· 7 min read
Stranger Desires - part 1
Oh, another sale.
You weave your way through the mall crowd, clutching your shopping bags.
The air is thick with the hum of excited chatter and the scent of freshly-baked cookies from the food court.
With each step you take, the faint echoes of pop music bouncing off the storefronts grow louder, as if beckoning you to join in on the fun.
Your shopping spree has been nothing short of successful; you managed to snag several items that caught your eye during the sale: a new pair of sunglasses, a vibrant scarf, and a cozy sweater for those chilly autumn nights.
Now all you need is to pick up something small yet significant from the lingerie store - an act of self-care and a reminder that even in the chaos of your life, there’s always room for indulgence.
As you stroll through the mall, you find yourself drifting into daydreams of fictional worlds filled with adventure and intrigue.
You’re a passionate fan of thrillers and sci-fi movies; nothing beats the excitement of being transported to new universes, discovering hidden secrets, and unraveling mysteries alongside your favorite characters.
Your love for these genres is rivaled only by your admiration for one actor in particular: the charmingly handsome star of Stranger Things.
Suddenly, a commotion grabs your attention.
A man has collapsed just a few feet away from you.
Is he okay?
Without thinking twice, you rush over to him, dropping your shopping bags and instinctively slipping into nurse mode.
His breathing is shallow but steady, and his pulse is strong - all good signs that he’s not in immediate danger.
“Can someone call 911?” You shout above the panicked murmurs of the crowd gathering around the scene.
A few people reach for their phones while you gently cradle the man’s head, ensuring it stays stable and comfortable.
His skin is warm to the touch, and his eyes are closed as if he were sleeping peacefully.
As you wait for help to arrive, you notice something familiar about him: those chiseled features, that unmistakable jawline… this man bears a striking resemblance to your favorite actor from Stranger Things!
Your heart flutters with anticipation as you wonder if it could really be him.
“Hey there,” you begin softly, trying to gauge his level of consciousness.
“Can you hear me? Everything’s going to be okay.”
He stirs slightly and opens his eyes, blinking a few times before focusing on your face.
His voice is weak but clear as he responds, “Yeah… I think so.
Thank you for helping me.”
You smile reassuringly at him.
“What’s your name?”
“Oh, um…
my name is Steve,” he says, hesitating for a moment before extending his hand.
You shake it gently, feeling a jolt of excitement run through you as you confirm the similarities between this man and the actor in question.
As you wait for the paramedics to arrive, you and Steve engage in light conversation, discussing your shared love for thrillers and sci-fi films.
You bond over favorite movies and TV shows, comparing plot twists and debating character motivations.
When he mentions his admiration for a particular film, you can’t help but tease him about the ending being too predictable.
“Oh, come on!” He laughs, feigning offense.
“It was subtly hinted at throughout the movie.”
You roll your eyes playfully and reply, “Maybe for someone who didn’t read the book first.
I knew exactly what would happen after the first chapter.”
The banter between you is easy and lighthearted, a welcome distraction from the chaos that had just enveloped this otherwise ordinary day at the mall.
As the paramedics arrive and take over Steve’s care, you exchange numbers, promising to continue your movie conversation later.
When the ambulance drives away with Steve inside, you feel a pang of concern for his well-being mixed with an unexpected sense of connection.
Although you only just met him, there was something undeniably captivating about this stranger who had collapsed in front of you - not to mention the uncanny resemblance to your favorite actor from Stranger Things.
As you leave the mall, reflecting on the day’s unexpected events, a lingering sense of excitement remains.
Who was this man?
Could he truly be related to your favorite actor in some way?
And more importantly, how could these chance encounters lead to something deeper, something you never expected to find in the midst of a busy shopping mall?
With these thoughts swirling through your mind, you make your way home, eager for the next chapter in this surprising tale.
“‘I’ll call you,’ he promises, as you part ways.”
“YN, you’re not going to believe what happened today,” you tell your friends over dinner.
You recount the events at the mall - the stranger collapsing, his uncanny resemblance to your favorite actor from Stranger Things, and the easy conversation that followed.
Your friends are captivated by the story, ooh-ing and aah-ing at all the right moments.
“Do you think he really is related to the actor?” one friend asks.
You shrug, feeling a mixture of excitement and uncertainty.
“I’m not sure,” you say, taking a sip of your drink.
“He hasn’t confirmed or denied it yet.”
Days later, as you go about your daily routine, your phone buzzes.
It’s him.
Is it too early for a movie night? His message reads.
You smile to yourself, feeling a flutter of anticipation in your stomach.
After some internal debate, you decide to accept his invitation.
A movie night with someone who shares your interests sounds like the perfect way to spend an evening.
You send him a reply, suggesting a date and time for the get-together.
The day arrives, and you find yourself getting ready with more care than usual.
You choose a flattering outfit that still manages to look casual - a pair of dark jeans and a soft sweater.
You apply a light touch of makeup, wanting to look effortlessly beautiful yet natural.
As the designated time approaches, you make your way to his place with a mix of excitement and nervousness.
When you arrive, he greets you at the door, wearing a warm smile and holding a bowl of freshly-popped popcorn in hand.
“I’m glad you could make it, YN,” he says, his voice filled with genuine happiness.
You feel instantly at ease as you step into his cozy living room.
The dim lighting sets the mood for a relaxed evening, and the soft sound of jazz playing in the background adds an element of sophistication.
He gestures to the TV screen, where your chosen movie is already cued up and ready to play.
You settle onto the couch together, both of you eager to watch the film unfold.
As the story progresses, you find yourself engrossed in the plot, occasionally sharing knowing glances with him or whispering comments about the characters’ actions.
The chemistry between you grows stronger as the night goes on.
During a particularly suspenseful scene, your hands accidentally brush against each other while reaching for the popcorn bowl.
You both pause for a moment, feeling an electric connection pass through your fingers.
Neither of you pulls away immediately, instead lingering in that intimate space between friendship and something more.
Finally, as the movie comes to its thrilling conclusion, you share your thoughts on the storyline and discuss what you would have done differently if you were the main characters.
The conversation flows effortlessly, and it’s clear that your shared interests go far beyond just movies.
As the night comes to an end, you find yourself not wanting to leave his company.
He walks you to the door, his hand brushing yours as he says goodbye.
You feel a rush of warmth spread through your body at his touch, and in that moment, you know there is more between you than just friendship.
You leave his place with a mix of emotions - excitement for the connection you’ve made, hopefulness for what might come next, and a hint of uncertainty about where this newfound chemistry will lead.
You fall asleep with a smile on your face, replaying the night’s events in your head and dreaming of potential future encounters.