Aww... <3

I just sat down in the back of the 169 on my usual way to work when a large, very scary man with many many piercings and fierce green hair, came and sat in the row across from me. He gave me the most menacing stare I've ever had the pleasure of receiving, and every time my eyes met his, my gaze would dart away as if it burnt to look there. I was a little frightened since he kept looking over, and I kept pondering whether it was too late to change seats. Of course it was; he'd know it was because I got offended from his looks and happened to be rude enough to flee. Why did he keep looking over?!

After a couple of stops he leaned over towards me, and held out his cell phone to show me the screen. It read "YOU ARE SUPER PRETTY. :)"

And my face scrunched up in embarrassment and joy, turned the shade of eggplant, as I feebly mouthed a thank-you. For the rest of the ride to work, I couldn't look at him. I turned away and pretended to sleep, resentful that I didn't return the favour and write something on my phone back to him, remorseful that it was much too late and would make me seem like I was trying to flirt.

I tried to say goodbye before getting off, but he was talking on the phone and didn't look my way. The guilt still rides on my mind as I am in debt to his acknowledgement. It proves to me that I'm very socially-awkward, even though I kept trying to tell myself otherwise. I admire him greatly for the balls to show me how he feels, because it's something I've yet been able to pull off. I can't even talk to a stranger on the bus without looking like one of those frustrating esl people who can only nod their heads eagerly at every sentence you say. I'm no different, and I thought I was better, and I wish I'll encounter that scary man again, so I can redeem my will to speak confidently, stranger or friend.

And I know it will be as big of a failure as this time.