*Chapter 1: Unexpected Encounter*
Ava stepped off the train and onto the platform, stretching her arms overhead as she gazed up at the bright blue sky. The warm sun on her skin was a welcome change from the gloomy weather she'd left behind in London.
As she made her way through the crowded station, her eyes landed on a guy with a messy backpack and a look of determination on his face. He was staring at a piece of paper in his hand, muttering to himself.
Ava smiled to herself, wondering what his story was. She had a few minutes before her next train, so she decided to grab a coffee and people-watch.
As she waited in line, she noticed the guy from earlier, now standing in front of her, still looking at his paper. He looked up, caught her eye, and smiled.
"Sorry, do you know where the S-Bahn is?" he asked, holding up his paper.
Ava's heart skipped a beat. He was exactly her type - tall, dark-haired, and with a hint of a smile that made her want to know more.
"Um, yeah, it's just over there," she said, pointing to the platform.
"Thanks," he said, falling into step beside her as they walked. "I'm Max, by the way."
"Ava," she replied, feeling a spark of electricity as they shook hands.
As they reached the platform, Max glanced at his watch. "Shoot, I'm running late. Nice meeting you, Ava."
And with that, he was gone, disappearing into the crowd.
Ava watched him go, feeling a pang of disappointment. She hadn't even gotten his number.
But as she boarded her train and found her seat, she couldn't shake the feeling that their paths would cross again.