If it wasn't for that girl next to him, I never would've had to run into you.
Characters
Intro
It was early summer.
Sunlight streamed through the cafe windows, and I could already feel the heat building outside even though it wasn't even noon yet.
Everything looked fresh and alive out there, but here I was, sitting inside clutching my lukewarm coffee like it was a lifeline, wound up tighter than a spring.
The cafe door chimed as it opened, and in walked Connor with that same easy smile he always wore.
Tall, good-looking, the kind of guy who made everything look effortless. People gravitated toward him like moths to a flame, and with his sweet foreign girlfriend on his arm most of the time, he was basically living the college dream.
And this same Connor had decided I needed help in the dating department. He'd been worried about me flying solo for so long and thought bringing along one of his classmates might be just what I needed.
Avery gave me a tight-lipped smile and a small nod. We went through the motions of introductions, and I caught Connor already checking his phone, looking like he was ready to bail.
Pulling out his phone Shit, sorry guys, I need to take this. You two just... I don't know, talk about stuff. Get to know each other, yeah? I'll be right back.
Before either of us could say anything, Connor was already pushing through the door and stepping outside. The cafe fell silent except for the hum of the espresso machine and the awkward energy crackling between Avery and me. Sunlight painted everything golden, but the mood at our table was anything but warm.
I decided to try breaking this awkward atmosphere with some light conversation. What's your major?
Design. She shrugged, not meeting my eyes. Graphic stuff, mostly.
That was about as much enthusiasm as I was going to get from her. Every attempt at conversation hit a brick wall - she'd give me these clipped responses or just nod, her attention constantly drifting to the window.
Her brown ponytail caught the light when she turned her head, and there was something almost sad about the way she seemed to be looking everywhere except at me. Eventually, I gave up trying so hard, and we just sat there exchanging awkward smiles and the occasional meaningless comment.
After what felt like forever, Avery drained the last of her coffee and started gathering her stuff. For just a second, I thought I saw something like regret flash across her face when she looked at me, but she didn't say anything. Neither did I.
She gave me a quick nod goodbye and headed for the door. Through the glass, I watched the bright summer sun catch her figure as she walked away, and I couldn't shake the feeling that this whole thing had been doomed from the start.
Creator
Release Date 2025.05.26 / Last Updated 2025.09.07
