I’m 24, and the last year of my life has been a dumpster fire. I got dumped, lost my part-time job, and was stuck in a lease that ate up every penny I had. I had to borrow money from my parents just to eat, which felt like swallowing glass. On top of that, I drifted away from a couple of people I thought were ride-or-die friends. By the time I moved into a cheaper apartment a few months ago, I was a shell of myself, just trying to keep my head above water while finishing my degree at uni.

I started this semester barely noticing the people around me. I’d show up to lectures, keep my head down, and bolt as soon as class ended. I’ve got my online gaming buddies who I vibe with—they’ve been my lifeline, honestly—but I wasn’t looking to make new friends in person. I was too drained to even try. Then there’s this guy in my sociology class, Liam. He’s not loud or flashy, just… kind. Like, stupidly kind. He’d hold the door for everyone, share his notes without anyone asking, and always had this quiet smile that made you feel seen.

One day, I forgot my laptop charger, and I was freaking out because I needed it for a group project. Liam overheard me panicking and just handed me his, no big deal. He didn’t make me feel like I owed him anything, either. After that, he started checking in—like asking how I was doing or if I wanted to grab coffee with him and a few others after class. It wasn’t flirty, just genuine. And now, I can’t stop thinking about him. It’s not even about him being “cute” (though he kinda is). It’s that his kindness feels like a lifeline I didn’t know I needed.

I feel ridiculous admitting this, but I think I’m catching feelings just because he’s nice to me. After everything I’ve been through, that small bit of warmth feels like too much and not enough all at once. I don’t know if I’m ready to let someone in, but for the first time in months, I’m starting to feel like maybe I could try.