The first time they met was in a special class. All she remembers of him is a pair of bright brown eyes and hands that felt just right when they brushed hers. That alone was enough to set unspoken feelings tapping a rhythm in her chest. And that rhythm just kept tapping…
It wasn’t until two months later that they crossed paths again, at a meet-and-greet with the author of a famous book at the French cultural center. A book so many read without understanding a word, yet they flocked to see a flesh-and-blood celebrity. They didn’t recognize each other in the bustling, curious crowd—not until she stood to ask a question. Her phone buzzed softly; he said he was sitting right behind her. A sideways glance. A smile brimming with energy aimed her way. Oh, if only her phone hadn’t run out of credit, she’d have waved him outside to chat and invited him for coffee with the cash still loaded… in her card.
Her little brother whined to leave as the talk dragged on, dull and endless. She lingered on purpose, her naive heart convinced that the end of the event was her only shot to talk to him. Restless, craving one more glimpse of that smile, she turned her head, eyes searching—but his seat was empty. The balloon of excitement popped the moment its string was untied.
She dashed outside, hurried down the stairs, and scanned the lobby, but he was nowhere in sight. Her lips muttered a prayer for a miracle to see him again, right here, right now—she longed to connect with him once more, even just a handshake, but…
A fleeting image, like a dream, followed her home. Too early for her roommate, still working at a café, she decided to drive over and pick her up. The sky that night was vast, the moon dazzlingly bright. A cool breeze blew, and the young woman’s heart swelled with an indescribable feeling.
It was the café’s grand opening. Her friend was swamped, too busy to notice what help she could offer. In a fleeting moment, she managed to gush, “I ran into someone I really like today!” That was it—her friend flashed a grin and turned away. That day, she basked in the glow of beautiful smiles.
Later, drowsy and worn out from a hectic day, she opened her phone and reread his message. She chuckled, wondering why, with feelings like these, she hadn’t texted him for coffee. For the first time, she sent him a message. A few familiar, casual lines—nothing grand.
– Got any plans coming up?
– I’m about to take a shower 🙂
That alone made her laugh. The charm of life always hides in the tiniest corners people overlook. Late that night, the girl drifted to sleep, still smiling.
Who knows—maybe one day, that smile will linger with her longer than a blink…