Posted this accidently in wrong thread lol
Was at my usual local cafe doing a bit of reading. A young woman I had never seen sat a couple seats next to me at a long table. I had the feeling that we were both making peripheral eye contact with each other. I turned to make eye contact right when she had begun rummaging into her backpack on the floor. Not wanting to make her feel completely uncomfortable by forcing I just went back to my book before
There was a period of about an hour where she was writing in what looked like a journal. She was humming to herself. I needed to break the ice. Thinking what to do I tried to focus on my book. Not to read but think. After about half an hour of silence, I took a breath and decided to ask her what she was drinking. I said excuse me a few times. Eventually realizing her earbuds were in.
The shop was crowded so I didn't want to draw too much attention to us. Not that anyone else was paying attention. I felt okay that I tried since one of my new years resolution was to be more socially initiative. I started to relax a bit. I felt like I took a babystep and next time I'll do better. After about 10 minutes of actually reading and feeling proud of my efforts, she sneezed. I said "bless you" but it came out almost desparately and urgent. She giggled hunched up and quickly said thank you and turned back. She started writing and smiling.
I went to the bathroom for a second to get myself together. I went back to my spot and she was still there. Not writing just humming and staring out the window. I went back to trying to read.
Eventually, she packed everything up and was just about to leave. She took a couple steps toward me. I turned to her, first time Seeing her face directly. She had a bright smile and said while zipping up your coat. "Enjoy your book!" I quickly said... "thank you, you too!". Then she smiled walked out the door. Hopped on her bicycle and left.
She just left lol