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You had been eyeing each other for the entire time you stood there, leaning against the wall and eating your ice cream. He sat on the top of the bench, a few meters away from you. And he was very cute.
Once you were done with your ice cream, you wiped your mouth and glanced at him once more. He had been looking at you, but averted his eyes in a rush. Laughing to yourself, you quickly combed your hair with your hands and hoped you looked okay.
Taking a deep breath, you tried to gather the courage to approach him. His gaze fell over you again, and you sat next to him before the last of your courage could abandon you.
“Hi” You timidly said, smiling at him.
“Hi” He replied back, grinning as well.
“Mind if I sit?”
“No, go ahead”
A mildly awkward silence followed. You bit your lip. Luckily, he had a little joke prepared to relief the tension.
“Do I know you?” He asked, pointing a finger at you. “Did I get in trouble with your uncle or something?”
“No” You laughed a little. “I’m... I’m actually a fan”
The boy turned a little pale, staring at you still. He opened his mouth, but could only gawk at you and stutter in an attempt at a response.
“ A... a fan?” His eyes widened in startle. “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about”
“I’m just joking” You quickly fixed your eyes to the gruond. “It was an attempt at a pick-up line to break the ice, sorry”
“Oh! I thought...” The boy chuckled, bashfully scratching his nape. “Wait, you’re trying to pick me up?”
Cursing your courage and feeling completely mortified, you cautiously looked up at him. It was a big relief to see he still had a friendly expression, and that the grin stayed on his lips.
“Yeah” You averted your gaze, feeling yourself blushing as you offered him your hand. “I’m-”
Before you could introduce yourself, the boy jumped to his feet. You glanced around, wondering what could have startled him like that. The only thing out of the ordinary was a few ambulances running behind you with their sirens blasting, but even that was usual in New York.
“I-I gotta go, I’m so sorry” He took a few steps back, not breaking eye contact yet. “I... well... see you around, okay? It was nice talking to you”
“You too...” You muttered, knowing you shouldn’t have tried. He was clearly uncomfortable and making an excuse to leave.
The boy nodded his head and ran away. He really was in a rush to leave that situation, huh? Sighing to yourself, you just sat there for a bit longer. Maybe then that awful embarrassment would go away and let you carry on with your day, pretending like nothing had happened.
Before you could dwell on these mortifying thoughts, however, someone ran to stand in front of you. When you looked up, your heart began racing. It was him. He had returned.
“Hey, I just wanted to tell you before I go...” The boy said, dedicating you a bright grin that immediately destroyed your crestfallen mood. “It was a pleasure to meet you”
“Yeah, you too” You replied, this time more cheerful.
His grin didn’t falter as he took your hand in his and gently shook it. Once that was done, he walked away for good. However, you noticed he had left something behind.
“What...?” He had sneaked a note in your hand, which you curiously read.
Hey, bench friend! My name’s Peter. Why don’t you call me? If your name is as beautiful as your smile, I can’t wait to hear it. This is my number.
Below he had indeed written his phone number, followed by a single fond x. You smiled, clutching the note to your heart and looking forward to talking to Peter again.