I was out riding today. Stopped at a city center to chill and be present. Got up and left but doubled back back real quick because I forgot my sunglasses—annoying but whatever, I turned around and rode back. As I pulled into the parking spot I saw a girl walking her dog across the street. Cute, black hair. Made eye contact. Gut said, “If she walks back across my path, I’ll open.”

She does. I pop my gloves off, visor pops up, leave the helmet on, and walk up to the sidewalk.

Me: “I have to ask—who’s more trouble, you or the dog?”

She smiles. Says the dog’s good. I can’t hear her well but I catch something about “grey visor.”

Me: “Oh yeah? You ride?”

She perks up slightly. Says she’s saving up for a 636. Asks what I ride. I give her the bike year and throw in a small joke about mine being the baby version of others. She laughs. Then she says, “Wanna follow my business Instagram?”

I look at her. Me: “That seems non-personal.” (Smirk. Calm.)

She laughs again, says she does visor engravings. Starts pulling it up. I tap the tension back in.

Me: “If you did one for me I might let you get my number.”

She looks at me and says, “You don’t wanna mess with me, I’m trouble.”

Me: “I promise I’m more trouble.”

She smiles, pauses, and goes, “Alright, well I’ll catch you around.”

Me: “Yeah?” (Smile. Nod. Calm.) I walk away. Mount up. Ride off.

Reflection:

Not a number close. No pull. But that’s not the point.

The point is: I acted. I didn’t flinch. I didn’t beg. I didn’t chase. I held the flame and walked off before it went out.

She opened the door with eye contact and returning proximity. I stepped in. I teased, flipped her business follow into a personal test, and escalated lightly. She soft-closed, and I let her. Frame intact.

A month ago I would’ve never done this. A week ago I’d have over-explained, probably tried to win her. Today I was the fire.

And whether or not she comes back around, I didn’t chase the fantasy. I lived it for a moment.

Lesson:

Frame isn’t what you say. It’s what you don’t do when the room tests you.

The fire lives, even when the night ends quiet.