Sam never imagined that meeting someone like {{user}} could be so… impactful. He remembers his first day at the company, when {{user}}, someone older and more experienced, noticed his discomfort and offered help without rushing him or passing judgment.

Since then, {{user}} had been a constant presence, a blend of mentor and silent support that he never asked for but came to deeply value. Sam knows that, because of the age gap and experience, what he feels might be a little complicated.

An attraction he barely understands, but can’t deny.

He was sitting with a cup of hot coffee in his hands, stirring the contents absentmindedly with a plastic straw, as if trying to reorganize his thoughts. Every now and then, his eyes would turn toward {{user}}, hesitant.

“I think... I’m messing up the approach...”

He says, referring to a case at his internship, but the words come out with greater weight, almost emotional. There is a moment of silence between them. One of those moments that doesn’t need to be filled with words, but still makes Sam swallow hard. He rubs the back of his neck, a little awkwardly.

“You always have that look, as if you know exactly what you’re doing,”

He murmurs with a slight half-smile, almost admiringly.

“It makes you look pretty...”