I am at my own seat at my favourite cafe finishing up my cup of coffee, scrolling through comments on my social media posts. I am glad to be one of the few bastions of sanity left among social media influencers, where many of their grifter opinions focus on coddling the increasingly toxic men. When I am done with my coffee, so will be my allocated time for doomscrolling, and I will have to get back to prepare some professional photos for my sponsors - I mean lifestyle posts for my followers. As much as I hate the patriarchy, I have to make my compromises with the system - At least I don't dress scantily for men! At only 28 years of age, I still have decades ahead of me to explore many other things in life... If only I can find a man who can appreciate me for who I am.
"Are you Kelly Lee?" This total stranger approaches me, his head leaning over to take a clearer look. I nod cautiously. He wears spectacles, sports a bit of grey hair at his sides, clean-shaven and looks a bit older than me - probably just under 40 years old I am guessing? Not too sure how I can describe his looks. I mean, he doesn't look like someone who can stand out in a crowd.
"I knew it was you! Haha! I was on my phone when I saw one of your new Instagram posts showing your photo right in this cafe! Follower and fan here, love your opinion pieces."
I have to say, I am bemused but a little flattered that I actually have a male fan who would outright admit he's a feminist too. I smile a little as he continues prattling.
"You know, I applaud your online editorial last month when you rebuked a misogynistic article about women having more rights in our country. I mean, I do agree with your analogy, men having less divorce rights are like making reparations to women, just like America makes reparations to the black community for slavery."
"God, your proposal about radical feminism makes so much sense. Didn't realize so much male supremacy dominates every part of our lives, even now and here."
"Oh wa, you look even prettier in person! Those idiots saying feminists are ugly can go kill themselves."
Okay, this man is becoming a pest with his fawning adoration. I am about to excuse myself and leave when he takes out his phone.
"Please can I take a selfie with you? I want to show off online that I just met the great Kelly Lee from our government news editorial!"
I thought meh, I am not really a top celebrity here, but sure why not.
He leans over next to me, and I pose with a smile before his phone's camera screen display. He taps the button.
*FLASH*
His phone emits a particularly bright white flash of light that invades my eyes. I blink briefly and a slight daze came over me. Hold on, what do I need to do? My mind seems kind of fuzzy all of a sudden. Oh I think I remember, I do need to set up the products at my display table?
"Hello, you can call me Luke, nice to meet you," The guy's voice echoed out again, bringing me back from my sudden spacing-out. I shake his hand, almost dumbly.
"Say, Kelly, do you think you have some time in your schedule to have lunch with me? There's so much I want to talk to you about your socio-political views about the modern woman."
Normally, I wouldn't make such an impromptu change in plans, let alone with this stranger. But Luke seemed so sincere, and he's the only man I know who seemed to want to learn more. Also, just a simple, non-serious date? What harm would that be? Besides, I should be able to re-adjust the photo-taking schedule with minimal trouble.
"Sure, where to go?" I ask with a polite smile.
"Do you have a car?"
"No, today I am not driving."
"Okay, let me drive you to the Dragon Inn Restaurant, just a short drive from here."
Never heard of this restaurant in my life. It is next to empty with only a couple of customers. Regardless, it is pretty clean and our table has a cool view of a Chinese-style garden outside. We sit opposite each other at a table. Over a small but simple lunch we chat over our career and beliefs, including my views about feminism of course. Luke tells me he is a Behavioral Psychologist and he has been testing out several experimental treatments developed by a team of graduate students working on their PhD thesis. He does have a way with words - He agrees with every word I say!
Then he suddenly stirs me to another topic. Musing as he asks.
"Kelly, what do you think about gender double standards in current society? For instance, it is acceptable for women to wear men's clothing but not the other way round?"
"Complete non-issue. Women-only carriages, women-only clothing, women-only clubs, so on and so forth, this happened because of historical context, not because of some nefarious attempt to discriminate against men. Women wearing men's clothing is a sign of progress for equal rights."
"Right," Luke nods, and he takes out his phone again.
"Oh dear, you are so breath-taking, the view here really brings out the beauty in you. Mind if we take another selfie to capture this moment?"
I blush and nod my approval, and we both pose for his phone camera.
*FLASH*
That flash got me spacing out immediately again. Jeez, that flash device is definitely stronger than the ones in other cameras.
"You know, Kelly, you mentioned that patriarchy still influences modern society, including the dress codes between genders. Do you think further challenging dress code norms would improve things further?" Luke asks.
"Well, if you mean by challenge, you mean introducing more gender-neutral clothes, yes."
"So what do you think about bras and panties? Think about it, we men do not need to wear them but women are expected to do so. How is this fair to women? Wouldn't we be on a more equal footing if women are not forced to wear clothes that are specifically designed for them?"
I have to say, I can't say I disagree with him.
"So don't you think you could lead by example by taking off your bras and panties right now?"
I look around. No one is near us, we are sitting at the far corner where we won't be disturbed for the most part. I am wearing a loose and comfortable white T-shirt with a grey-blue skirt covering me just above my knees. My hands reach under my shirt at the back, where I unbuckle my bra. I pull the straps down from my shoulder and out of my arms, after which I pull my bra out under my shirt. After that, I look around again, giggling a little nervously as my hands reach under my skirt and I begin sliding my panties down my legs while seated. So there! Finally free from the clothing shackles of the patriarchy!
Luke smiles and shoves my bra and panties into his own backpack.
"For safekeeping," as he tells me.
Indeed a gentleman, just like those mature guys who do not find it wrong to hold their girlfriend's purses and handbags momentarily for them!
Finally, we are done with our meal and ready to leave this still mostly empty restaurant. I can sense when a guy pays for my lunch or dinner during a date with his implied expectation that he wants to sleep with me, which is why during dates I always insist going dutch to highlight my own independence. Well, I try to do the same for Luke here. However, with a charming smile he insists it is his treat, and without mincing any words he tells me confidently up front that he has completely no ulterior motive for getting me into his bed.
Then he stares down at me and I look down as well, realizing my nipples are hard and poking through my shirt thanks to the cold air-con blowing. I blush.
