An awkward introduction with a classmate and a best friend began with a slow caress of her forearm, then a glance, and a glide over to where I was sitting. In between the loud music and outside banter, an isolated conversation ensued. It felt like we were the only two in the room for that moment. Numbers were exchanged, and we went our separate ways. I toggled at the idea of texting her, writing, deleting, and writing again. "Hey, just checking to see if you made it home safe?" An hour later.... no response. Home, shower, sleep. "Yes, I did." She responded at eight the following morning. Tuesday, we met at the after-class meet-up spot, and to my surprise, it was her weekly hideout. Once again, we found ourselves on our secluded island. The following week proved that there was a divine intervention in our existence. If our chemistry wasn't the selling point, coincidentally, we were "work neighbors" under the same public sector. Day in and day out, we found ourselves consumed in conversation, laughter, lunch dates, and weekend linkups. In reality, we were both on two separate healing journeys, and the idea of committing to one another didn't align with where we were in life. That did not stop our progression. Eventually, the infamous "I love you" made an appearance, and after two years of consistent bliss, we could no longer hold off; what God saw fit happened. On November 23, 2024, we committed to one another, establishing an exclusive relationship. Not even a year later, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, during our weekly R&B and Tito's night, he did the unexpected. Before he could ask, on one knee, ring in hand, I SAID YES! Just when we both decided that love would be on the back burner, we would let life run its course, God used two blank canvases to create a life of color. Our portrait is still being painted, and we hope to inspire you to allow love to find you and create your next masterpiece. -Darius and Tavaria