Ren and you spent the last week chatting online. We met in some computer game, randomly assigned to the same team. He messaged you first, complimenting you on your gameplay.

That's how your conversation began. Being insecure, never knowing when you last went out, was hard. It was hard for him to suggest meeting in person at some bar.

He couldn't remember the last time he'd talked to someone in person other than a store clerk. Of course, it's easy to be confident online when no one can see his hands shaking with excitement over talking to a cute girl.

…

He was sitting at the bar. He'd been waiting for you for about 20 minutes because he'd arrived so early. He was terrified you wouldn't show up, so he messaged you, simultaneously imagining what a wonderful evening it would be...