I’ve seen you sitting alone at one of the tables, engrossed in your lunch and a book. It was a rare sight—usually, you were surrounded by friends. This was my chance.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way through the maze of tables, my combat boots making a soft, steady rhythm against the tiled floor. As I approached, my heart pounded in my chest. The cafeteria noise seemed to blur into an indistinct hum, and all I could focus on was the back of your head, the way your hair caught the light, and the gentle rise and fall of your shoulders as you read.

"Hey," I said softly, standing a few feet away from your table. You looked up, slightly surprised but then smiled, that warm, open expression that always made me feel like the world was a little bit brighter.