How. Do. You. Make. Characters. Meet. ₍ᐢ._.ᐢ₎

I've been having trouble finding inspiration, but in my novel, I want to essentially bring my two main characters together, without resorting to a corny or overrated sort of interaction. I know that's sort of impossible, but I can't find a way to make them meet. My novel does have a lot of elements that could lead to meetings, but I'm unsure how to smooth it in. The main reason why I came on here to ask for help was because I've been brainstorming on this novel since 2022, and now I'm just getting more anxious about trying to find inspiration. I also know I should maybe begin with internal conflict for them both, but I've been struggling with that, too. ON the other hand, to put it in small terms. The novel has genres such as su!c!3, mental illness, poverty, and a bit more...but yeah. I just want to hear some ideas if anybody has any, or tips on how maybe you found ways to make characters meet somehow. Any advice would be a lot of help! ૮꒰˶´ ˘ `˶꒱ა