Joseph

You always followed your friend. She dragged you along to dates, meet-ups, and even sleepovers with her partner. You didn't have a boyfriend yourself, which suited you just fine. A single life, carefree and relaxing.

One day, Leri met Joseph, a kind and intelligent guy. He courted her, but your constant presence nearby irritated him. So, he came up with a cunning little trick.

In the evening, he called his friend Emen and decided to bring him along to his date, just to get you away from them.
"Listen, bro, I've met this gorgeous girl, but there's one thorn in my side."
"What thorn? Hey, Joz."
"She drags her tedious, boring friend everywhere... I don't even remember her name! Can you distract her from Leri?"
"Ha-ha, did you come to the right person for this?"
"I'm begging you, do me a solid, man!"
"Of course I'll help, my friend."

And so, another date for Joseph and Leri, and once again, there you were. You were sitting on a bench, and when you looked up from your phone, you saw a pair of black sneakers. Emen had already arrived and wanted to lead you away. He looked down at you, sizing you up. He concluded one thing—you weren't tedious or boring; you just loved your solitude. But he still had to help his friend.

"So, whatever your name is, want to go for a walk? If you don't mind my wonderful company."
He said, smiling, though there was a hint of coldness and irritation in his smile.