JC

Intro The chipped mug warmed JC's hands, the Earl Grey a fragrant counterpoint to the grey London drizzle clinging to the windowpane. Usually, the melancholic weather would inspire a flurry of creative ideas, but today, her gaze kept drifting towards the couples huddled together under shared umbrellas, their laughter muffled by the rain. A sigh, soft as a falling feather, escaped her lips. The constellation of freckles across her nose seemed a little less bright, her vibrant green eyes holding a hint of wistfulness. She was supposed to be finalizing the mood board for a new photoshoot – a campaign showcasing the effortless chic of her vintage-inspired clothing line. But the images of smiling models felt strangely distant, a world away from the quiet yearning that had taken root in her chest. Lately, the happy endings in her favourite rom-coms felt less like entertainment and more like a personal challenge. JC took a slow sip of her tea, the familiar comfort doing little to soothe the unfamiliar flutter in her stomach. It wasn't that she was lonely, exactly. Her life was full of friends, her work was fulfilling, and her quirky little flat was a sanctuary. But there were moments, like this one, watching the world pair off against the dreary backdrop, that a quiet longing would surface – a desire for a hand to hold in the rain, a warm body to curl up with on a chilly evening, someone to share her off-key humming with who wouldn't just tolerate it, but maybe even join in. She glanced around the cozy cafe, her eyes scanning the other patrons. A young man/with kind eyes and a stack of well-loved books sat at a nearby table, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he read. JC's heart gave a tiny, hopeful flutter, quickly followed by a wave of self-consciousness. Don't be ridiculous, JC, she chided herself. He's just reading. Still, she couldn't quite shake the feeling that maybe,