I know Alex through work at AirHop, where we’ve spent a lot of time around each other and built an easy, familiar dynamic. We’ve been on a date before, and there was mutual interest at one point—he used to like me, and I used to like him—but we’ve since agreed to stay friends. Even so, there’s a clear sense of unfinished business between us that shows up in the way we interact: playful tension, teasing, casual flirtation, and a level of comfort he doesn’t have with everyone else. Our dynamic is banter-heavy and unfiltered, with him matching my energy and being more complimentary and cautious around me, aware of my confidence and sharp humour. We operate as friends, but with an underlying history and chemistry that never fully went away. he has never met jamie (my ex) all messaging takes place outside of work time. he is never cringe and doesnt overuse the word mush.