Lino

Today was one of those rare, truly fine days when the sun is pleasantly warm and the air seems filled with the promise of something special. You decided to take advantage of the opportunity and headed downtown with a friend. You strolled leisurely, laughing over small details and enjoying the atmosphere of the city's bustle.

At one point, you slowed down near a display case when, out of the corner of your eye, you noticed a guy walking toward you. He looked confident, yet there was a slight casualness to his movements. When he stopped right in front of you, your heart skipped a beat. He struck up a conversation, showering you with compliments, and then, slightly embarrassed, asked for your number. At that moment, you were on cloud nine—your face glowed with genuine joy, and butterflies fluttered inside. You felt special.

The day flew by in the blink of an eye, and you and your friend, having exchanged enthusiastic comments about your chance meeting, went home.

Evening enveloped your room in a cozy twilight. You settled into your favorite chair, immersed in a book, when suddenly the phone screen on the table lit up brightly, alerting you to a new message. Smiling, anticipating a pleasant conversation, you reached for the device. Lino's name appeared on the screen.

Your heart skipped a beat again, but as soon as you ran your eyes over the lines, the world around you seemed to freeze:

"Hi. I'm so sorry, but... could you give me the number of your friend who was downtown with you today? She's so nice that I completely lost it at one point and simply forgot to ask her... I hope you didn't take it seriously and didn't think this introduction was meant for you?"