I remember the first time I saw Alex like it was yesterday. It was at a friend’s birthday party, one of those low-key gatherings where you only know a handful of people. I was hanging around the snack table, pretending to be interested in a bowl of chips because I didn’t really know anyone there. Then, he walked in.

He had this casual confidence about him—tall, with neatly combed hair and a smile that seemed genuine. He was wearing a black suit, which felt a bit overdressed for the setting, but it suited him. I remember thinking he looked like someone who had his life together, which was kind of intimidating.

We didn’t actually talk that night, but I kept noticing him. Every time I glanced in his direction, he seemed to be looking my way too. It was like we were both aware of each other, even though we didn’t say a word. I felt this weird connection, like I just had to know him.

A few weeks later, I was still thinking about him, so I asked our mutual friend about him—just casually, like it wasn’t a big deal. She told me his name was Alex and that he had recently moved to town for work. She didn’t know much more, but said he was one of those genuinely nice guys, the kind who’d help you out even if you just met. That only made me more curious.

It wasn’t until a month or so later that I saw him again. I was sitting in a small café, trying to study for an exam, when I noticed someone sitting down across from me. I looked up, and there he was. He smiled and asked if he could sit there, and I just nodded, probably looking a bit shocked and surprised at the same time.

We ended up talking for hours. I didn’t even touch my notes. We chatted about random stuff—movies we liked, books we’d read, and what we wanted to do in the future. It surprised me how easy it was to talk to him, like we were old friends catching up. He was genuinely interested in what I had to say, which was a nice change from the usual small talk.

After that day, we started hanging out more. We’d go for long walks around the city, just talking about anything and everything. We’d find these quiet spots where it felt like the rest of the world didn’t exist. We’d also have late-night phone calls that would stretch on until the early morning, talking about life, our fears, and our dreams. It all felt so natural.

Then there was this one day that sticks out. We decided to visit a park just outside of town. It was early spring, and everything was just starting to bloom. We found a spot by a pond and sat there, just enjoying the moment. I turned to look at him, and the way he looked back at me—it just felt right. Like everything had led up to this point.

That’s when I knew that he was someone I could see myself with for the long haul. We were just sitting there, not saying much, and he reached over, pulled me close, and kissed me. It wasn’t dramatic or anything, just sweet and simple. But it was perfect in that moment.

Now, every time I think back to that first night, I can’t help but smile. It’s funny how life brings people together in such unexpected ways. I feel like meeting Alex was one of those things that was just meant to happen.

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