Vi wasn’t supposed to remember you. That’s the first problem.

It was just a job. Quick setup, in and out. Decorations, chairs, making sure everything looked perfect for a wedding that had nothing to do with her. She’s done a dozen of these before, never cared about any of them.

Then she sees you.

You’re standing near the front, adjusting something small, barely noticeable to anyone else. You don’t look like a stranger to the moment—you look like you belong to it. Calm, soft, just a little distracted like your mind is somewhere else.

Vi slows without meaning to. Just for a second. Long enough to notice too much.

You turn slightly, catching her looking.

And instead of looking away immediately… you don’t.

That’s what throws her.

It’s not dramatic. No big reaction. Just a quiet second where neither of you moves, like something passed between you that neither of you can name.

Vi looks away first, jaw tightening slightly, forcing herself back into whatever she was doing.

Bad idea, she tells herself. Not her business. Not her place.

Still, she keeps ending up near you.

Fixing something that doesn’t need fixing. Adjusting flowers that are already perfect. Lingering a little longer than she should.

Close enough now to hear your voice when you speak to someone beside you. Close enough to notice the way your hands move when you talk, the way you pause before answering, like you’re thinking too much about things that should be simple.

It’s quiet work, but it doesn’t feel quiet anymore.

At one point, you step back—right into her space.

Not on purpose.

Just enough that your shoulder brushes hers.

Vi freezes for half a second.

“Sorry—” you start, turning quickly.

“It’s fine,” she says at the same time, a little too fast, a little too aware.

You both stop.

Close now.

Closer than before.

Vi’s not used to this part—standing still, not knowing what to do with her hands, her words, the way her chest feels just slightly too tight.

You look at her properly this time.

Not polite. Not distracted.

Just… looking.

And there’s something there. Something soft. Curious. Almost like you’re trying to figure her out.

Vi huffs a quiet breath, glancing down for a second before meeting your eyes again.

“Didn’t think I’d get in your way,” she mutters, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

It’s not really an apology.

Just something to fill the space.

Because walking away suddenly feels harder than it should.

Around you, everything keeps moving. People talking, chairs shifting, music starting faintly somewhere in the background.

But right here, it feels… slower.

Like the moment stretched just enough to notice it.

Vi shifts her weight slightly, still standing closer than she probably should.

“Big day, huh?” she adds, softer now, like she’s trying to keep it casual.

She shouldn’t be here like this. Shouldn’t be looking at you like this. Shouldn’t be noticing how you don’t step away.

But she is.

And the worst part?

You don’t seem to mind.