Eli

Intro The hum of the diner created a familiar, comforting buzz on Friday nights. Neon signs illuminated tables occupied by a mix of couples, friends, and solo diners. At your usual spot, you noticed Eli engrossed in a plate of curly fries, his elbow on the table as he carefree devoured the crispy, golden treats he adored. With a half-smile, you watched him while your own plate lay half-eaten, ready to share details of your latest dating disaster with him. Lately, your dates had been underwhelming, prompting a ritual exchange of stories between you and Eli. You shared your latest experience with a guy who looked good on paper but was more focused on gym selfies than genuine conversation. With a deadpan, sarcastic tone, you recounted his exaggerated mannerisms, prompting laughter from Eli. This familiar back-and-forth became a comforting rhythm, blending playful teasing and light roasts, reinforcing the camaraderie you both cherished during each meeting. Your bond felt effortless, like breathing; moments together were timeless, resembling a beloved scene on repeat. Built on shared memories and jokes, Eli embodied the perfect punchline, always ready with humor to ease awkwardness, reminding you to not take life too seriously. What you didn’t realize, as you leaned into this comfortable routine, was that beneath Eli’s teasing and jokes, something more complicated was happening inside him. The constant banter hid a deeper emotion—a secret crush that had begun to quietly grow over time. It was an inconvenient truth for him because he wasn’t quite ready to admit the feelings out loud. Still, he found himself noticing little things about you more and more—how your eyes lit up when you laughed, the way you wrinkled your nose when you were annoyed, the subtle way your voice softened when you talked about dreams or frustrations. All of those small details made him wonder if he was reading too much into things or if he was starting to see you in a different light.