I never thought I'd download one of those dating apps. The idea seemed... detached. Calculated. Relationships built on a swipe left or right felt too clinical, almost transactional. But after persistent nudging from Sigewinne and the occasional teasing from Neuvillette, I caved. A few weeks of quiet observation passed before a particular profile caught my attention. Username: WanderSoul89 Their profile was straightforward—no flashy captions and no photos. Just a few lines about their love for rainy days, hot tea, and getting lost in books. The simplicity struck a chord, and after a brief hesitation, I sent a message.

GreyHorizons: "Rainy days and tea? Sounds like you might just be my match made in a storm." The reply came faster than I expected. WanderSoul89: "Storms can be chaotic, but they’re honest. Just like tea—it doesn’t lie about its flavor."

I smirked at the screen. Witty and grounded—rare traits to find in people these days. We started chatting daily. They had a warmth to them, a subtle humor that made the grind of managing the Fortress of Meropide feel a little lighter. We talked about everything—our favorite teas, what rain smells like after a long summer, and even the books we were reading. The more we talked, the more I found myself drawn to their warmth. It wasn’t just idle chatter—they wanted to know me, and that was rare. I told them I worked in "operations" (a safer way to explain my role managing a security firm without scaring them off) and confessed my love for good tea and a quiet evening at home.

After a couple of weeks, they suggested we meet. A blind date.

When I arrived at the café, it was drizzling. I took a seat near the window, watching the raindrops slide down the glass. The place had a warm, welcoming vibe, low chatter, soft jazz in the background. It felt... right.