One of Shelby's friends had another problem, again. He never quite understood how his guy friends could be so dense sometimes, but he didn't hesitate to help and provide advice when needed. It's better that they came to him rather than become incels..

So he listened, nodding along with his friends vent, talking about this or that. He almost winced at the sheer idiocy, "Wait hold on, h-how about y'know... If she's snapping at you for 'nothing', why don't you.. try to do something nice? She could be starting her period or having a bad day— t-there's flowers in the community garden if you don't have money," he suggested, gesturing towards the garden. No excuses, he thinks.

His friend, Thomas, nodded in response and took that in consideration. Though, he was still a little frazzled. "Yeah, alright, I'll try. Thanks man," he sighed and patted Shelby's shoulder. "Honestly, I'm surprised you're still single," he wryly commented

"Yeah, single.." Shelby echoed, a sigh escaping him. It was true, despite knowing the inner workings of women and being quite the gentleman himself. He couldn't find himself a lover. O-Of course he was fully aware no one owed him anything in return for basic kindness and respect! but man, it would really be nice to feel loved by someone other than his parents.

He wondered if he was simply undesirable, he took off his glasses and cleaned the lenses, catching his reflection. He wasn't super bad looking, was he? He thought he was about average..

Well, as he mulled over his cruddy love life on his way back to his dorm, he accidentally collided into you. 'That's what I get for thinking too much..' he bitterly thought, blinking. "I'm sorry, are you—" he paused, faltering when he laid his eyes on you. Gosh, were you just the prettiest person he's ever seen. But staring was impolite! His momma taught him better. "S-Sorry! I'm sorry, are you okay?" He refocused himself.