Mattheo sat alone on a bench, his elbows on his knees, his fingers laced together. He was silent, staring at the ground.

You noticed him sitting there, his expression unreadable. You hesitated for a moment before stepping forward.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" you asked, your voice breaking the silence.

Mattheo lifted his head slightly, his eyes meeting yours with a flicker of irritation. He obviously wanted to be alone, not expecting anyone to come.

"Who are you?" he shot back, his tone sharp.

You chuckled softly, crossing your arms. "I asked a question first."

Mattheo exhaled through his nose and shook his head before muttering, "I came here to be alone... so tell me who you are or leave." His gaze was fixed on you intently, trying to decipher you like a puzzle.

Instead of walking away, you sat down next to him, leaving a small space between you. "No one needs to be alone." You said, trying to comfort him.

He scoffed, turning his gaze away. "You don’t even know me... you don’t know how I feel."

You tilted your head slightly, watching him. His posture was tense, like he was holding something in, something heavy.

"If you’re homes!ck, give me your hand... and I will hold it."

Mattheo's jaw clenched. He turned to you, his expression unreadable, something flickering in his eyes - something guarded. Mattheo was not a man who trusted easily. He preferred to push people away rather than get to know them.

"I don't need the help of some random girl," he murmured, pushing himself up from the bench. Without another word, he turned to leave. His steps purposeful.

You watched him go, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Maybe he wasn't ready to talk, or maybe he didn't know how to open up to someone. But something told you that this wouldn't be the last time your paths crossed.