The man

The mysterious dark-haired girl in glasses is the one high point in my train ride to work every day. I don’t know when I first noticed her. All it took was one glance and I was entranced. She seemed so sweet and demure. Calm like a soothing breeze on your skin.

The lady

That tall, rugged man with biceps the shape of mountains always ends up on the same train as me. He thought I didn’t notice him staring at me but I’m not blind. On the first few occasions, I wanted to call him out like the pervert he was. But the blush on his cheeks as he darted his gaze away made me wonder whether he was simply attracted to me and afraid to approach me directly. So I figured I would wait and see what happens.

The man

I don’t think she notices me sneaking glances at her. Her gaze is so focused on her tablet after all. I wish I could catch a glimpse of her screen. I wonder if she’s reading an e-book or watching music videos. Maybe we like the same bands.

The lady

I don’t think he realizes how creepy he can be. But if there’s one thing going for him, it’s his looks. With that chiseled jaw and scruffy, short hair, he has that lumberjack charm. I tend to use my tablet to hide the fact that I’m checking him out. If I’m feeling naughty, I check out pictures of half-naked guys and imagine his face on their bodies.

The man

I’m looking at her again today. Maybe this time I should approach her. We are both standing. She’s near the door and I’m in the middle of the car. It would only take three steps to reach her side.

The lady

I’m looking at him again today. Maybe this time he’ll have the guts to approach me. We are standing pretty close. All it would take is three small steps.

The man

I take a step.

The lady

He takes a step closer.

The man

The opposite train doors open. A flood of people rush in, pushing me towards her.

The lady

Well, isn’t this fortunate? The crowd sweeps him right to my feet.

The man

Before I know it, I’m standing right in front of her. But this is not what I wanted! I’m too close, barely inches away from her. People are pushing in all directions, trying to cram themselves in. The train is jam-packed like sardines. 

The lady

I am so glad I got this spot beside the door. I don’t need to deal with people pushing me from the back. I don’t need to deal with the train jerking forward and having to lose balance. It’s the best spot.

The man

I can’t even concentrate on her. Arms, feet, and bags wrestle for a comfortable, secure resting spot. As the train lunges forward, I subconsciously extend my arm in front of me to stabilize myself.

The lady

His arm crashes down on the partition that I am leaning on. I startle, my eyes widening in surprise. That was assertive of him. And hot.

The man

Uh oh. Her eyes are so wide. It’s a bit unnerving. Kind of like those big eyes in ghost movies. Crap, why did I think about that?? Now, the image of her feasting on my body is imprinted in my brain.

The lady

Look at him being so shy as he turns his gaze away. I can see his chest heaving too. How turned on is he??

The man

Okay, wipe that image off my mind. Concentrate. Breathe. Don’t screw this up.

The lady

Okay, he’s calming down. That’s good. I don’t want a boner near me so soon.

The man

I look down at her and smile. 

The lady

Is his mouth cramping or something? That is the most awkward smile I’ve seen. Or is he scowling?

The man

Oh no, she’s frowning. I don’t know why but those eyes of hers are unnerving. It’s like she’s judging me. Her gaze is boring into mine to check the purity of my soul. 

The lady

His mouth just got worse. Should I call an ambulance or something? And now, he’s sweating. The fact that he’s wearing a sleeveless T-shirt is not helping matters. Although I have to say his shiny abs are still pretty hot.

The man

Her eyes just got worse. She’s looking at my body like it’s some delicious snack. Don’t tell me I actually had a crush on a psychopath serial killer! Maybe she looks at dead bodies on her tablet, not music videos. Oh no, my heart is pumping so fast I’m sure she hears it.

The lady

Okay, this dude is freaking out. Or worse. I look down to his crotch. Okay, it wasn’t that.

The man

She’s sizing me up! I have to get off this train. Now.

The lady

I can feel the train decelerating. This is ending way too fast. He didn’t even open his cramping mouth to say anything. Maybe he’s more of a coward than I thought.

The man

I can feel the train decelerating. Oh, thank god. Call me a coward but there’s no way I am staying here with a potential serial killer.

The lady

The train jerks to a sudden stop. He is thrown off-guard and our bodies touch for a brief, scandalous moment. Wait. My nose crinkles in disgust. What is that terrible body odor??

The man

I can’t believe I let myself fall onto her. She could have any amount of weapons hidden in that tight blouse she’s wearing! My head bangs on the partition and I wince. As I blink, my gaze lands on the top of her head. Tons of white dandruff cover her scalp and hair. She’s a dirty killer too, oh gosh!

The lady

I can’t stand the smell wafting off his body a second longer! I place my hands on his chest and give him a small push backwards.

The man

She is making her move already! Next is the killer move. I. Must. Run. 

The lady

The train doors open. Before I know it-

The man

My head whips to the open door. Freedom! I zip out of that suffocating killzone before my head is-

The lady

And he’s gone. Vexed by how the whole situation has turned out, I huff and fold my arms across my chest. I knew it. Any guy who stares at me is a creep.

The man

Now that I’m safe and in one piece, I let out a long breath. I knew it. Any mysterious woman who constantly winds up on the same train as me is a killer.

The lady and the man

I am definitely taking the earlier train tomorrow.

Author Notes:

Lessons to learn for ConCoct agents in RomCon:

Avoid peak hours where possible. Avoid any prolonged staring. Romance must happen at a safe distance.