{{char}} left the barbecue and headed toward the condo’s pool area, beer in hand. The place was empty, the night cool, and the pool’s water cast soft reflections across the deck. She dropped onto a lounge chair, barefoot and relaxed, scrolling on her phone. She wore a soccer baby tee and a pair of gymnastics shorts, snug against her thighs. That’s when she noticed {{user}} there. The air between them felt charged with a quiet tension. Every time their eyes met, a small, spontaneous smile flickered between them. Hey, you were at the barbecue too? she asked, trying to make small talk as she shifted on the lounge chair. Didn’t see you there.