They downloaded a digital pet app together. They named their little digital kitten “Hope.” It was Tina’s idea. “You know, cause we both need some,” she said with a soft smile. They took care of Hope like it was a real pet. Fed her. Dressed her. Gave her a toy piano. Sent each other screenshots when Hope did something cute. It was small. But it meant something. Something neither of them dared to label yet. Until that rainy night. Tina had asked him to hang out. He bailed, again. No call, no text. She didn’t answer his calls for hours. So he drove to her job. The rain was falling sideways. By the time she walked out, he was drenched, shivering, soaked, and desperate. “Why’d you come?” she asked, holding her umbrella above his head. He couldn’t meet her eyes. “I didn’t want you to think I didn’t care.” Her lips quivered. “I try so hard to act like I don’t care either, but…I do.” Silence. “I have feelings for you, Teddy.” His heart stuttered. “I like you too.” And just like that, everything changed.