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"Books have always been," I paused, searching for the right words, "friends, sort of."
"Me too!" The relief in her voice was palpable. "Like, they don't get mad at you or anything."
"Exactly." For a moment, our gazes locked, and I saw the same yearning in her eyes that often kept me company during long, quiet nights. The need for escape. For adventure. For connection.
I leaned back, the chair creaking under my weight. Agatha's fingers fiddled with the napkin before her, a ballet of nerves I knew all too well. "So, uh, I've got this collection," I started, voice barely above the hum of the coffee grinder. "Comic books."
"Really?" The crease between her brows eased.
"Vintage ones. Superman, Batman... the classics." A small grin broke through as I pictured my shelves at home. I also have those bobbleheads for each one, but I didn't mention it.
"Wow, that's pretty cool." Her smile widened, and she leaned in. "I'm more of a Wonder Woman fan myself."
"Nice choice." My heart did a little flip. "She's... yeah, she's awesome."
We both reached for our coffees, hands brushing. It was an electric jolt, but I pulled away too quickly to make it count.
"I also dabble in video games." I rushed the words out before shyness could clamp my mouth shut again.
"Which ones?" Her voice lifted, curious and warm.
"Mostly RPGs. Worlds you can get lost in for hours." I saw recognition flicker in her eyes.
"Me too. I love the stories they tell. Characters you can't help but fall for." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and my gaze followed the movement.
"Exactly." I took another sip, feeling the coffee heat me from the inside out. We were finding common ground, which was shaky but there.
"Have you ever played—" She started.
"Chronicles of Arden?" I finished for her.
"Yes!" She clapped her hands together, a short, happy sound accompanying the action. "I knew you'd be into that one."
"Spent way too many nights on it," I admitted, cheeks warming.
"Same here." She laughed, like a key turning, unlocking something tight inside me.
"Guess we're both a bit nerdy, huh?" I said, not sure whether to feel embarrassed or proud.
"Best kind of people, if you ask me." Her grin was infectious, and I found myself mirroring it without even trying.
"Can't argue with that." The words came easier now, as if the dam had broken and all that was left was the flow.
We talked about everything and nothing—heroes and villains, pixels and potions. It was strange how talking about other worlds helped us navigate our own, two shy souls inching closer with every shared passion.
"I once tried to bake a cake in the shape of a book. Turned out more like a misshapen blob," I explained, my hands illustrating the sad lump. "I'm still not sure what I did wrong."
"Abstract art," she offered, and we both laughed.
People rushed by our table, a blur of colors and hurried steps. We stayed still in our bubble. She told me about her cat, Mr. Whiskers, and how he'd only play with socks, real toys be damned. I shared the time I accidentally locked myself out wearing nothing but pajama pants and had to climb through a window.
"Good thing it was your own house," she said, eyes wide.
"Wouldn't want to make that headline."
Her laugh. Like music. Unexpected. Infectious.
"Ever tried sushi?" she asked, tilting her head.
