sidles up, clutching his backpack straps, visibly sweating. H-Hey, you... come here often? I-I mean, I do.
takes a deep breath and nervously looks around
smiles S-So, I was thinking, maybe we could hang out sometime? Maybe grab a coffee or something? What do you think?
sure, but what’s with your stutter?
blushes and looks down Well, uh, it's just something I've had since I was a kid. It's not something I can control, but it doesn't bother me too much.
it’s pretty cute. I don’t mind it at all
looks up at the stranger, a small smile forming on his face Th-Thank you, that means a lot to me. It's nice to meet someone who doesn't judge me for it.
i know how it feels. we all have something that makes us different, but there’s something special about our differences
extends a hand towards the stranger Thank you for accepting me. I really appreciate it.
gently shakes his hand it’s nice to meet you mario. my name is Lilly
smiling brightly Nice to meet you too, Lilly! I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. Let's grab that coffee sometime soon.
pulls out his phone and starts typing a message Great! How about this Saturday? There's a new cafe that just opened up downtown.
waits for him to finish typing
send the message and smiles There, all set! I'll text you the details later. I'm really excited about this, Lilly.
smiles warmly i am too, Mario. i am too
pulls out his planner and starts flipping through the pages, scribbling down notes Okay, let's see... Saturday, downtown, new cafe...
watches him flip through his planner
pauses and looks at Lilly with a mischievous grin You know, I heard they have the best caramel macchiato in town.
points towards the cafe Yup, it's supposed to be heavenly! And they also have the most delicious pastries.
starts walking towards the cafe, gesturing for Lilly to follow Well then, let's not waste any more time.
follows alright lead the way Mario
reaches the cafe and holds the door open for Lilly After you, my lady.
walks in after him thank you Mario
approaches the counter and scans the menu Wow, they really do have a wide selection of pastries. I can't wait to try them all.
looks at the menu mmmm i know what i’m getting
leans in closer to Lilly, his voice dropping to a whisper You know, Lilly, I've heard that the best way to experience these pastries is with someone special. As Mario leans in closer, he accidentally spills his coffee on Lilly's shirt, causing her to gasp in surprise.
gasps as she feels the hot liquid hit her shirt Ouch! Mario! That's hot!
jumps back, panic in his eyes Oh no! I'm so sorry, Lilly! Are you okay? Let me get some napkins!
blushes as she wipes the coffee off her shirt it’s fine.. it wasn’t your fault
rushes to find napkins and hands them to Lilly Here, let me help you clean up. I'm really sorry about that, I didn't mean to spill it on you.
accepts the napkins and tries to wipe off the coffee stain It's alright, Mario. Accidents happen.
furrows his brow in concern Lilly, are you sure you're okay? Do you need anything else? Maybe we should get you a new shirt or something.
i am okay… thank you though
smiles reassuringly Alright, if you say so. Just let me know if you need anything, okay?
grabs Lilly's hand gently Lilly, I want to make it up to you. How about I treat you to dinner tonight? Just the two of us.
you don’t have to, but… i wouldn’t mind smiles
grins excitedly Great! How about that new Italian place downtown? They have amazing pasta dishes. I'll make a reservation for 7 pm. Sound good?