“Hi Rebecca, This is Hiro. I was wondering… Would you like to meet with me in person? (Like not online?) Lets meet next Thursday at 2pm in the Golden Locke Coffee Shop down on Centre Street.”

Rebecca's heart was pounding in her chest as she read the message from Hiro, asking her to meet in person. She had always wanted to meet him, but the thought of finally seeing him face-to-face was both exhilarating and terrifying.

She couldn't believe how much she had grown to care for him in such a short amount of time. They had shared so much of their lives with each other already, but meeting in person would be an entirely new experience.

Rebecca's mind was racing with all kinds of thoughts and questions. What if he didn't look like his profile picture? What if he was a completely different person than he had portrayed himself to be? What if he turned out to be a creep or a stalker?

But at the same time, Rebecca couldn't deny the connection she had with Hiro. They had spent countless hours chatting in Nexus, and he had become a constant presence in her life. She found herself looking forward to their conversations, eagerly anticipating his messages, and feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity when they talked.

Rebecca tried to reason with herself, reminding herself that they had already spend a lot of time together in Nexus, and that Hiro had never given her any reason to doubt his intentions. She knew that meeting him in person was the next logical step, and she didn't want to miss out on the opportunity to finally see him.

Besides, Rebecca told herself, she could take precautions to ensure her safety. She could carry a personal safety alarm, tell her mom where she was going, and make sure to have a way to contact someone in case of an emergency. She didn't want to let her fears hold her back from exploring this connection with Hiro.

After a few minutes of contemplation, Rebecca finally replied to Hiro's message with a nervous "yes." She knew that this was a big step, but she couldn't let her fears hold her back from finally meeting the person she had grown so close to.

As the days passed and the day of their meeting drew nearer, Rebecca found herself growing more and more anxious. She wanted everything to go perfectly, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something would go wrong.

Rebecca spent hours getting ready for the meeting, trying on different outfits and practicing what she would say to Hiro. She wanted to make a good impression, but at the same time, she didn't want to come across as someone she wasn't.

Finally, the day of the meeting arrived. Rebecca felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness as she made her way to the coffee shop where they had agreed to meet.

The coffee shop where Rebecca and Hiro agreed to meet was situated in a bustling street, surrounded by various shops and restaurants. It was a small, cozy cafe that exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere. The exterior of the shop was painted in a soft shade of cream, and the signboard above the entrance was adorned with the cafe's name, "Brew Bites."

As Rebecca entered the cafe, she was greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee that wafted through the air. The interior of the shop was decorated in a minimalist yet elegant style, with the walls painted in a soothing shade of pastel blue. Large windows on one side of the cafe provided plenty of natural light, which made the space feel airy and spacious.

The cafe had a few cozy tables and chairs, with soft cushions on the seats and backrests. The tables were adorned with vases of freshly picked flowers, adding a touch of nature and freshness to the atmosphere. The cafe had a counter where the baristas were busy preparing different types of coffee and tea.

Behind the counter, there was an array of coffee-making equipment, including a state-of-the-art espresso machine, a coffee grinder, and various brewing tools. The sound of coffee being brewed and the hiss of steam from the milk frother filled the air. The baristas moved with skill and precision, carefully crafting each cup of coffee to perfection.

The walls of the cafe were adorned with artwork from local artists, giving the space a unique and artistic touch. The paintings and photographs on display were vibrant and colorful, reflecting the creativity and passion of the artists.

Rebecca noticed a small stage in the corner of the cafe, which was set up with a microphone and a few musical instruments. The stage was surrounded by fairy lights and small potted plants, giving it a magical and dreamy feel. She wondered if the cafe had live music performances, which would be a delightful addition to the already cozy ambiance.

The cafe was bustling with customers, with groups of friends chatting and laughing over cups of coffee, and individuals quietly enjoying their drinks while working on their laptops. The soft background music and the hum of conversation added to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the cafe.

Rebecca sat down at a cozy table in the corner of the coffee shop. As Rebecca settled down at a table, she looked around the cafe and smiled to herself. She felt excited and nervous about meeting Hiro in person, but the cozy and inviting atmosphere of the coffee shop made her feel at ease. She couldn't wait to see Hiro and share a cup of coffee with him in this lovely space.

She nervously adjusted her skirt and smoothed her hair, checking her reflection in the small mirror she carried in her purse. She had been eagerly anticipating this meeting with Hiro, but now that the moment was here, she couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed.

