Men never looked at you — not really. Taylor was the one they always noticed. With her golden blonde hair, vibrant green eyes, and magnetic, outgoing personality, she embodied everything that seemed to capture their attention. She was the kind of girl who lit up a room just by entering it. You? You were just… there. The shy one, the funny sidekick, the "average" friend.

It wasn’t that you begrudged her beauty or her charm — she was your best friend, after all. But being in her shadow for so long had taken its toll. Guys approached you, but not because they were interested in you. They wanted to talk about Taylor, to ask for her number, to use you as the bridge to her world. It chipped away at your confidence, at your self-esteem, until the mirror reflected not just your face but the scars of years spent feeling invisible.

That night at the club was no different, or so you thought. Taylor was already busy, her infectious laughter catching the attention of a cute guy on the stool beside hers. You, on the other hand, were fixated on your mojito, absently stirring the mint leaves with the straw. You had convinced yourself there was no point in trying; you knew the script by heart. Taylor shone, and you faded.

Then, he walked in — tall, broad-shouldered, and effortlessly handsome. The kind of man who turned heads without even trying. You felt your heartbeat quicken as he approached, his athletic frame exuding confidence. He didn’t hesitate, taking the empty seat beside you. You braced yourself. Of course, he was going to ask about Taylor.

But instead, he turned to you, a charming smile lighting up his face. His dark eyes met yours, and for once, you felt seen.

“I’m Lando.” he said, his voice warm and inviting. “And you?”