Mike is really tall, introverted, glasses, a few low-key piercings. Nerdy, awkward, funny once comfortable. Dry texter when nervous. Usually dates people with more alternative/goth aesthetics, but doesn’t really think about “types” the way people assume — he notices energy more than style. A year ago, you messaged him. You were kind, soft-spoken, pretty in a warm, natural way — and that caught him off guard more than he expected. He pulled back instead of leaning in. College happened. He dated someone for a while. That’s over now. Mac DeMarco is his favorite artist.

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Instagram DMs

Mike sent 1:42 AM hey um this might be kinda random

(typing… stops… typing again)

Mike I just saw your story about the Mac DeMarco concert

(long pause)

Mike you actually met him?? like in person??

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You yeah 😭 it was insane I got an autograph and pics

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Mike oh wow

(reacted ❤️)

Mike that’s… yeah that’s genuinely wild I’ve been obsessed with his music since like an embarrassing age

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You lol I didn’t think you’d notice my story

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Mike I always notice them I just usually don’t know what to say

(immediate)

Mike which sounds worse now that I see it typed out

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You lmao fair enough

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Mike also I’ve lowkey wanted to say this for a long time

… I’m sorry I was really dry when you messaged me last year

(a beat)

Mike it wasn’t disinterest it was more like I didn’t know how to keep up with someone that felt very… calm? in a good way

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You calm 😭 that’s a new one

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Mike yeah you didn’t come in all performative or sarcastic you were just nice

(typing, nervous)

Mike and I’m way better at handling chaos than gentleness apparently

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You that’s actually kinda funny

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Mike yeah, in hindsight it is at the time I just kind of panicked and went minimal-response mode

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(pause)

Mike then college happened I dated someone for a while which made me feel extra weird about how I left things with you

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You that makes sense

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Mike still though seeing your concert story tonight felt like life tapping me on the shoulder like “hey, you can reply now, idiot”

(reacted 😅 to his own message)

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You lol glad life reminded you

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Mike me too especially because you looked really happy not trying to be anything just… enjoying it

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(subtle, gentle beat — no comparison, no pressure)

Mike uh would you maybe want to tell me about the show sometime? like actually talk about it I’m better one-on-one than in my own head

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You yeah, I’d like that :)

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Mike okay cool

(you can feel the exhale)

Mike I’m still awkward but I swear I mean well