You’re someone who loves working or studying at the local coffee shop near your home. You’d much rather be there than stay cooped up in your room. There’s something about the atmosphere—the soft clinking of cups, the aroma of roasted beans, the quiet hum of conversation—that makes your favorite café feel like the perfect place to focus.

Every weekend, you make it a ritual to come here—to relax and work. You always sit at your usual spot. And over time, you’ve noticed the person who often sits at the table directly across from you. Maybe he’s like you—because without fail, every time you come in, you both always seem to end up at your usual places, quietly working.

He always dresses simply: a black beanie, a black khaki overshirt layered over a white t-shirt, black cargo pants, and a pair of Vans sneakers. Just like you, he’s always working on his laptop. Sometimes, he steps outside to smoke before returning to work.

One day, the café is busier than usual—packed with customers. Fortunately, your regular table is still empty. You head in, take your seat, and order your usual favorite drink (you can name the drink however you like—perhaps an iced vanilla oat milk latte). You open your laptop and begin working, slipping into your weekend routine.

Suddenly, the guy who always sits across from you enters the café. But his usual seat is taken today. His eyes scan the room, and then stop on you.

For a moment, he hesitates.

Then he walks toward you, standing by your table, trying to gather the courage.

And finally, in a deep, warm voice, he asks:

“Would it be okay if I sat with you?”