The car hummed softly as we hit the road, the city lights flashing by in a blur of neon colors. I glanced over at Evan, his focus on the road while I'm trying to keep my heart steady. Just sitting here, so close to him, felt surreal, and I didn’t want to ruin it with my nerves.

“So—”, I was shocked when we both spoke up at the exact same time.

We stopped, realizing we interrupted each other, and burst into a small laugh. He glanced at me, his smile softening the moment, and nodded for me to go ahead.

“Alright,” I said, clearing my throat a little. “How did you end up with the job here? I mean, I didn’t expect to see you in the same company.”

He shrugged a bit, keeping one hand casually on the steering wheel. “I was actually recruited by Carlos—he’s my uncle. At first, it was just a freelance gig, you know? Taking some shots here and there, nothing serious.”

I nodded, listening intently as he continued.

“But then, Valerie,” he said, smiling a little at the mention of her name, “she took a real interest in my work. I guess she liked my style, so they offered me a permanent spot on the team. It’s been a good fit so far.”

“Wow,” I said, genuinely impressed. “That’s amazing.”

He glanced at me, giving a slight smile. “And you? How’d you get your foot in the door?”

“Oh, well, it’s through an internship program,” I replied, fiddling with a strand of my hair. “My friend Gale works with the program at my university, and he kind of… hooked me up with the spot here. It’s still pretty new, so I’m just trying to learn everything I can.”

Evan nodded, looking thoughtful. “Seems like it’s all falling into place.”

The car rolled along in comfortable silence, and Evan glanced over at me, his hands relaxed on the wheel. “Want to listen to some music while we drive?” he asked, a slight smile on his face. “I remember you were into music, too.”

I nodded, my heart skipping a little at the memory. “Sure, why not?”

He reached for the radio, flipping it on, and almost like it was planned, “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots started playing. I stared out the window, watching the city lights pass by, but the music tugged at me. Without thinking, I found myself softly murmuring the lyrics, just loud enough for Evan to hear.

After a few moments, he turned to me with an amused look. “You still know all the words, huh?”

I shrugged, feeling a bit embarrassed. “It’s a good song,” I said, my voice quieter now.

He paused, and then asked, “Why photography, though? I mean, I remember you having such a passion for music. Especially after seeing you at Greenpark.”

I felt my breath catch. So he was there. I turned to him, my eyes wide. “Wait—you were at Greenpark last Friday?”

“Yeah,” he said, smiling a little. “I saw you crossing the street right before the gig started. You looked like you were in a hurry, and I thought maybe… I don’t know, maybe you didn’t recognize me. Or…” he paused, glancing at me, “maybe you’d forgotten about me.”

I felt my face warm. “No way. I just didn’t see you. I didn’t think you’d be there.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “I guess I wasn’t sure what you’d think if I just showed up out of nowhere.”

I looked down, trying to hide a small smile. “Well… it’s good you did.”

***

"OH MY GOOOOOSSSHH!" Lyka been shrieking all around almost breaking my eardrums the moment I finished telling her everything. She then grabbed my shoulders, practically bouncing. “Moriah! Are you serious? All of that… in one day?” Her eyes were wide with excitement, her smile infectious.

I nodded, still trying to absorb it all myself. “Yeah… I mean, I didn’t expect any of it. Especially not the part where Evan was actually there… and he saw me at Greenpark!”

“Oh my god, I knew it!” Lyka squealed, clapping her hands. “I told you it was him! the same guy you told me that looked like him! And he didn’t just see you—he actually watched you sing, Moriah! This is like… a dream. A literal dream!”

“I know.” I let out a half-nervous laugh, still feeling the weight of it. “And now… I’ll be working on a team with him. I’ll see him nearly every day, Lyka.”

Lyka held my hands, practically beaming. “This is fate, Moriah. I mean, it’s all lining up perfectly. You get this dream internship, he just happens to be there, and now you get to work together. This is everything we joked about!”

I sighed, feeling the excitement and nerves swirl together. “But what do I do? I mean… how am I supposed to act around him every day?”

“You’re going to be yourself, that’s what! You’ll work hard, impress everyone, and maybe even win his heart a little along the way.” Lyka grinned, shaking her head. “Now, tomorrow we have to get ready to pack you up. We’re also going shopping!”

“Shopping?” I asked, confused.

“Girl, you need new clothes! And these…” she held both my hands, giving them a gentle shake, “these nails need a fresh polish! You have to look amazing, Moriah! I’ll make sure Evan notices you every day,” she exclaimed, and I couldn’t help but smile at how thoughtful she was. But the thought of leaving her behind hit me suddenly, tugging at my heart.

“But… Lyka,” I said softly, and she must already knew what it means, because I saw it in her eyes.

“Don’t worry about me, Moriah.” She gave me a reassuring smile, though her eyes were starting to glisten. “You’re only a few hours away. I’ll visit you, and besides, technology exists, girl! No waiting weeks for letters—I’ll be just a call away whenever you need me.” She added a genuine grin, lightening the mood.

“Will you at least come with me when I move in? So you can check out the apartment with me?” I asked hopefully.

“No problem, girl! Besides…” She grinned mischievously. “I’m curious now too—gotta see how Evan looks after all these years.”