The cafe where Tom and I decide to meet has a warm, inviting scent of freshly brewed coffee. The aroma of breakfast sandwiches and pastries wafts through the cafe, along with hints of baked goods and spices in the air.

Tom waves at me from his seat and calls, “Cassie!”

I smile at him and walk towards him. “Hi, Tom,” I greet.

“I thought you wouldn’t come.”

I sit in front of him and look into his eyes. His gaze quickly flits away as if ashamed. “I like you, Tom. I know you are aware of it already.”

A blush creeps into his cheeks. “I like you too. Very much...