When He Leans In... But The Mocktail Is The Main Character

Ever been at a party and suddenly, you just know someone’s about to try the classic “lean in for a kiss” move? There I was, mocktail in hand, in the middle of perfectly good girl talk, feeling that familiar shift in the vibe. You can practically hear the rom-com music ramping up.

Eyes meet across the group. He’s giving serious “main character energy.” I’m giving my best “Is this really happening?” face. And then he starts moving closer... like, slow motion closer. Is there a rule that says you have to freeze? Because it’s awkwardly suspenseful.

But here’s the secret weapon: When everyone else is holding their breath for the kiss, I remind myself who’s actually controlling this scene. Cue the twist: Forget the kiss—this beautiful, colorful mocktail I’m holding just became the MVP. I smoothly raise it between us, take a sip, and wink right at my drink. Sorry, buddy. Tonight’s hero glows in my glass, not in your attempted movie moment.

Real talk: sometimes the best plot twist isn’t about finding romance, but about finding the confidence to play along and then totally switch the script. Cheers to good drinks, good friends, and never letting the moment define me—instead, I get to define it myself.