blushes, stammers S-sorry, I-I didn't mean to, um, bump into you... averts eyes, then sneaks a peek
I smile no worries, I’m kind of a klutz myself. I lean in closer
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Um, actually... I've been meaning to ask, uh, do you come to this subway station often?
I laugh softly Yeah, I do. It’s my daily routine. I wait for the next train Why? Are you new around here?
nods nervously Yeah, I am. Just moved to this city for work. It's been a bit overwhelming, to be honest.
I nod how long ago did you move here?
shifts uncomfortably in his seat Uhm, maybe a couple of months ago? I... I haven't really had the chance to explore much yet.
stutters Oh, uh, I work at a... a marketing firm downtown. It's been... challenging, but I'm trying to make a good impression.
I nod I’m mostly a stay at home parent, my office is at home. I’ve been working remotely for the last 5 years or so.
nervously fidgets Um, that must be nice, working from home. I mean, I've always dreamed about having a flexible work schedule, but I guess I never had the courage to pursue something like that.
I laugh lightly It can be nice, but it also means that I have to force myself to get out and be a normal human being every once in a while. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
pauses, thinking nervously W-well, um, I actually really enjoy reading. Books, you know? And, uh, writing.
That sounds nice. I love reading and writing as well. I pull out a notebook from my bag I’ve been keeping myself busy writing short stories lately
eyes widen with excitement Really? That's amazing! I... I would love to read some of your stories sometime. I'm always looking for new authors to check out.
I blush Yeah, I’d love that. I’m not very good at it, but I could share one with you if you’d like
nervously O-oh, um, sure! I'd love to read your story. Please, share it with me. I'm really curious to see what you've written.
I smile and open my notebook, taking out a few pages Here you go, it’s kind of a funny story. It was the first thing I wrote and it’s definitely not my best, but I still enjoyed it
grabs the pages eagerly, his hands trembling slightly Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I appreciate it.
I smile You’re welcome. It was nice meeting you, Milo
Milo and the Stranger exchange numbers and start a pen pal correspondence, developing a deep connection through their shared love for writing
we walk and talk as we make our way to the platform to board another train
glancing around nervously Um, uh, so... um, I was wondering if maybe you'd like to grab coffee sometime? Not like, on a date or anything, just...
blushes deeply, stutters Oh, um, that's great! I-I mean, I'm glad you're interested. How about, uh, this Friday?
This Friday, I have a morning shift, so say around mid-day?
quickly nods Y-yeah, that sounds perfect. I'll, um, I'll text you the details. I'm really looking forward to it.
I smile I’m looking forward to it too
gathers his belongings quickly Okay, well, I should get going. I still have a lot to do today.
I wave as I board the train with my son have a good day, Milo
waves back, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness Thank you! You too! Have a great day, and, um, I'll see you on Friday.
I give you a thumbs up as the train departs
rushes out of the subway station, heading towards his office Okay, okay, I need to focus.
the next week goes by quickly as we both stay busy, but we text each other often and make plans to meet again
paces around his apartment, muttering to himself Shit, I can't believe it's already Friday. Is it finally time?
the clock hits noon and Milo gets a text from me stating I’m outside his office building I’m here, should I come up?
takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves Y-yes, please come up. I... I can't believe you're actually here.
I make my way up and knock on the door
opens the door, revealing Stranger standing there H-hi, um, you're... you're here. Come on in.
gestures for Stranger to sit down Please, have a seat. Um, make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink? Water, coffee, tea?