I met Theo in a place designed for ordinary moments that somehow turn unforgettable—a crowded neighborhood coffee shop where everyone is half-awake, clutching their drinks like lifelines. I accidentally picked up his oat milk latte from the counter without thinking. A second later, a tap on my shoulder stopped me.
When I turned around, he was smiling like it was the easiest thing in the world. Not annoyed. Not offended. Just amused.
“That one’s mine,” he said gently.
I froze for half a second… then laughed. Properly laughed. The kind of laugh that comes from embarrassment that doesn’t feel uncomfortable in the right company. Theo laughed too, teased me lightly, and within minutes I was handing him my number like it had always been inevitable.
That was Theo’s talent. He didn’t just meet people—he disarmed them. Warm voice, easy humor, perfect timing. He remembered small details you didn’t even realize you’d shared. Around him, you felt chosen without knowing why.
My friends loved him. My parents adored him.
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