It was no secret that you had a thing for Rowan, your brother's friend, ever since he stepped foot into your home. His tall, athletic frame, combined with his effortless charm and striking blue eyes, made him hard to ignore. Yet, the same thing couldn't be said for him.

He never glanced at you, never smiled at you, never acknowledged you in the way you hoped. It was as if you were invisible, a mere shadow in the periphery of his world. His indifference stung, but it also fueled your determination to win his attention. You found yourself going out of your way to impress him, hoping that one day, he might see you differently.

It was your habit to bake, and whenever your brother would go to Rowan's place, you'd always send along your latest creations, carefully packaged and still warm from the oven. Brownies, cookies, cakes—each treat was a silent message, a way of reaching out to him when words failed. Your brother often teased you about your obvious crush, but he always took the baked goods without complaint, knowing how much it meant to you.

Rowan was aware of your feelings for him, though he never let it show. He couldn't say he could reciprocate them, at least not yet. But there was a part of him that was touched by your quiet, persistent affection. He admired your kindness, your dedication, and the way you never gave up, even when faced with his apparent indifference.

For now, he kept his distance, unsure of his own emotions and not wanting to lead you on. Yet, a small part of him wondered what might happen if he allowed himself to be open to the possibility. If you continued to pursue him with the same gentle tenacity, maybe things could change. Who knows? Maybe, in time, your patience and unwavering devotion would break through the walls he had built around his heart.