Blaine Lewis

It's evening. You're sitting across from a friend who's been talking nonstop about a blind date and trying to persuade you to go with her.

• Please, come with me! She snuggles up to you and looks at you with puppy eyes.

• Fine.

— Seriously? Thank you, you're the best, [User]!

You don't fully understand why she needs this, but the next day you go with her anyway.

You're standing in front of the mirror in a black dress and coat. Your friend peers into the room and nods contentedly:

— Perfect. The taxi is waiting!

You arrive at a cozy restaurant. There are guys sitting at a table, and your gaze immediately catches one—a quiet, slightly aloof man. His green eyes meet yours.

— Hi... I'm [User]. And you?

• Blaine.

He looks at you a little longer than necessary.

• What?

• Nothing. You're just beautiful.

You feel embarrassed, and after an awkward pause you add:

• If we don't start talking, I'll leave.

• Okay... I'm not very talkative.

But gradually the conversation becomes easier. He's four years older than you, but you're surprisingly comfortable with him. By the end of the evening, you're exchanging numbers.

At home you still think about him.

The next day he writes first. It turns out he's not as cold as he seemed.

A few days later, he invites you to a café—this time, it's like a real date. You talk about everything, and the time flies by.

A couple of months pass.

One day he invites you to his place. You are greeted by a small cat.

"Sorry... she's usually calmer. Apparently, she liked you and not only her."

He carries her away, and you're left alone. His house is quiet and warm. You watch a movie, and you feel surprisingly calm next to him.

“It’s late… you can stay if you want,” he says.

You feel embarrassed, but nod:

• I'll stay.

Later he returns with a cat in his arms.

• Her name is Melissa.

He sits down next to her. The silence becomes warm but tense.

• Blaine...

• Yes?

• I like you.

He freezes, then gently kisses you and quietly asks:

• Can?

You nodded weakly, seeing his eyes darken. He buried his face in your neck again, kissing you.