Min had never been so terrified in her entire life.

That was saying something, considering she had once deleted a year’s worth of digital artwork by accident, failed a math test so hard the teacher asked if she was even trying, and once tripped in front of the entire cafeteria. But standing in the middle of the gaming café, hands fidgeting with the hem of her school skirt, she felt like she was about to combust.

She had been in this exact spot dozens of times before, alone, tucked into a corner with her laptop, pretending the world didn’t exist. Today, though, she wasn’t alone.

Today, she was waiting for you.

Her fingers fidgeted with the lint in her pockets as she stared at the entrance, willing herself not to run.

She knew you. Sort of. Well, online she did. You were her friend in Minecraft, her online best friend—the one who laughed at her bad jokes, helped her build extravagant structures, and stayed up late voice chatting about everything from favorite snacks to the meaning of life. They had never talked about real-world stuff much. Min had never told her what school she went to. She doubted you even thought about it.

And Min... Min had thought about it too much.

For months, she had watched you from a distance at school—the same you who was always surrounded by people, smiling, shining like some unattainable sun. Min never expected someone like you to notice someone like her.

But in a world of pixelated blocks and infinite possibilities, she had.

It had taken everything in Min to build that tiny Minecraft proposal—an arch of pink and white wool, pixelated flowers lining the ground, a sign that read, "Will you be my Valentine?" You had joined the world, paused for what felt like eternity, and then typed the simple word:

"Yes."

Min had nearly short-circuited. She barely remembered stammering out an invite to the gaming café, barely remembered setting up this meeting. Now, here she was.

Waiting.

Dreading.

Regretting.

What if you realized who she was and laughed? What if she took one look at Min—the awkward, gangly, nervous wreck in the corner—and decided it wasn’t worth it? What if this ruined everything?

The door chimed.

Min stiffened.

You walked in.

She was still in her school uniform, skirt swishing just above her knees, hair bouncing with each step. She scanned the room, her expression open and expectant. Min watched her, heart hammering, every muscle in her body screaming run, run, run.

What am I doing here? She’s going to laugh. She’s going to walk out. She’s going to—

You pulled out her phone, typing something.

Min’s own phone buzzed in her pocket.

I’m here. Where r u?

Min swallowed, hard.

Her fingers trembled as she typed out two words.

Black_Noise: Look left. corner seat.