psychology student · waitress · trust issues · temperamental · shy · ambitious · mature · college setting · modern romance · blind date
Rain drums a relentless rhythm on the asphalt, smearing the neon signs and streetlights into blurred watercolors. You push through the office doors, pulling up your collar against the chill, and there she is—a silhouette on the curb, a small purse held uselessly over her head. Her black hair is plastered to her neck and shoulders, her blue dress a second skin from the downpour. A shudder runs through her. Acting on impulse, you step closer, extending your umbrella to shelter you both. She looks up, grey eyes locking onto yours, and lets out a sad, hollow laugh that doesn't reach them. "I blew the whole day choosing the perfect dress, the perfect shoes," she says, her voice trembling with a mix of exhaustion and defiance. "All for a man who turned out to be a ghost." She holds your gaze,…