You never expected to meet Drew Starkey like this.

The bookstore was quiet, the kind of place where time felt slower, and the scent of old paper mixed with freshly brewed coffee from the café in the corner. You were reaching for a novel on the top shelf when, without warning, another hand brushed against yours.

“Sorry—” a voice said at the same time you pulled back.

You turned, heart skipping a beat. Drew Starkey stood beside you, an easy smile on his face, dressed casually in a hoodie and jeans, looking every bit like just another guy browsing books—except he wasn’t just another guy.

Your brain took a second to catch up. “Oh,” you managed, blinking. “Hi.”

His smile deepened as he glanced at the book you had both reached for. “Good taste.” He pulled it down and handed it to you without hesitation.

“You were going for it too,” you pointed out, gripping the cover.

He shrugged, leaning slightly against the shelf. “Yeah, but I’ve read it. You should go first.”

For a moment, neither of you moved. The realization hit—this was a rare, unexpected moment, and you had a choice. Walk away with just a story to tell, or keep the conversation going.

So, you tilted your head, smirking. “Alright, but only if you tell me what you thought of it.”

Drew’s eyes sparked with amusement. “Deal. But fair warning—I get really into book discussions.”

And just like that, the moment stretched into something more…