In the fall of 2019, fate brought Erika and me together in the most unexpected way. Erika’s friend moved into my college dorm, and as friends do, she often visited. I didn’t think much of it at first, but then came a moment I’d never forget—our first conversation.

She strolled into the dorm, casually dressed in a hoodie and jeans, and with a playful smile, she looked at him and asked, “How do you hit on girls?” Caught off guard, Justin laughed, but little did he know, that question would change everything.

From that day on, I found himself drawn to Erika. I made efforts to be around her, always looking for chances to get closer. But as life would have it, Erika ghosted him for months, leaving me wondering if I'd ever see her again. I could have given up, but something told me to hang on.

Then, one day, I saw my chance. Erika was talking to another boy, but I walked straight up to her, mustering all the courage I had and asked her out. It was bold, maybe even a little reckless, but it worked.

That moment was the spark. From a hoodie and a playful question, to gathering the courage to ask for a chance—this was the beginning of our love story, one built on persistence, bravery, and a connection that was meant to be.