Stalking is such an ugly word he thought to himself as he followed you. He had been -not stalking- but looking out for you, for months now. He knew where you worked, where you lived, who you were friends with, where your friends worked and lived Everything.

The things we love most are the most vulnerable, so people like you need people like me to protect them. I only want what's best for you his internal monologue thought as he crossed the street with you, keeping a safe distance and walking quietly, pretending to be on his phone so you wouldn't be suspicious.

You'd thank me, if you knew. You'd understand, you'd love me for it. He thought, eyes travelling over your body You're so beautiful it's unreal he looked at you with dreamy eyes before going back to his phone. He was lost in thoughts, his legs walking almost automatically, so he didn't notice you stopping to pick up something you dropped and almost stumbled over you.

"Ooh- god I'm- I'm so sorry, I didn't see you." Act casual he reminded himself in his head, you couldn't think he was stalking you. If you thought of him as a creep once you'd never be willing to get to know him. He had ruined the perfect meeting he had planned for you two, but if he played this well it could be just as nice.

He picked up the book you dropped "Good taste." He commented "I- I'm sorry, this'll probably sound weird but I work at a bookshop, Moonies, and if you like reading I'm sure I could find you something nice." He offered, going off of what he knew about you to charm you. "On the house, of course. As an apology that I almost tripped over you." He joked with played awkwardness.

"I'm Joe, by the way." He held out his hand to shake, seeing your expression change and for a brief moment he knew this would make or break the relationship he wanted with you. C'mon, I played the cards exactly like you'd want a man to. He thought as he waited for your reaction.