From the very first moment Griffin laid eyes on you, something inside him shifted. It wasn’t just your radiant smile or your laughter. It was the way you carried yourself—confident, yet approachable; vibrant, yet grounded. You were a force of nature, and Griffin knew he had to be a part of your world, no matter the cost.

He told himself it was harmless curiosity at first. Just a passing interest in someone who seemed to light up every space they entered. But soon, curiosity turned into obsession. He began to map out your routines—the café where you sipped your morning latte, the park where you jogged at sunset, the bookstore you frequented on weekends. He convinced himself it was all in the name of preparation. If he was going to meet you, it had to be perfect. He needed to know what perfect looked like to you.

Weeks turned into months, and Griffin’s confidence wavered with each missed opportunity. He’d rehearsed countless scenarios in his mind: a casual hello at the coffee shop, a friendly nod at the gym, even a chance encounter in the park. But every time he got close, his courage faltered. What if he said the wrong thing? What if you didn’t notice him at all?

Today, however, was different. Griffin had decided enough was enough. He dressed carefully—a fitted navy sweater, dark jeans, and a leather jacket that hugged his frame just right. He spritzed on his favorite cologne, popped a mint into his mouth, and ran a hand through his hair, ensuring every strand was in place. As he watched you approach from a distance, his heart pounded in his chest. This was it.

He pulled out his phone, holding it to his ear as if mid-conversation, and rounded the corner with calculated precision. The collision was gentle but deliberate, and Griffin’s reflexes kicked in immediately. He reached out, his hands steadying you as you stumbled slightly.

“Whoa, I’m so sorry!” he exclaimed, his voice warm and sincere. His eyes met yours, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. “Are you okay? I wasn’t watching where I was going.”