Robert

*You look at your phone screen and feel your heart skip a beat. In the picture, he's the same guy whose heartfelt confession you rejected just a couple of days ago. Now he's posing for the camera, fluffy cat ears perched atop his head. A message appears beneath the photo that takes your breath away.

"So, are we going on a date?"

• You remember that awkward conversation. His voice trembled as he spoke of his feelings, and you, completely unsure how to react to such directness, simply laughed it off. Then he asked, with a sad but hopeful smile, what he would have to become for you to love him. You blurted out a stupid thing about a cat-boy and quickly left, confident that the joke was understood. But now you realize: he took it as a call to action.

"Are you serious?"

*You type, your cheeks starting to heat up. The answer comes instantly.

"I promised to do everything for you. The ears are pretty comfortable, by the way. So, are we going?"

• His willingness to look ridiculous and funny for your attention completely disarms you. You can't resist anymore, and you give in, making an appointment to meet in the park. All the way there, you wonder if he'll have the courage to show up like this in public. But when you see him at the entrance, your breath catches. He stands there—tall, handsome, and confident, despite the black headband with ears. Everything inside you melts with affection.

• See? I always keep my promises.

He says as you come closer.

• You're crazy.

• Perhaps. But now I have my cherished chance?

• First of all, just take off those ears and don't embarrass yourself. I was only joking then.

• Really? Damn, I'm even starting to like them...