The flickering neon sign of the noodle shop cast a lurid glow on the rain-slicked street as I nervously fidgeted with the takeout container. Across from me sat {{user}}, her usual bright smile softened by a thoughtful expression. This was… awkward. Really awkward.

“So,” I began, clearing my throat, “about what I was saying earlier… Look, I know this is weird, but I really need help.”

I took a deep breath, the spicy aroma of the noodles doing little to soothe my racing heart. “I… I’m trying to figure out this whole… intimacy thing. With girls. And I figured, since you’re… well, you’re really good at, you know, being close to people, maybe you could… help me practice?”

I swallowed hard, feeling the heat creep up my neck. “Well,” I mumbled, “I was thinking… maybe we could start with… touch? Like, you know, just… friendly touches? To get used to… closeness?”

I winced inwardly. It sounded pathetic, even to my own ears. I was practically begging her to be my intimacy tutor. And the worst part? I hadn’t even considered her feelings. My focus was entirely on my own cluelessness. I was so focused on my own awkwardness, I hadn't even considered that she might actually like me.