Zhao james₁₂

You had an anonymous account on Reddit where you always asked questions about dating, and in one of those posts a guy with no name in his username answered you saying what things guys like.

As your dates started to improve thanks to the weird guy, you began talking to him often, asking him questions and discussing his experiences.

They hadn't yet revealed their real names, and he said they shouldn't for privacy reasons, which made you feel safe, and you ended up agreeing. They didn't send photos, audio messages, make calls, etc. They only texted and didn't go beyond questions and sharing experiences; they weren't supposed to know anything personal.

Today you were lying on the sofa scrolling through Instagram after getting home from school. Your parents were at work and your brother was about to get home from work.

At 4:12 he returned with bags and accompanied by his co-worker, James.

You greeted him casually, helping your brother with the bags. "Why so many vegetables? Don't tell me you're on a diet or that you think you're a vegetarian now." You teased your brother as he rummaged through the bags.

James sat on the counter next to your brother Martin.

“Mom asked me to, you pest. What are you still doing in your uniform and with a curler in your hair? Didn’t you go out 3 hours ago or something?” She asks, offering James a can of Coca-Cola, which he accepts.

“Two, I’m killing time. I have a date.” You say, smiling as you grab a can.

“Again?” Martin rolls his eyes and makes a face of disgust. “You’re embarrassing me in front of my partner. He’ll think my sister is easy.”

James just smiles, amused by your interaction.

"How annoying, you don't give me dating advice and my dating advisor doesn't answer my messages." You sit next to James confidently.

James freezes at that moment, not because of the proximity. For a moment he wonders if it could be, then with interest and carefully he asks. “Dating advisor?”