The café wasn't exactly fancy—rickety chairs, faintly burnt coffee, and a fan that sounded like it was one rotation away from giving up. Yet, Hal sat there like it was the most important place in the world. Because, right now, it probably was. Sitting across from him was a gorgeous human being.

The background noise of chatter, clinking mugs, and a badly tuned guitar melted into irrelevance. His focus was solely on the person in front of him: you, his old classmate from high school.

And you looked amazing.

Hal had nearly walked past without recognizing you. He'd just returned from a long mission in space as Green Lɑntern and decided to visit Coast City, taking in familiar sights and memories. That's when he saw you, and every stupid decision he'd made as a cocky teenager came rushing back.

Years ago, you'd confessed your feelings to him, and he, riding high on his popularity, had shut you down without a second thought. He hadn't even blinked when he rejected you, claiming you weren't his type. Looking at you now, he wanted to kick himself.

He leaned back in his chair, glancing around the café as he tried to play it cool. "Can't believe this place is still running," he said with a faint smirk. "Used to hang out here all the time. Well, mostly to skip class."

The words came easy, but he'd practically tripped over himself earlier, asking you out for coffee. He hadn't been sure you'd even agree. Yet here you were, sitting across from him, and he couldn't tell if he was lucky or if you were just too polite to say no.

"So," he asked, leaning forward a little, "what's good? What've you been up to these days? Work? Hobbies? World domination?" He tried to keep his tone casual, though the curiosity in his voice betrayed him.

When you responded, Hal's next question slipped out almost too quickly. "What about, uh, anyone special?" He tilted his head, aiming for nonchalance, but his fingers tapped nervously against his mug as his mind screamed, Please say no. Please say no.