A Plan in Motion

Julian sat behind the counter of his uncle's art shop, Kim's Art Supplies, absentmindedly flipping through a sketchbook. The familiar scent of paint, ink, and canvas filled the air, grounding him in a sense of comfort. This place had always been a refuge—a quiet corner of the world where time moved a little slower.

But today, his mind was racing.

He tapped his fingers against the counter, glancing toward the door. Alex was late.

Julian had been thinking a lot about Lexi. About their conversation. About the way her laughter had made something shift inside him. He wasn't just drawn to her—he needed to see her again. But he also knew winning her over wouldn't be easy.

She's engaged, man. A voice in his head reminded him.

But Julian had a plan. He just needed someone to bounce ideas off of.

The bell above the entrance jingled, snapping him from his thoughts. He looked up just as Alex strolled in, hands stuffed into his jacket pockets.

"Finally," Julian muttered, smirking. "I was starting to think you bailed on me."

Alex rolled his eyes, dropping onto the stool beside him. "Relax, bro. I'm here, aren't I? What's so urgent?"

Julian leaned in, his voice low with excitement. "I've got a plan."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "A plan?"

Julian nodded. "I convinced Lexi to go out for coffee with me."

Alex blinked. "Wait, Lexi? As in rich girl, engaged to some Wall Street douchebag Lexi?"

Julian grinned. "That's the one."

Alex let out a low whistle. "Damn, man. And you think this is gonna go somewhere?"

Julian leaned back, folding his arms. "Look, I'm not saying she's gonna dump her fiancé overnight, but I know she's not happy. And I can make her feel something real—something different from that fake world she's stuck in."

Alex studied him for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Alright. So what's the game plan?"

Julian outlined his strategy, explaining how he wanted to show Lexi a good time, make her laugh, and let her see him—not just some broke guy from the other side of town, but someone worth knowing.

Alex smirked. "Okay, I'll admit, I like it. You're playing it smooth, no pressure. Just enough to keep her curious."

Julian grinned. "Exactly."

Alex leaned back on the stool, arms crossed. "So, what do you need me for? Moral support?"

Julian hesitated for a second before scratching the back of his head. "Well... I was gonna ask for a favor."

Alex narrowed his eyes. "Oh, here we go."

Julian cleared his throat. "Can you spot me two hundred bucks?"

Alex nearly fell off his stool. "Two hundred? Bro, have you lost your damn mind?"

Julian held up his hands in defense. "Listen, I just want to make a good impression! I don't want her thinking I can't afford to take her out somewhere nice."

Alex stared at him like he'd grown a second head. "Dude. It's coffee. You don't need to flex on her with a hundred-dollar latte."

Julian shrugged. "It's not about that. It's about showing her that I'm someone worth investing in."

Alex scoffed. "Investing? You're talking like she's a damn startup."

Julian laughed. "Look, if this works out, she'll want to spend more time with me. I just need to get my foot in the door."

Alex let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking his head. "You're ridiculous, man."

"But you love me anyway," Julian said with a cheeky grin.

Alex grumbled, but after a long pause, he pulled out his wallet and handed over the cash. "Alright, fine. But if you blow this on some fancy-ass croissants, I will fight you."

Julian snatched the bills with a victorious grin. "Don't worry, I'll make it count. And I'll pay you back—with interest."

Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't come crying to me when this blows up in your face."

Julian smirked. "Oh, this won't blow up. This is just the beginning."

As he tucked the money into his pocket, a surge of confidence rushed through him.

This wasn't just some meaningless crush.

This was a plan in motion.

And he wasn't about to back down now.