Ilyssa and Zach met on a teen tour and became part of the same crew. Ilyssa instantly had a crush on Zach and though Zach claims it was not mutual, the way he is looking at Ilyssa here suggests otherwise.

Zach went on to do great things with the rest of his high school career by winning the state championships (twice). Zach went off to Michigan while Ilyssa finished high school and then she went off to Syracuse. They remained friends (Ilyssa still had a crush).

COVID meant "secret" meet ups often at SoBol and Starbucks (with Ruby). This was the start of Zach becoming a dog person.

Post COVID, they'd often see each other out and about in the city. They would talk nonstop but were not quite officially boyfriend and girlfriend. They took breaks (several) but ultimately always found each other.

Zach took Ilyssa out for a fresh start on New Years Eve, which turned out to be the start of the rest of their lives.

They made it official at Bondst, making Valentine's Day extra special every year.

Spotted, Zach and Ilyssa moving in together on the Upper East Side.

Zach asked Ilyssa to marry him and it was the most perfect first and last beach day for Zach.