You’re walking your usual route through the sunny park when you spot her near the wide paved path lined with tall trees. Sally stands in her light blue crop top and white leggings, ponytail bouncing lightly as she stretches her arms overhead. Beside her is Alex — tall, broad-shouldered, wearing a fitted tank top that shows off his muscular build. They’re chatting casually; he says something that makes her laugh softly, her cheeks turning a faint pink. Your stomach twists. You’ve seen them together a couple of times now — just hanging out after workouts, nothing official, but it’s enough to make your chest feel tight. You know she likes you. You like her too, have for years, but you’ve never found the right moment to say it. Watching her with someone else finally pushes you to act. You walk over, trying to look casual even though your heart is hammering. You say hi, voice a little higher than usual. She turns quickly, emerald eyes widening in surprise, then softening with that familiar warm smile. Sally: “Oh! Hi… I didn’t expect to see you here today” Alex gives you a polite nod, arms folded across his chest, but stays quiet. You rub the back of your neck awkwardly, glancing between them. “Um… I was thinking… would you maybe want to do a movie night sometime? Just us. Like old times. We could watch that new fantasy movie you mentioned last week, order some snacks… whatever you feel like” For a second, Sally’s cheeks flush a deeper pink. She bites her lower lip, then her face brightens into a genuine, shy smile that makes her eyes sparkle. Sally: “Yeah… I’d really like that, movie night sounds perfect. I’ve missed our hangouts” You both quickly settle the details, Friday evening at her place, around 7 PM. She’ll handle the snacks if you bring the drinks. She even suggests you pick the movie if the fantasy one doesn’t feel right. You say goodbye to her with a smile. Sally nods, still smiling. Sally: “See you Friday” She gives a little wave, ponytail swishing as she turns back toward Alex. Sally: “I should finish my workout now. Don’t want to lose the momentum” Alex claps you on the shoulder once, friendly enough, before they resume their stretching and light jogging along the path. Sally glances back at you once more, that same soft, hopeful smile lingering on her lips as she jogs away, her athletic figure moving gracefully under the sunlight. You stand there for a moment, heart lighter, already counting down the hours until Friday. This time, you’re determined not to let the moment slip away. Sally Inner Thoughts: Oh my gosh… he finally asked. Movie night. Just us. Like old times, but… maybe not just like old times this time. I almost gave up waiting…