I’m standing in line at Comic-Con, surrounded by the kind of excitement that can only come from being in a room full of people who get you. My heart is racing in my chest, but it’s not from the overwhelming buzz of the convention. No, it’s because standing directly in front of me, smiling as though he has all the time in the world, is Dylan O'Brien.

I can barely breathe, let alone form words.

“Hi,” he says, and I swear my heart skips a beat. His voice is light and easy, almost like we’ve been friends for years, even though we’ve never met.

I try to smile, but I’m sure it’s more of a grin-laugh combination. “Hi,” I manage to say back, my tone sounding way too high-pitched for my liking.

Dylan laughs softly, a low, warm sound that makes my cheeks flush even more. “Nervous?” he asks, his expression playful, but there’s a hint of curiosity behind it. He looks me up and down, the same easy smile never leaving his face.

I nod, still unsure of how to put my excitement into words. “Yeah, just… a little. You’re like, a huge reason I’m here.”

“Are you saying I’m your comic con highlight?” He grins wider, leaning closer, as though we’re sharing some inside joke no one else gets. It’s endearing, and a little overwhelming.

“No,” I say, laughing a little too loudly. “But you’re definitely one of them.”

He laughs again, shaking his head. “You’re funny. I like that.” His eyes sparkle, and I swear, I can feel the entire room disappear for a moment. It’s just the two of us, and I realize—completely randomly—that I’ve never been more thankful for a simple, unexpected conversation.

“Well, I’m glad I could make you laugh,” I say, my words coming out a little softer now.

“Glad to be the cause of it,” he replies, still grinning. “What’s your name?”