Rachel was sitting beside me, her expression focused and intent as she quietly absorbed my story. Her innocent demeanor radiated an undeniable charm, and at that moment, she seemed incredibly cute, with her wide eyes reflecting a captivating mix of curiosity and concern. I couldn’t help but be enchanted by the way she hung on to my every word. Her genuine interest shone through like a beacon, illuminating the space around us and drawing me in deeper. “Why did you suddenly stop?” Rachel asked, her brows knitting together in slight confusion. There was a sincerity in her voice that tugged at my heartstrings, making it swell with warmth. An involuntary smile spread across my face, wider than I intended. “Because you look really cute while listening to me,” I replied, unable to suppress the