As she waited, she took in her surroundings. The coffee shop was small and intimate, with soft lighting and comfortable seating. The walls were lined with shelves filled with books and knick-knacks, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Rebecca took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves.

Suddenly, the bell on the door chimed, and Rebecca's heart leapt in her chest. She looked up and saw Hiro standing in the doorway, a warm smile on his face. He was dressed casually in a t-shirt and jeans, and he looked even more handsome in person than he did in the game.

"Hi, Rebecca," he said as he approached the table. "It's so great to finally meet you in person."

Rebecca stood up and nervously greeted him, her heart pounding in her chest. "Hi, Hiro. It's great to meet you too."

Hiro took a seat across from Rebecca and smiled at her. "So, what can I get you to drink?"

"Oh, just a latte, please," Rebecca replied, grateful for the distraction.

As Hiro went to order their drinks, Rebecca took another look around the coffee shop. She couldn't help but feel like this was a special moment for her. She had never been in a situation like this before, meeting someone from an online game in real life. But she trusted Hiro, and she knew that he was a good person.

When Hiro returned with their drinks, they settled in for a chat. They started with small talk, discussing their day-to-day lives and their interests outside of the game. Rebecca found herself opening up to Hiro more than she ever had before, feeling a deep connection with him that went beyond the game.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

As they talked, Rebecca noticed that other patrons in the coffee shop were stealing glances in their direction. She couldn't help but feel self-conscious, wondering if they were judging her for meeting someone from an online game in real life.

Hiro seemed to sense her discomfort and reached across the table to take her hand. "Don't worry about them," he said reassuringly. "This is just between you and me. I'm happy to be here with you, Rebecca."

Rebecca felt her heart swell with emotion, grateful for Hiro's kind words. She took a deep breath and tried to let go of her fears, focusing on the present moment with Hiro.

They continued to talk for hours, sharing stories and laughing together. It felt like they had known each other for years, and Rebecca couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort around Hiro. They discussed everything from their hopes and dreams to their deepest fears, and Rebecca felt a sense of intimacy with him that she had never felt before.

Rebecca found herself feeling more comfortable around Hiro than she ever had before. The conversation flowed effortlessly between them, and she felt like she could talk to him about anything.

As they sipped their coffee, Hiro reached over and took Rebecca's hand in his.

Rebecca felt her heart skip a beat as Hiro took her hand. She looked at him, surprised and a little bit flustered. She wasn't sure what to say or do, but she didn't want to pull away.

"What's wrong?" Hiro asked, his warm brown eyes meeting hers.

"Nothing," Rebecca said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm just a little surprised, that's all."

Hiro smiled. "I'm sorry if I caught you off guard. I just wanted to hold your hand."

Rebecca felt a rush of emotion. She had never felt so close to someone before. "It's okay," she said softly. "I like it."

They sat like that for a moment, just holding hands and looking at each other. Rebecca felt a warmth spread through her body, and she couldn't help but smile.

"I'm really glad we could meet like this," Hiro said, breaking the silence. "I feel like we've gotten to know each other so well online, but it's different when we're face-to-face."

Rebecca nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's strange but nice at the same time. I feel like I already know you, but at the same time, there's so much more to discover."

Rebecca felt a blush rise to her cheeks. "Thank you for setting this meeting up, Hiro. This means a lot to me."

Hiro smiled. "Of course, Rebecca. And you're amazing."

They sat like that for a while, talking and laughing and enjoying each other's company. Rebecca felt so comfortable with Hiro, like she could tell him anything.

As they finished their drinks and left the coffee shop, Hiro took Rebecca's hand again. "I had a great time today, Rebecca. I'm really glad we could meet in person."

Rebecca smiled. "Me too, Hiro. I feel like I've known you forever."

Hiro grinned. "Well, we have known each other for a while. But there's still so much more to learn."

Rebecca felt her heart swell with happiness. She couldn't wait to see where their relationship would go next.

Rebecca felt a rush of emotion as she realized how much she had grown to care for this person, and how happy she was to finally be able to hold his hand in person.

Hiro looked at Rebecca with a gentle expression, “Would you like to take a walk around the city?”

Rebecca felt her heart race at the thought of spending more time with Hiro, and nodded eagerly. “Yes, I would love to.”

As they walked, Rebecca couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness at the same time. She had never been in a situation like this before, walking around the city with a guy she liked. She looked up at Hiro, who had a calm and reassuring presence, and felt a wave of calm wash over her.

