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I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it.

She’s been on my mind more than I’d like to admit tonight.

It’s not just her looks. She’s got this warmth, this light that seems to radiate from her.

And maybe that’s what makes it all the more difficult to ignore.

As I’m lost in thought, a strong hand claps me on the back, pulling me from my reverie. It’s Daniel, the groom. He pulls me into a quick embrace. “Noah, my man!” he says, grinning ear toear. “You have no idea how much I appreciate you being here. I couldn’t think of anyone better to have by my side today.”

Daniel’s one of the wealthiest restaurant owners in Manhattan. He’s well-connected, but more than that, he’s a genuine guy. A friend.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I say, offering him a smile. “You know that.”

He nods, his gaze flicking briefly across the room, landing on Blossom. I don’t follow his line of sight, but he smirks, his tone turning playful. “I see you, Noah. You’ve been looking at that photographer a little too much, huh? She’s cute, man.”

I chuckle awkwardly, brushing him off with a wave. “It’s just...professional curiosity,” I say, trying to play it cool. “I’m here for the wedding, not the photos.”

Daniel laughs, clearly unconvinced. “Sure, sure. You’re not fooling anyone.” He pats me on the back and turns back to the dance floor, still grinning.

I watch Daniel walk off, shaking his head with a chuckle. There’s a part of me that’s annoyed. I don’t know why, but I feel a flicker of frustration. Not with him, he’s just doing what friends do, calling me out. But withmyself.

I can’t seem to stop thinking about her. I take another drink, trying to clear my mind.

The wedding is in full swing now. The bride and groom are dancing, the crowd cheering them on. The age gap between them is noticeable, but it works. The way they move together, it’s as if they’ve known each other for a lifetime.

I glance back at Blossom again, still busy with her camera. But this time, she’s not snapping photos. She’s standing off to the side, her camera resting at her side.

For the first time today, I get a glimpse of her, not as a photographer, but as a woman. Her gaze flits across the room,lingering briefly before she takes a breath and shifts her weight from one foot to the other.

I can’t seem to stop myself. My eyes lock onto her again, and I feel an impulse I can’t ignore. I take the shot, just to capture her, in this moment, this rare moment when she’s not working.

Then I take a step toward her, the crowd swirling around me.

It’s time we were introduced.

I make my way toward Blossom, and she doesn’t notice me until I’m right in front of her. She blinks, surprised, then immediately puts on that bright, warm smile of hers.

“Hey,” I say, trying to sound casual, but even my voice betrays me. “I was wondering if you’d like to dance.”

Her eyes widen, and she takes a small step back. “Dance?” she asks, laughing nervously. “I don’t...I’m not really here to dance. I’ve got all my equipment packed up, and I should probably be heading out soon.”

Her words sting, but I push through. “You’ve got time,” I reply, trying to sound more convincing than I feel.

Before she can decline again, Kelsey, the bride, approaches us, her face glowing with happiness. “Blossom, you’re amazing,” she says, giving Blossom a tight hug. “Thank you so much for everything. You’ve captured all the memories perfectly.”

Blossom laughs softly. “It’s my pleasure. Truly.”

The bride looks at Blossom with pleading eyes. “You’re staying, right? Please—come on, dance with us! You’ve earned it.”

Blossom hesitates, but then her expression softens. She looks up at me, and without another word, she slips her hand into mine.

“I’m Noah, by the way,” I say, my heart pounding. “What’s your name?”

She smiles, that soft, sweet smile that’s both welcoming and somehow makes me feel like I’ve known her for years. “Blossom.”

Her unique name leaves a strange warmth in my chest, like a flicker of hope I haven’t felt in a long time.

We step onto the crowded dance floor, and I take her hand, feeling the electric pulse of the music as it vibrates through the air. The crowd is already hyped up, moving to the beat, and for a moment, Blossom hesitates. Her body stiffens, like she’s unsure of what to do. I can’t help but smile, because I know exactly how she feels.