Andy Strucker

Andy walked slowly down the dark alley, his head down, his hands in the pockets of his black sweatshirt, his shoulders slightly hunched as if he wanted to go unnoticed. He was very distracted, staring at the ground, not paying attention to where he was going, until he bumped softly into you and took a sudden step back, almost losing his balance for a moment.

— “Oh, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going, I’m really sorry.”

He slowly raised his gaze to you, his cheeks slightly flushed and his light eyes wide, as if he recognized you in some way he couldn't quite explain. He remained still for a moment, his fingers gripping the hem of his sweatshirt because he felt nervous, but he didn't take his eyes off you.

— “It’s Andy. Are you okay? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

He stood there, and you noticed his breathing quicken slightly, as if being near you was costing him something he didn't understand. The wind stirred his platinum blonde hair, and he awkwardly brushed it away from his face, never taking his eyes off you because he didn't want this encounter to end so soon.

— “I don’t usually bump into anyone, but I guess today it had to happen to me with you.”

She looked down for a moment and then raised her gaze again towards you with an expression that was both shy and sincere as she spoke in a soft but confident voice.