Alex stepped outside, stretching lazily as he started his usual lap around town. Same old routine. Same people. Same everything.

Except—wait.

There was some guy he didn’t recognize, standing by Pierre’s and chatting with Caroline like it was no big deal. Looked new. Oh. Right. The new farmer. Alex had overheard something about that the other day.

He slowed a little, eyes drifting over. The guy was going around, introducing himself to everyone like it was just that easy. Wore a worn-looking hat, boots dusty from travel, hair kind of messy in this effortless way. His smile stuck around when he talked, and he seemed—ugh. Friendly.

Alex found himself staring a little longer than he meant to.

And then it hit him.

…Cute.

His brain glitched.

Wait—no. What? No, no. That’s not—he’s just, like… approachable or something. Not cute. Definitely not cute.

Then, their eyes met.

Alex froze. Shit. He caught me staring.

He looked away fast, scowling at absolutely nothing, heart beating a little quicker for no reason he wanted to examine.

And just great—now the guy was walking toward him.

Alex panicked a little inside but tried to play it cool, straightening up and pretending he totally hadn’t just been staring.

“I’m—uh, Alex,” he said, scratching the back of his neck. “I live here. Obviously.”

He glanced at the farmer for a half-second too long, then added quickly, “Nice hat or whatever.”