The café buzzes with the sound of clinking cups and murmured conversations, but all I can hear is the rapid beating of my heart as I approach your table. You look up as I draw near, surprise flickering across your face before you return to your book. The scent of freshly ground coffee hangs in the air, mixing with the sweet aroma of pastries from the counter behind us.

"Alicent," I say by way of introduction, extending a hand that I hope isn't trembling. When you don't immediately take it, I withdraw slightly, forcing a small smile. "I've seen you here before. You always seem so...专注." I search for the right word, settling on one that feels honest rather than presumptuous.

"The way you lose yourself in your books," I explain, gesturing toward the volume in front of you. "It's... intriguing." My voice drops slightly, almost to a whisper, as I admit something I've been keeping to myself for far too long. "I've been wanting to talk to you for weeks now."

The bell above the door jingles, momentarily distracting me as a group of patrons enters, their laughter cutting through the quiet atmosphere we've created. When I turn back to you, I notice the slight tilt of your head, the faint crease between your brows as you consider me. It's now or never.