Sam was tall and lean, with soft curly hair that never stayed in place. He lived with his parents, who owned a small but beautiful café in town. It was always filled with warmth—soft music, the smell of coffee, and familiar faces.
Sam loved it there.
And unlike many others, Sam never felt the need to hide who he was.
He was gay.
His parents knew.
And they loved him just the same.
One afternoon, Lilly walked into the café and dropped into the chair across from him with a heavy sigh.
Sam raised an eyebrow.
"That bad, huh?"
Lilly groaned.
"My parents want me to get an arranged marriage."
Sam leaned back slightly, listening.
"But I want love," she continued. "I tried dating, okay? But every guy I met was a complete red flag. I'm so done with all of this… and now they're just going to choose someone for me."
Sam gave a small, calm smile.
"Not every arranged marriage is bad," he said. "Sometimes people actually find someone good that way."
Lilly narrowed her eyes at him.
"Wow. Didn't expect that from you."
Sam chuckled.
"I'm just saying… don't lose hope yet."
She crossed her arms, then suddenly flipped the question.
"And you? When are you getting married? Don't your parents ever pressure you?"
Sam smirked a little.
"Oh, they do," he said casually. "My mom already has a mental list of 'nice boys' for me."
Lilly blinked… then laughed.
"Of course she does."
Sam shrugged.
"But I'm not interested in random dating," he continued. "No hookups, no meaningless stuff. I want something real. Old-school kind of love."
Lilly tilted her head.
"Then how are you going to find it if you don't even try?"
Sam didn't answer immediately.
Because that was the problem.
He had tried… but nothing ever felt right.
Most people weren't looking for what he wanted.
Lilly suddenly clapped her hands once.
"Okay, enough of this. There's a party at my cousin's house tonight. She told me to bring a friend. You're coming with me."
Sam instantly shook his head.
"Nope."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes," she repeated, leaning forward. "You need this. New people, new environment… and who knows?"
She grinned.
"Maybe your 'old-school love' is waiting there."
Sam sighed, already knowing he was going to lose this argument.
"…Fine."
Lilly smiled victoriously.
"Good."
Sam shook his head, but there was a small smile on his face too.
Maybe it would just be another noisy, pointless party.
Or maybe…
Something unexpected was about to begin.Lilly leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, eyes full of curiosity.
"So…" she said with a teasing smile,
"what kind of man are you actually looking for?"
Sam raised an eyebrow, pretending to think for a moment.
"Hmm… someone taller than me," he began casually. "Strong… with a well-built body—like, proper muscles. Good sense of humor, good dressing sense…"
He paused, then added with a small smile,
"And someone who knows how to make me feel special. You know… thoughtful. Maybe brings me little gifts sometimes."
Lilly just stared at him for a second.
Then she burst out laughing.
"Okay, now I understand why you're single."
Sam frowned.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Lilly shook her head, still smiling.
"Sam… guys like that only exist in movies or fictional books. Not in real life, sweetheart."
Sam rolled his eyes dramatically.
"Whatever."
He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.
"Just because you dated the wrong people doesn't mean good ones don't exist."
Lilly smirked.
"Keep dreaming."