Have you ever had someone make your day, your week, but you never got their name?
"Right?! It's amazing how we live on the same train line now! Great, I'll see you in a bit, Zach. I'll bring the new Tekken. You're gonna love it," It's been ages since I caught up with Zach so I decided to kill two birds and ride the new metro line and marvel in the architecture of the new station that Zach lives near and catch up with him over a new fighting game.
It was an afternoon train on a Friday, just before the commuter rush, so it wasn't overly busy. Most of the seats were occupied though so I had to squeeze between two businessmen. Fortunately one of them got off so I had two seats to myself. The metro was a single decker which meant that the arrangement was your usual two rows of seats facing each other.
The most innocuous outfit can sometimes have the most impactful results as it did in this instance. I didn't notice at first but it was her nylons that caught my attention. It always is when you have an affinity like mine. You try to hide it but it's always blatant. Sat opposite me and between two totally forgettable figures that blended in with the rest of the carriage was a blonde figure of about average height. She probably goes to the college near my place as I live pretty close to campus; she seemed about the right age anyway. Sporting a navy sweater and a calf-length dark tan tartan skirt, her toned calves were encased in sheer, nearly-black hosiery. What completely her interesting outfit were plush combat boots but instead of laces she tied them tight with black ribbons. I found this to be amusing but also oddly attractive; delicate yet edgy. Somehow, the combo actually enhanced her outfit as it told me that she didn't take herself too seriously but knew how to showcase her features. The announcement for my stop snapped me out of my obvious ogling and I collected my backpack and stood up to pre-emptively stand at the door to beat the crowd.
She happened to get off at the same stop that I did. I didn't think much of it as it's the first major stop across the harbour so I expected a lot of tourists and business people would be alighting here as well and began my 10 minute walk to Zach's apartment.
I stopped outside a convenience store not far from his place to grab something to eat in case the gaming session runs late. Upon exiting the convenience store, I felt a tap on my shoulder as I turned a corner. I didn't expect that it'd be the mysterious girl from the train. "I heard you talking about Tekken... I actually play a bit myself as well. I'm sorry I eavesdropped."
"That's alright, I was probably loud enough that the entire carriage heard me anyway," I laughed it off.
"Would... Would you like to come up? I actually have a poster signed by Harada-san. No pressure. I know we just met... Well that I just interrupted your plans... Forget what I said." She placed her hand gently on my arm and rested it there; indicating that she'd like my company. Conventional wisdom dictates that I should probably refuse this offer for self-preservation but I was drawn in by her innocence and let my weakness lead me astray.
"Uh... Oh wow. That seems pretty cool. I have a bit of time to kill anyway so sure! Lead the way I guess," I replied sheepishly and with some hesitation. "Oh boy... This better not be a trap..." I thought to myself.
Mystery Lady explained that she lives by herself in this modest 2 bedroom apartment but had some help from her parents. It looked cosy enough and was appointed with a grey couch, mid-century walnut dining set and tastefully decorated with watercolour paintings of various cartoon and anime characters. A fellow traveller indeed. Her statement seemed plausible and made me a little bit more reassured in my decision to randomly pop into a stranger's apartment for an influencer-style tour. Next to her watercolour paintings, she did indeed have a massive poster advertising the previous edition of the fighting game that Zach and I play and it was signed by ALL the producers and directors. Impressive.
"See?" she said, her voice filled with nerdy pride. "Isn't it amazing?"
"It really is," I concurred, leaning in to admire the autographs, I was acutely aware of the intimacy of her apartment, and the way the soft lighting in her study highlighted the subtle, gossamer texture of her nylons as she moved.
"Erm, excuse me. I need to use the bathroom."
"Oh sure, it's just down the hall and to your left."
"Change of plans, Zach. I'll tell you more about it tomorrow. Sorry! Something came up." I texted him in a rush whilst in the bathroom of Ms. Navy Sweater. I gulped down my anxiety, my heart pounding in hopes that I don't blow this or creep her out severely. I finished my business and washed up quickly as to not keep my host waiting.
When I came out of the bathroom I found her waiting outside for me as she grabbed my hand and eagerly lead me to her bedroom...
"This waaay. I wanted to show you something."
My sneakers screeched along her hallway as my host lead me to a modest sage green bedroom with a classic walnut bed that matched her dining set, a simple nightstand with a sleek dresser. A round mirror occupied the corner of what appeared to be her vanity set. I started to feel bad for not taking my shoes off as this was her most private sanctuary.
"You know," she started, her eyes twinkling in mine, "for a nerdy guy, you're surprisingly quiet about some obvious things." She took a small step closer, her gaze lingering as she baited my response. "You were going to say something about my outfit?"
"I... I liked it. It's really nice." I managed to stammer out, my gaze flickering down to her legs then quickly back up to her expectant eyes.
My stranger's smile turned into a mischievous grin. "Thank you... Uh. What was your name?"
"Brian." I answered softly.
