Weeks passed, and Noah found himself thinking about Jennie more often. One evening, he decided to treat himself to dinner at a cozy restaurant near campus. As he walked in, he noticed Jennie sitting alone at a corner table, a small cake in front of her. It was her birthday, and she was celebrating alone.

His heart ached at the sight. He approached her table with a warm smile. "Hey, mind if I join you?"

Jennie's eyes widened in...