Tyler loved music. It was his constant companion, the soundtrack to his days and the solace during his nights. Whether he was at work, at home, or simply walking down the street, there was always a melody humming in his mind. Among the myriad of sounds that filled his days, there was one he cherished above all else: Y/N's laugh.
Y/N was a colleague, someone Tyler had admired from afar for a long time. She possessed a laugh that was infectious and bright, capable of lifting his spirits no matter how tough the day had been. Despite his fondness for her, Tyler kept his feelings hidden deep within, afraid that revealing them would disrupt the comfortable routine they shared as coworkers.
One evening, Tyler found himself working late at the office. The usual hustle and bustle had dwindled to a quiet murmur, and he decided to indulge in some music to keep him company. With a quick glance around to ensure he was alone, he plugged in his headphones and started playing his favorite tunes on his computer.
Lost in the music, Tyler didn't notice Y/N approaching silently behind him. She had also stayed late, caught up in finishing a project. As she neared Tyler's desk, she overheard the familiar strains of The Smiths coming from his computer speakers. A small smile tugged at her lips as she recognized the song.
"Is that The Smiths?" Y/N's voice startled Tyler, causing him to jump slightly in his chair. He quickly removed his headphones and turned to face her, feeling a rush of both embarrassment and excitement at being caught.
"Yeah, it is," Tyler replied, trying to appear nonchalant despite his heart racing. "Do you like them too?"
Y/N nodded, her smile widening. "They're one of my favorites. I didn't know you were into them."
Tyler shrugged, attempting to mask his surprise at her interest. "Yeah, I've been a fan for a while. Their music just... resonates with me."
Y/N chuckled softly, a sound that sent butterflies fluttering in Tyler's stomach. "I never would've guessed," she admitted, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "You always seem so focused on work."
Tyler felt a blush creeping up his cheeks. "I guess I have my moments," he mumbled, suddenly feeling self-conscious under Y/N's gaze.
They stood in awkward silence for a moment, the music from Tyler's computer filling the space between them. Y/N broke the silence with another laugh, this one lighter and more playful. "Well, I won't keep you from your music. Just wanted to say good night," she said, turning to leave.
"Wait," Tyler blurted out before he could stop himself. Y/N turned back, eyebrows raised in surprise. "Would you... maybe want to grab coffee sometime? Outside of work, I mean."
Y/N's smile widened into a grin, and Tyler felt a surge of hope in his chest. "I'd like that," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "I'll text you."
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Tyler lay in bed that night, replaying the evening's events in his mind. The warmth of Y/N's smile and the unexpected invitation to grab coffee outside of work filled him with a mixture of excitement and nerves. However, as the hours passed, a sinking feeling settled in his chest when he realized he had forgotten to give her his number. Doubt gnawed at him; had he blown his chance?
Just as he was about to drift off into restless sleep, his phone illuminated the darkness of his room with a soft glow. His heart skipped a beat as he saw a message from Y/N:
"Hey Tyler, I just heard there is a The Smiths Cover Band playing in Hendersons Bar on Friday. Would you like to go there with me instead?"
Relief flooded through Tyler like a tidal wave. He couldn't believe his luck. Y/N had not only remembered their conversation but had also taken the initiative to reach out to him. A smile spread across his face as he typed out a quick reply:
"Hey Y/N! That sounds amazing. I'd love to go with you. Looking forward to it!"
With a sense of elation, Tyler set his phone down and finally allowed himself to relax. The worry and uncertainty of earlier melted away, replaced by a growing anticipation for Friday night. He couldn't wait to spend more time with Y/N outside of the office, to share their mutual love for music in the lively atmosphere of a bar.
As the week progressed, Tyler found himself eagerly counting down the days until Friday. He couldn't concentrate on work as thoughts of Y/N and the upcoming evening at Hendersons Bar filled his mind. The moments they had shared replayed like a favorite song, each memory bringing a smile to his face.
When Friday finally arrived, Tyler arrived at Hendersons Bar a little early, his nerves tingling with anticipation. As he entered the venue, he spotted Y/N at a table near the stage, her eyes brightening as she saw him approach. She waved him over with a welcoming smile, and Tyler felt a rush of warmth at the sight of her.
The evening unfolded seamlessly as they listened to the energetic covers of The Smiths' songs, chatting and laughing easily between sets. Tyler discovered new layers to Y/N's personality outside of the office, finding her even more captivating than he had imagined. They shared stories, traded music recommendations, and bonded over their mutual love for live performances.
As Tyler and Y/N left Hendersons Bar together that Friday night, the energy of the music still lingering in their minds, Tyler couldn't resist the impulse to offer to walk her home. It was a mild evening, with a hint of spring in the air, and the streets were quiet as they strolled side by side.
In the gentle glow of streetlights, conversation flowed easily between them. Y/N confessed with a soft chuckle that she had noticed Tyler a few times before at work. "I always thought you had great taste in music," she admitted shyly, her cheeks tinted pink in the dim light. "I guess I was just waiting for the right moment to talk to you."
Tyler couldn't believe his luck. His heart raced with a mixture of joy and relief. "I'm glad you found that moment," he replied sincerely, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. He had worried for so long about whether she even knew he existed, and now here they were, walking together under the stars.
As they approached Y/N's apartment building, their steps slowed. There was a brief pause, a moment pregnant with unspoken words and shared anticipation. Then, as if drawn together by an invisible force, Tyler leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips.
Time seemed to stand still in that fleeting moment. The world around them faded away, leaving only the warmth of their connection. Y/N responded to his kiss with equal tenderness, her fingers lightly brushing against his cheek as they held each other close.
When they finally pulled apart, their eyes met, filled with unspoken understanding and a newfound closeness. "Thank you for tonight," Y/N whispered softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Tyler smiled, feeling a surge of happiness he had never experienced before. "No, thank you," he replied sincerely, his heart overflowing with gratitude for this unexpected turn of events.
As they said goodnight and Y/N disappeared into her building, Tyler walked home with a lightness in his step. The night had exceeded all his hopes and dreams. He knew that from now on, whenever he listened to The Smiths or heard Y/N's laugh, he would be reminded of this magical evening—the beginning of something beautiful between them.
