This is a fictional story. A fantasy that I keep on coming back to when I daydream.
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We met through common friends at a birthday party. Your bubbly personality and kind eyes had me hooked at once. Hours had passed the same day and we did not separate from each other until everyone had left and the host started to clean. We shared phone numbers before leaving. It was like I had found a soul mate.
During our interaction that day we had realized that alot of our interests aligned. You were into fitness, exercising and dieting and so was I. We both had read the similar books and articles. We both had a sound view on it all, we agreed that you have to enjoy the journey and not get too obsessive in the details.
Around a week had passed since the birthday party when I received your phone text. You had seen me jogging in a park close to where you lived at the time. It turned out that we lived close to each other. We both had a walking distance to the same park.
One thing lead to the other and we decided to meetup for a run the next day. We both agreed that running alone is such a pain in the ass. Being able to motivate it each other made such a big difference.
What started as a single run together slowly grew to a habit we shared. Everyday after work we met up and exercised. During sunny days we enjoyed each others company while jogging. On rainy days we hid under the big oak tree branches in the park and worked on core and general strength. It did not feel like a chore when you were there with me. We pushed eachother to the limit.
We got to know each other better and better. I got to know that you worked with economics at a big firm but secretly you wanted to start your own library and book shop. It had to be located at a sleepier part of the city. The wall colors had to be warm and cosy and the high shelves filled to the ceiling with used books. Big comfy armchairs were spread out for people to sit in while they read. You had even come up with a name of it.
A half year passed by and life continued as usual. We still met up after work. We usually exercised but every now and then we head to a local coffee shop or grabbed a bite to eat. Even though we were deeply into fitness and health, we could easily devour a family sized pizza together. It was our little secret.
I never thought of you more than as a best friend. You had been there for me when I was sad and happy or that time I had sprained my foot during a jog on a rainy day. You spent your whole evening comforting me even though you were visibly tired and exhausted. It was a common subject we often came back to. Usually ending with us both crying of laughter as you mimicked my clumsy fall.
Who would have known that our friendship would turn into something else that quickly.
We were jogging our usual route in the park. It was early in the morning for once. It was if I recall correctly a weekend in the middle of March. We rounded the last tree before quickly sprinting the last hundred meters. We sat down in the nearby grass. Both of us sweaty and flushed from the jog. We did our usual stretching. Calves, thighs, hips, arms, back muscles and shoulders.
As usual we talked about something peculiar surrounding fitness or our plans for the day. As you strecthed your neck and looked away I casually looked your way.