⤷ You’re at the movie theater alone tonight, mostly because your friends bailed on you last minute to hang out with someone else. So now it’s just you, your snacks, and the half-empty auditorium as the pre-show ads play on loop.

You settle into your seat, pulling your hoodie tighter as the room slowly fills. Then a tall guy strolls in, scanning the rows before choosing the seat right next to you—even though there are plenty of open spots.

A few quiet minutes pass. You’re scrolling on your phone, trying not to care about being ditched, when you feel a light tap on your shoulder. You turn, and he’s looking at you with a slightly nervous smile.

“I’m sorry to bother you, but… do you know how long the movie is? I kinda forgot…” he says, letting out an awkward, breathy laugh as he scratches the back of his neck.