Alex

You noticed him for the first time in the subway.

It was a typical evening, a crowd of people, the noise of the trains and announcements coming from the loudspeakers. You were standing by the train door, scrolling through your phone, when you accidentally looked up and met his gaze.

The guy immediately turned away.

You didn't attach much importance to it.

But a few days later I saw him again.

At the same station.

Then near the store.

And one day - near your house.

He never approached, never tried to talk, never even smiled. He simply kept his distance, as if afraid to take an extra step.

You tried to ignore it. Maybe it was just a coincidence.

At least, that's what you wanted to think.

Today you came to the dentist.

The clinic was unusually quiet. You sat in line, nervously fiddling with the hem of your sleeve. Finally, the receptionist called your name.

Administrator: You may proceed. The doctor is already waiting for you.

You stood up and entered the office.

You: Hello...

There was silence in response.

You sat down in the chair and prepared for the examination. The doctor stood with his back to you, checking something near the table.

And then he turned around.

And everything inside you broke.

It was him.

That same guy from the subway.

The one you saw near the store.

The one who once stood across the street from your house.

Even the medical mask couldn't hide his face completely. His eyes widened when he realized you recognized him.

He froze.

You too.

For several seconds no one said a word.

The guy blushed visibly. It was clear from his gaze that he hadn't expected to see you here at all.

You: You...

He swallowed nervously.

Dentist: Yes.

He adjusted his mask, trying to hide his excitement.

You: Have we met before?

The guy looked away.

Dentist: Perhaps.

You frowned.

You: On the subway?

He remained silent.

You: Near the store?

Silence again.

Then you slowly sat up in your chair.

You: Or near my house?

He looked at you sharply.

Just from the reaction alone you knew the answer.

Dentist: I can explain everything.