The year was 2018, and the air in this lively little bar hummed with the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversations. I was there with my usual friends, laughing over something silly, when they waved over another group. That's when I first saw him – Michael. He was leaning against the bar table, a soft smile playing on his lips as he hugged our mutual friend. Our eyes met briefly, and he had made this witty remark to me. “Oh sorry do you expect a hug as well?” I just met him, and no I didn’t want to hug him. I just looked at him and said “ew no.” We both laughed and I can tell we were going to be good friends. Our good repartee was consistent after that. Turns out, fate, or perhaps our mutual friends' matchmaking skills, had other plans. Michael seemed to always find a way to strike up a conversation. He was persistent, in the most endearing way. He never pressured, just offered gentle invitations and a genuine interest in getting to know me. I didn’t want to ruin a friendship like ours, he was a safe place. He'd tell me later that he'd had a crush on me from that very first night we met. Slowly, despite my initial reluctance, I started to see past my reservations. We discovered a shared love for movies, debating against which marvel character’s were better to classic’s that are a must watch, spending time listening to all the same or new music we enjoyed. Our taste buds danced to the same rhythm, whether it was the spicy kick of ramen or the comforting warmth of Italian pasta. And as we talked deeper into the nights, I found that our values aligned in a way that felt both comforting and exciting. He saw the world with a similar blend of optimism and practicality that resonated deeply within me. Giving Michael a "shot" turned out to be the best decision I ever made. His long-held crush had blossomed into a beautiful, tender love. The hesitant girl in the noisy bar had found her quiet harbor in his steady affection. From shared playlists to cozy nights in, from exploring new restaurants to dreaming about our future, our journey together has been a melody of shared passions and unwavering support. Now, years later, that initial spark in the lively little bar has grown into a radiant flame, and I can't wait to say "I do" to the boy who always knew, even when I didn't, that we were meant to be.