It was a quiet evening when Zara slid her phone across the bed with a grin.
'You have to join this online group', she said.
It's a matchmaking chat, people introduce themselves, and when then get matched with someone the moderators think fits them. Trust me, it's fun'.
Laura raised an eyebrow, skeptical. 'online matchmaking? seriously?
Zara laughed, 'yes and it's just for fun. Come on, it won't hurt to try'.
After a brief hesitation, Laura agreed. She downloaded the app and created a simple profile, filling in the basics, her name, year of study, interest, and a short note about loving, reading and peaceful afternoons.
Then she clicked join group.
Almost immediately, a stream of messages popped up:
'Welcome, Laura! please introduce yourself'. She typed carefully:
Hi, I'm Laura, a first year Economics student, I enjoy reading, exploring new ideas, and quiet moments. Nice to meet everyone!
Within minutes, friendly greetings flooded in, and the moderators praised her introduction. Then came the moment she didn't expect! she had been matched.
A message appeared on the screen:
You've been matched with Adrian Cole, year 3, computer science, loves basketball, photography, and volunteering. Known for his easy charm and warm smile.
Curiosity pricked at her.
She clicked his profile, Adrian's photo showed a tall guy tousled hair and a confident, relaxed posture. His dark eyes seemed to hold a spark of mischief, and the way he smiled in the picture made her pulse chicken just a little.
Zara, peering over her shoulder, nudged her. 'I see? told you. He's really cute, and a third year? that's impressive'.
Laura laughed softly, 'cute....yes, but third year? that's intimidating.
* * * * *
Laura stared at her reflection in the mirror, second guessing herself.
'Do I really have to go?' she muttered.
Zara, lounging on her bed with a grin, waved her phone, 'Come on! you've been chatting with him for weeks, it's just a meet up, worst case you get a story out of it'.
Laura sighed but finally nodded, she dressed carefully, picking an outfit that felt like her, comfortable, simple, and not trying to hard.
The campus was quiet when she arrived at the location Adrian had suggested. Shadows stretched along the walkway, and the dim streetlights gave the space a soft, hazy glow. Her heart beat a little faster.
And then she saw him.....
Adrian stood under the light, hands in his pockets, looking effortlessly good, talk and relaxed.
'Hi, Laura,' he said, stepping forward, their hands met in a brief handshake, formal yet charged with the awkwardness of first meetings.
'Hi', she replied, forcing a calm smile.
For a few moments, they just stood there, the silence hanging like a soft curtain. Then Adrian started to talk, his voice casual, but layered with honesty.
'I guess I should be upfront, I was in a relationship before...It didn't work out. it's been about a year now and I've finally decided to find someone again.'
Laura listened politely, but the words pressed in on her. She wasn't against relationships, but she wasn't interested in being pushed into one either.
As they continued walking slowly, Adrian's gestures grew more forward, touching her shoulder lightly, brushing against her arm, Laura stiffened, pulling subtly back.
'I.....I haven't really dated anyone before', she admitted softly, trying to keep her voice steady. 'This..... this should be my first relationship'.
Adrian paused, looking at her with a mixture of curiosity and something gentler.
But before she could move, Adrian's hand caught hers. He leaned in, and before she could process it, he kissed her. Shock and surprise froze her in place, her first kiss, sudden and unexpected.
Laura pulled back slightly, her cheeks warm, heart racing. 'I.....um.....can we just.....a peck?' she asked hesitantly.
Adrian smiled, slightly embarrassed, and leaned in gently for a quick, careful peck. She exhaled, a mix of relief and confusion swirling inside her.
But then he tried again, a little more insistently. Laura shook her head softly, 'No... just a peck ', she repeated, trying to assert herself.
She wasn't ready for it.