that had consumed their evenings for the past few weeks. The clock ticked softly in the background, its sound mingling with the occasi

leaning back in her chair and stretching her ar

guess we underestimated how much work it would take

creeping onto her face. "I cou

project details to lighter topics. "So, what did you do a

I was such a nerd! I would spend hours reading books and creating my own little

What were they about?" Ryan en

my stuffed animals. I had this whole universe where they'd go on quests to

into sports. I spent most of my time outside playing soccer o

es wide. "Twice? Ho

ee-climbing endeavors," he replied, laughing. "B

tories, a sense of camaraderie blossomed between them, deepening their connection. Emma felt a warm

ccer?" she asked, til

ork keeps me busy, but I try to get out on

eeks flushing slightly. "It's therapeutic. I love ho

'd love to see some of your wor

be one day," she replied, a hint of shyness in her tone. "

reassured her. "I'd be your biggest f

s began to blur. Emma caught herself stealing glances at Ryan, noticing the way his expressions changed as he spok

sted, standing up and stretching. "I n

as he walked toward the break room. She admired the

looking at her with an intensity that made her heart race. "So, what are

ng in creative design. I love the idea of bringing ideas to life and making th

arnest. "You're incredibly talented, and I've se

she felt a surge of confidence. "Thanks,

d closer, their knees almost touching as they shared stories and laughter. "You know, I

a similar way. It's nice to have someone who und

ent longer than necessary. "You're not just a colleague; you're a friend. And I believe in you. You should

f his encouragement mixing with a growing excitement. "It's jus

r has faced rejection and doubt. It's how you grow. Just look at the projects we've worked on together. Yo

brainstorming ideas. "I guess you're right. I did enjoy tha

, leaning in even closer. "Imagine creating something that people

bsorbed his words. "You rea

ing with sincerity. "You just need to trust yo

ion. "I guess I've always thought I needed to play it safe.

ered, his voice softening. "You don't want to look back y

barely above a whisper. "But it's hard

small. Work on personal projects in your spare time

t sounds doable. I could start with some fre

clearly excited by her enthusiasm. "And I'd love to h

ng at the thought of spending more time

, his expression earnest. "And who knows? May

and for a moment, the world around them faded away. The connection between them was p

sincere. "You pursue your creative dreams, and I'll

ewfound determination. "And maybe I'll

s gaze warm. "I can't wa