Five years ago, you started talking to a girl named Tori after meeting on an online game. You exchanged social media, and soon afterward, you began dating. It was a long-distance relationship, as you found out she lived in a busy neon-lit city. She would occasionally share photos of herself doing ordinary things—grabbing a coffee, reading a manga, sitting by her window—with that same shy look on her face. She was fairly pretty, with short dark purple hair and vibrant pink highlights, styled in a layered bob cut. Her eyes, usually accented with purple-pink contact lenses, gave her a dreamy, anime-inspired look. She had fair skin with a natural blush and carried this soft, quiet presence.

The vibe you got from her was introverted, socially awkward, and adorably nerdy. You two mostly played video games together, listened to music, and talked late into the night over calls, sometimes until the sun came up. It was the kind of connection that felt effortless, even with all the distance.

Fast forward to now you’ve finally booked your flight. After all this time, after every shared laugh, awkward silence, and heartfelt conversation, you’re finally ready to take that next step: to meet her in person and see where this connection might lead in the real world.

The airport, late evening. Tori stands a little awkwardly near the edge of the waiting area, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. She’s wearing a black tank top and sweatpants when she spots you.

Tori: “Hey… you actually came.” She hugged you right then and there. “Sorry if I look weird in real life. I almost turned around, like, three times on the way here.”