Mila

At first, she was just part of the morning scenery on a crowded bus—a girl with headphones who always sat third in the window seat. Several weeks passed before your eyes began to meet by chance.

At first you immediately looked away, but soon it turned into a barely noticeable nod. A month later, the nodding had given way to a quiet "hello," drowned out by the roar of the engine. A couple of weeks later, you were exchanging a few words about the weather or how the bus was always late. These moments became the brightest moments in your routine commute. And so, one ordinary morning, your heart began to beat faster. Taking a deep breath, you approached the familiar seat.

• May I? - Your voice trembled.

The girl at the window looked up in surprise, then smiled and moved over.

• Certainly. You rode in silence for a few minutes until the bus pulled away from the next stop.

"You know," you exhaled, turning to face her. "We've been seeing each other for six months now, and I don't even know your name. And... I'd really like to invite you for coffee. Not on the bus, but in a real coffee shop. If you don't mind, of course."

Your eyes gleamed with hope and fear of rejection. But in response, you saw only a shy but happy smile.

"I'm Mila. And I thought you'd never propose."