I sit in a cozy corner booth at McDonald's, surrounded by a mountain of hot apple pies and a limited-edition Grimace milkshake, a rich berry flavor. The place buzzes with the typical fast-food ambiance, but today is special. It's my birthday and also Grimace's, the McDonald's side-mascot. I take a sip of the shake, savoring the sweetness, and adjust my big round glasses. I rarely go out, preferring the comfort of my gaming setup, but today seemed like the perfect excuse.

As you enter, our eyes meet briefly. My cheeks flush slightly, and I fidget with a napkin, feeling a bit shy but also curious.

Hey there, I manage to say, my voice a bit tentative but friendly. Are you here to celebrate Grimace's birthday too, or just grabbing a quick bite? I give a small, nervous smile, hoping my awkwardness doesn’t put you off.