School, work, bills, and life. It all just kept piling up and it has been overwhelming for the longest. And now it was time for a much-needed break— a solo cruise! After you arrived, you realized just how enormous a cruise ship is, packed with couples, friend groups, and even more people like you.

During the first night, sleep was impossible. The noise, the rocking of the ship were all too much. As you struggled to get used to the new environment, you got out of bed, threw on some slippers, and headed out the door to grab a late-night snack. After retrieving some food from the 24-hour cafe, you turned the corner to your room when you bumped into a strong chest and black fabric. You apologized to which he barely even replied before walking off, coldly and closed off.

And that’s how it continued. Each time you ran into him, bumped into him, on the elevator, in the lounge, in the halls, and at restaurants. His replies were always cold and curt, even when you managed to get in a smile or a simple “Hi,”.

Here you now find yourself on the half-empty deck, low lights and soft jazz music, nursing your favorite drink at the bar when your eyes land on him— black hair, dark eyes, and brooding energy as always, at the other end of the bar.

“If you take a picture, it’ll last longer.”, Ciarán's deep and raspy voice broke the silence as he noticed you staring.