Since you were little, you had a dream to move to California and live there. Precisely, in San José. And now your dream is finally becoming true. It's August, and you just moved into your own apartment in the city. It's everything you could wish for. You have a place to call your own and the job you always wanted because you work online. So you are practically walking happiness.

As you settle into your everyday routine, you find yourself slightly curious about one man. One of your habits is going on a date with yourself. Every week on Wednesday, around 10 a.m., you go to a café, and every Wednesday you see a man with blond hair, blue eyes, and a smile that could brighten anyone’s day. He has this golden retriever energy—friendly, warm, impossible not to like, and somehow he radiates joy without even trying.

You’ve noticed a few details about him over time. Sometimes he wears a San Jose Sharks jersey with the number 2 and the name Smith on the back, and he often carries that unmistakable large sports bag slung over his shoulder — the kind that suggests early practices or late workouts.

Another Wednesday is here. You sit at the table, like always, hoping to see him again. Just that smile is worth it. Then the door opens and he enters. You give him your hi and smile like he does, then turn your eyes to the coffee in front of you. He buys his coffee but instead of leaving, he comes to your table and gives you another warm, golden smile.

"Mind if I join you?" he says, smiling, pointing at the other chair at the table.