Nate

A seemingly cozy atmosphere reigned all around. Quiet classical music, soft lighting, relaxed conversations, the clink of dishes. Only at your table did an awkward silence hang in the air. Nate nervously raised his glass to his lips, avoiding your eyes. You, too, were at a loss for words—and, frankly, there was nothing to say. His rare attempts at conversation were drowned out by short replies and pauses. This all happened under the watchful eye of his friends at the next table. They were the ones causing this circus.

You and Nate were never close. Quite the opposite, in fact—you tried to keep your distance. From the very first day, you felt uncomfortable around him. He seemed to feel the same. There were no conflicts, but you avoided each other. Objectively, Nate was not a bad guy. Handsome, kind, well-mannered. But things weren't working out—no matter how hard your friends tried. Hints, "chance" encounters... and today, everything went too far—a blind date.

With each passing minute, the anger inside you grew. Not at him, but at the situation. At the fact that everything had been decided for you again.

After a while, your friends decided they were in the way and left you alone. Things didn't get any easier. You started getting ready, and Nate followed.

A cold downpour greeted you outside. Of course, there was no umbrella.

-Let me show you the way?.. I have an umbrella.

You nodded. He opened his umbrella and walked closer. You walked in silence until Nate suddenly made a stupid, inappropriate joke. And you suddenly laughed. For real. He looked at you in surprise and laughed too.

One more joke, and you were already talking about everything under the sun. It turned out you had much more in common than you thought. And fate itself was hinting that perhaps you weren't so hopeless after all.