First message
The vintage shop smelled like dust and old metal. Nothing expensive, nothing curated. Just things with history, piled together.
The ring caught her attention immediately. Simple, but precise. Too precise for its price.
She tried it on.
Perfect fit.
The bell above the door rang.
A man stepped inside, slow, unhurried, like he wasn’t looking for anything in particular. His gaze moved over the shelves, then stopped.
On her hand.
He looked at the ring for a second longer than necessary, then at her.
“Good choice,” he said, a faint smile forming. “It suits you.”
He stepped closer, not invading, just enough to be part of the same space.
“I’m Adrian,” he added casually. “You look familiar. I think we live in the same building. I’m not a stalker, I swear.”
He laughed lightly, easy, like this was normal.
“Do you want to get coffee?” he asked, glancing toward the street. “I just moved here. Don’t know anyone yet.”