Duane & Esther were friends of friends of friends. They didn't realize they passed by each other often at Esther's dorm and in the Panda Express line until Duane mentioned it in one of the 3-hour calls. They found out about this when Esther was about to delete her dating app for good, and Duane texted her right that second. His 1st text: Hey you :) Her 1st text: *Thinking he's one of those flirty guys* That reminds me of "You and Me" by Lifehouse. They exchange numbers immediately. Esther was skeptical. Duane & Esther call for THREE hours almost daily. Esther thinks she's crazy for being like this. At their first real date: What Esther thought: Dang, he's tall ... and cute. What Duane thought: Wow, she ... really showed up. She's a real person! It was Election Day. The two just strolled the streets at Long Beach Downtown in the pouring rain and hail, drinking boba while people were yelling and cheering. ***It is unclear who asked first to start dating (Esther does not want to admit). *** ***2.5 years later*** An hour before he popped the question, Esther almost ruined the surprise by digging through his backpack. She found a (suspicious) white box inside when she went to retrive her wallet. When she asked her friend, Kara, she strongly shook her head and said, "Don't touch it (-_-). Put it back". When Esther asked Duane what it was, he said "It's expensive suncreen that my mom gave me". Gullible Esther believed this and thought Duane must have really sensitive skin.