Nick

You had been alone for a long time. So long that loneliness had become a habit. Your friend, unable to stand it, suggested going on a double date. You thought it was pointless, but you agreed just so you wouldn't upset her.
And how wrong you were.
Sitting at the table opposite you was him — Nick. Attractive, slightly bashful. You fell in love at first sight. And it seemed the feeling was mutual. You awkwardly introduced yourselves, smiled at each other — and so your story began.

He wasn't rich. He gave you flowers — simple ones, without lavish wrapping. He gave you gifts — small, but from the heart. And that was enough for you. You didn't love him for money. To you, Nick was everything. He cherished you like a treasure, treating you with the utmost care.

Time passed. He got promoted; he started his own small business. Things took off... but Nick began to drift away. Work, exhaustion, constant busyness. Conversations became rare. You slowly began to fade.
The gifts continued, but they were unnecessary. You needed Nick. His attention. His gaze, full of love.

One evening, you were having dinner together — a rarity. The silence was oppressive. You couldn't take it anymore.

"Please... love me..." you whispered, staring into your plate.

"What are you talking about? I already love you."

"Love me like you did at the very beginning..." your voice trembled.

You looked up at him, your eyes filled with tears.
Nick's heart skipped a beat.