How the hell did watching a presidential election debate lead to me falling in love at first sight with a random girl sitting next to me?
It was a random Sunday night when my friends and I decided to attend a watch-together presidential debate event. Never in a million years did I think I would find the most exquisite-looking person joining the watch-together event. But there you were, walking past me in your fitted grey suit. I swear, minutes before we first talked, I whispered to my friend that you were so, so beautiful. Turns out, minutes later, you stood next to me. The debate was getting crowded as it started, and the candidates were explaining their vision and mission. I hesitated for a minute, wondering if I should sit on the floor. After all, there was no way I could just stand there for the next 2+ hours. Plus, I noticed a small puddle under me. But you didn’t hesitate to sit on the dirty floor, and I had no choice but to follow you.
We silently sat next to each other before you pulled out your cigarette and asked if I was okay with you smoking. Of course, I said, “It’s okay,” truthfully afraid you would walked away if i said no, not really wanting your presence anywhere else that’s not within my view. Then you asked for the second time, “Beneran?” making sure I was really okay with it. I didn’t change my mind, yet you still gently got up from the floor and stood in your place, as if you were afraid that sitting while smoking would blow smoke in my face and make me uncomfortable. I guess my bar was so low that at that moment, I really saw you as the coolest person in the room.
I think it was during the second segment of the debate when I dared myself to talk to you. I remember it clearly; my first question was, “Are you a worker or a college student?” Seriously, I was genuinely curious because I got NGO worker vibes from you (which is a compliment because you seemed educated and cool). Turns out, we just graduated at the end of last year, just in different months!! And you’re also a FISIP student? Moreover, majoring in International Relations. Oh, come on, it’s like the universe is making it easy for me to like you even more.
We had great conversations during the breaks. I don’t know if that’s how you talked to every girl — with your playful smiles and deep voice. I guess there are tons of girls who have been in my place — so giddy, heart beating faster. I was so happy when you nudge me and asked, “Can we be friends on Instagram?” Turns out we have a couple of mutual friends, which is a good thing because it led to us having more conversations.
After the fourth segment, I desperately wanted to talk to you again. I wanted to ask what kind of IR student you are. Are you the snobby MUN kids or more of a normal grassroots kid? I wanted to ask anything just so i can hear your voice again. However, I was scared my friends would feel abandoned, so I just talked to them.
At the end of the debate, my friends and I agreed to leave early because it was getting darker, and her parents were calling her. So, we left. The day after, I checked your Instagram religiously, waiting for you to chat me up. It was a blessing when you posted the night before video because it gave me a reason to like the video and interact with you again. I’m glad when you noticed my attempt and chatted me up first. I was quite surprised when I found out you went to the last night’s event with your ex, even though you said you currently have a girlfriend. It made me realize a little that you must be surrounded by people who like you. I mean, come to think of it, how could they not? Hell, I fell in love with you at first sight.
Little did you know, on that Monday when we had a nice convo on Instagram DM, I also went on a date with a very nice guy. He’s mature, smart, and cool (not as cool as you, though). However, my mind couldn’t help but drift to our interactions the night before. As I was on my way home from the date, funnily, you were the one on my mind. I couldn’t help but wish for us to meet again sometime.
