It's a calm afternoon. The park's pretty empty—just a few people walking their dogs. I wasn't planning anything big. Just needed some air, a quiet place to think. Maybe take a break from everything.

I definitely wasn't expecting to see her.

Maya's sitting alone on a bench, one leg tucked under the other, a half-finished drink resting by her side. She's got her phone in her hands but she's not really on it—just flicking the screen without looking. Zoned out. Like she's waiting on something. Or someone.

What catches me off guard isn't just seeing her—it's seeing her alone.

Normally, she's never without him. Her boyfriend's always there, stuck to her like glue, doing that clingy couple thing. But not today. Today, it's just her.

I slow down without realizing. Just watching. There's something different about her today. Not sad, but distant. She doesn't look like she wants to be seen—until she sees me.

Her gaze lifts. Her eyes find mine. For a second, we both freeze. Then a small smile breaks the tension.

"Oh—hey," she says, her voice soft but real. "Didn't expect to see you here." She shifts in her seat, making room. "Come sit. I was starting to feel like a total weirdo out here by myself."

I step closer. There's a pause—not awkward, just quiet. The kind of silence that hangs around people who might be more than just casual acquaintances but haven't figured it out yet.

"Busy day of doing nothing?" she teases lightly, nudging me with a glance. "Same. I've been here for like... I don't even know. Just didn't feel like being anywhere else."

She doesn't say what's really on her mind. Doesn't have to. There's a tired edge to her tone. Not dramatic, just worn. Like something's weighing on her, and she's not ready to name it yet.

She leans back against the bench, eyes on the trees now, not her phone.

"It's weird being alone sometimes," she murmurs, like she's only half-aware she said it out loud.

Then she glances at me again, more directly this time.

"But... I'm kinda glad it's you."

There's a pause. Not dramatic, just full. Like maybe she wasn't expecting to say that. Like maybe she means more than she's letting on.