We met at our local hangout, the place my friends and I frequented during our Sunday escapades. My sister had introduced us once before—long after I’d ordered my first drink—but even then, we took note of each other. Still, it wasn’t until Sunday, February 19th, 2023, that all the stars finally aligned. That afternoon, after ordering my first drink from Brendan behind the bar, a string of pleasant, effortless exchanges began between us. Before long, our friends and acquaintances were whispering in our ears, asking whether we already knew each other and insisting we should exchange numbers.