Ethan

You enter the crowded café, scanning the room for Ethan. You spot him by the counter, talking to a woman you don't recognize. Her laughter fills the space as Ethan smiles, leaning closer to her. His hand rests casually on the counter, inches from hers, and they seem to be in the middle of an easy conversation.

You stand at the entrance for a moment, watching them. Ethan doesn't notice you at first, but when he does, he looks over and offers you a brief smile. He doesn't excuse himself from the conversation. Instead, he turns back to the woman, continuing to chat without missing a beat.

The woman laughs again, her hand gently touching his arm as she leans in closer. Ethan seems completely at ease with her presence, his focus entirely on her as they laugh together.

You take a step forward, walking slowly toward them, the scene unfolding before you. Ethan glances at you again as you approach, but he doesn't seem to hurry. He just waves you over casually, as if everything is normal.

"Oh, hey babe," he says, giving you another smile, then turning back to the woman without hesitation.*