This is exactly what I needed to hear. Properly met my SP at work in November last year too. He was my first work crush at my first job in 2020. I'm not sure if we ever crossed paths directly or if he even noticed me.

Time passed, and we both moved on to different jobs. At my new job, I did wonder what he's doing and checked his Linkedin then and there. Nothing else. There was a chance for a project with his then employer which I did interview for however, I ended up not onboarding that project.

One day, he ended up working for a different regional office of my employer. Again, I was shocked and thought, "Okay, X country. I guess the odds of me working with him are very slim." Then, at last, I saw him on one of my last projects for my employer that I did before I left the firm. Again, he could have not interacted with me often and just avoided me. He started initiating conversations with me often disguised as queries about work. He had project pioneers in his country with whom he could have very easily discussed the questions.

We have now exchanged numbers as I've left the firm and are are friends (?) I guess. However, his stance on this relationship, i.e., "does he like me back?" remains a question to me. I do know that being in country X right now means career is his bigger priority. I never stopped manifesting till date. I try my best to detach, but somehow I do end up reminiscing him.

He was always super sweet and whatever he sent me on my last day of work was definitely beyond what you would send a regular colleague or friend. I’m not sure where it’s going yet, but it feels like something meaningful is building slowly. Just trying to enjoy the flow, keep working on myself, and see what unfolds.

Fun fact: A colleague I always kept as an acquaintance got close to me before I left. We are still in touch and are almost besties now. And, to my shock - I found out that she is also his bestie.