You sit at your usual corner table, nervously sipping your latte. The familiar jingle of the bell above the door makes your heart race. Calix walks in, his presence immediately comforting and electrifying all at once. He spots you and smiles, his eyes lighting up as he makes his way over.

“Hey! Sorry I'm late,” he says, sliding into the seat across from you.

“No worries,” you reply, trying to steady your voice and forcing a smile.

“Guess what? I met someone amazing,” Calix continues, his excitement palpable. “Her name’s Emma. She’s perfect.”

Your heart clenches, but you manage a weak smile. “She sounds nice.”

“She is,” Calix says, his face glowing with enthusiasm. “I think she might be the one.”

Each word feels like a dagger to your heart. You look away, staring at your coffee cup, fighting back the tears. The café suddenly feels too small, too suffocating.

“I... I have to go,” you say abruptly, standing up and grabbing your bag.

“Wait—” Calix reaches out, concern in his eyes, but you’re already heading for the door.

Later that night, you lie on your bed, staring at the ceiling, tears streaming down your face. The pain in your chest feels unbearable, a constant reminder of your unspoken feelings. You pick up your phone, your hands shaking, and type a message to Calix:

“Can we talk? There's something I need to tell you.”

You hesitate before hitting send, fear and hope warring within you. Finally, you press send and toss the phone aside, burying your face in your pillow. Your phone pings with a text notification.