Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the coffee shop, blurring the already dim streetlights. Elias stirred his lukewarm latte, the ceramic mug a familiar weight in his hands. He'd been trading messages with "NovaStar7" for nearly two years, sharing late-night thoughts and anxieties. He’d confessed his dreams to her, his fears. The idea that she might be within walking distance felt…surreal. He scrolled through their last conversation, a silly back-and-forth about the best kind of pizza. A small smile tugged at his lips.

He looked up as the bell above the door jingled. A woman with bright pink hair and a worn leather jacket entered, shaking off the rain. She looked around, her eyes scanning the room, and then met his gaze. Her face lit up. She walked towards him, a hesitant smile playing on her lips.

"Elias?" she asked.

He felt a warmth spread through his chest.