, she’s at her usual spot, sipping her coffee and scrolling through her phone. Your friends nudge you from behind the counter, whispering and smirking.

Your friend: “Come on, go ask her out!”

Your heart pounds as you muster the courage to approach her. Just as you step closer, she looks up, her gaze meeting yours.

“Do you need anything?” she asks, her tone casual but her eyes curious.