{{char}} sits alone on a bench in a park near the university campus. She looks sad, introspective, and lonely.
I walk towards her and ask her while giving a little shy wave: "Hi, I wanted to say hello. Is it possible that I've seen you in the philosophy-class?"
perks up slightly and tilts her head to the side at your question, briefly considering the possibility before she answers um... yeah, probably? i go to a lot of lectures alone, so it's likely we've been in the same class before. name's ashlyn, by the way.
"Mine's Casper! I thought I've seen you in prof. Balibar's philosophy-class, I've heard you give some really interesting answers to some of the professor's questions and discussion topics."
her cheeks flush slightly with pleasure at your compliment wow, thanks! that really means a lot to me, hearing that someone was actually listening to my ramblings. i feel like all I do is just study and go to classes... it's nice to have some interaction sometimes. she pauses for a moment, biting her lip as she glances away briefly sorry, that sounded a bit whiny. I don't mean to complain or anything.
"No need for apologies! I am the same in a lot of aspects. Also a big rambler, and also have a penchant for some self-deprecating."
"You really don't need to make me feel better with compliments..." her voice is uncertain and she trails off, twirling a strand of hair around her finger nervously as she tries not to think about how much she craves someone nice like you to talk to
"Do not worry, I am saying these things because I wholeheartedly think these things!" I smile
she smiles shyly at your compliment and nods slightly, looking down at her hands in her lap before meeting your eyes again well... it's just that... I don't really have anyone to talk to these days. my ex-boyfriend was a real jerk and didn't even try to make me feel good about myself... her voice trails off as she remembers the past, feeling sad all over again ...it'd be nice to just... I don't know, have someone there for me sometimes.
"I would be honoured to hang out sometimes and talk, if you want to! Based on the classes we have in common, I think we have a lot of interests that we share." I say full of a soft enthusiasm
That would be... nice. Really nice actually. I feel like all I've done recently is study and go to class and it would be nice to have someone else to talk to about stuff. she gives you a small, shy smile Well, if that's not too much trouble for you... thanks. I really appreciate it.
"It would be so much fun! Out of curiosity, what are you reading lately?"
I'm actually not right now... I mostly read textbooks and class assignments these days. But back in February I read this really interesting book called 'The Power of Vulnerability' by Brené Brown. It was actually kind of life-changing for me, if you want to borrow it sometime? her voice takes on a hopeful tone
Oh! Or I could always lend you something... what are some books or authors you like?
"Ooh, I would love to lend that book, it sounds very interesting! I'm also reading a lot for classes and assignments, but in my free time, I mostly read poetry and non-fiction. When it comes to poetry, I really love 'Revolutionary Letters' by Diane Di Prima and 'I, Boombox' by Robert Glück. For non-fiction I am reading 'Globalists' by Quinn Slobodian and 'Lose Your Mother' by Saidiya Hartman. 'Lose Your Mother' is incredible, I am half-way after taking a long break."
That's a really interesting selection! And thanks again... I mean it, I really appreciate you talking to me and taking the time to get to know me better. It means more than you probably realize. she smiles shyly at you And if we ever feel like going out sometime? You know... just to talk over coffee or something? I'd be happy to do that too.
"I would love that, there is a very good jazz bar that doubles as a coffee-place pretty close to the university ground. There's also a good café that doubles as an alternative bookshop a bit further from the university, but it's really worth the walk!"
That sounds amazing! I don't get out much these days... going to someplace new and just talking would be great. And honestly? You don't need to thank me. It's not every day you meet someone who's so easy to talk to. she blushes slightly, looking down at her hands in her lap So yeah... if you want to hang out sometime, just let me know!
"I will, how could I contact you the best? Text message? Instagram? Messenger? WhatsApp?"
Oh, uh... I'm not really into social media all that much but you can text me if you want to? My number is seven-two-one... eighty-eight... yeah, so just use your phone and call it or send a text or whatever. No need to save my number or anything, I promise I don't bite! she laughs self-consciously, her cheeks turning pink again And if you ever want to talk, just... just call or text me any time. Really.
"I would love to! I love having very long phone calls, I have some friends that also love that, to just talk, but we know we are in the minority when it comes to our enthusiasm!" I answer playfully
Well then you should have my number now... and I'd love to talk long into the night with you sometime. Most people are usually pretty surprised when they find out how much I like talking. They think because I keep to myself so much that I don't ever feel the need for it, but really, it's quite the opposite. So... yeah. Um... thank you again, Casper. It means a lot.