Hiro seemed to sense her nerves and reached out to take her hand. Rebecca felt her heart skip a beat as their hands touched, but she relaxed into the comfort of his touch.

“Are you okay?” Hiro asked, looking down at her.

Rebecca nodded, “Yes, I’m just a little nervous.”

Hiro smiled warmly, “Don’t worry, there’s no need to be nervous. We’re just walking and talking, like we always do.”

Rebecca smiled back, feeling reassured by Hiro’s words.

They walked for a while longer, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Rebecca couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment, for being able to experience the city with Hiro by her side.

As they walked, Hiro turned to Rebecca, “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” Rebecca replied, feeling a flutter in her stomach at the thought of what he might ask.

“What do you think about us?” Hiro asked, his voice gentle.

Rebecca felt her cheeks heat up at the question, “What do you mean?”

Hiro stopped walking and turned to face Rebecca, “I mean, how do you feel about me? Do you like me?”

Rebecca’s heart raced at the question. She took a deep breath before answering, “Yes, Hiro, I like you a lot.”

Hiro smiled, relief washing over his face, “I like you too, Rebecca.”

Rebecca felt a sense of elation at Hiro’s words, knowing that they shared the same feelings for each other.

They continued walking, hand in hand, talking about their hopes and dreams for the future. Rebecca felt a sense of comfort and ease with Hiro, as if they had known each other for years.

As the sun began to set, they found themselves standing in front of a park. Hiro turned to Rebecca, “Do you want to go in and sit for a while?”

Rebecca nodded, “Yes, that sounds nice.”

They walked into the park and found a bench to sit on. As they sat together, watching the sun set, Rebecca felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She knew that this was just the beginning of something special, and she was excited to see where it would lead.

“Thank you for today, Hiro,” Rebecca said, turning to face him.

Hiro smiled, “Thank you for coming with me, Rebecca. I had a great time.”

Rebecca smiled back, feeling grateful for this day and for Hiro’s company.

As the sun continues to set, Hiro and Rebecca made their way back to the coffee shop where they had met. They sat at the same table, holding hands and talking quietly as they watched the day turn into night.

Finally, it was time for Rebecca to head back home. As they said goodbye, Hiro pulled Rebecca into a tight embrace.

Rebecca's heart raced as Hiro pulled her into a tight embrace. She could feel his warmth and the strength of his arms around her. She was surprised by the suddenness of the embrace, but she couldn't deny the comfort it brought her. She closed her eyes and let herself sink into his embrace.

As they stood there, Rebecca's mind raced. She couldn't help but wonder what this meant for their relationship. Was this a romantic gesture? Did Hiro feel the same way she did? Or was he just being friendly?

Rebecca took a deep breath and tried to focus on the present moment. She reminded herself that this was just a hug, and there was no need to read too much into it. She enjoyed the feeling of being held, and for now, that was enough.

After a few moments, Hiro released her from the embrace. Rebecca stepped back and looked up at him. His eyes were warm and kind, and she couldn't help but feel drawn to him. She was grateful for the friendship they had developed, and she hoped that it would continue to grow.

Hiro smiled at her and took her hand again, leading her down the street. They walked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

Rebecca's mind was still racing, and she couldn't help but think about Hiro's embrace. She wondered if he knew how much it meant to her. She wanted to tell him, but she didn't want to ruin the moment.

As they walked, Hiro suddenly stopped and turned to Rebecca. "I'm sorry if that was too much," he said, looking at her with concern. "I just wanted to make sure you knew how much I appreciate our friendship."

Rebecca's heart swelled with gratitude. She smiled at him and said, "Thank you, Hiro. I feel the same way."

They continued walking, and Rebecca felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She was grateful for Hiro's friendship and for the moments they shared together. She knew that their relationship was special, and she hoped that it would continue to grow.

As they turned a corner and walked down a busy street, Rebecca couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the world around her. She had never felt so alive and present in the moment. She felt grateful for the opportunity to experience life in all its complexities and to share it with someone as special as Hiro.

As Rebecca rode the train back home, her thoughts swirled with the memories of the day. She couldn't believe that she had finally met Hiro in person, and that their day together had been so wonderful. Her heart felt full, but at the same time, she couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness that was creeping in.

Part of her couldn't believe that their day had come to an end so quickly. She longed to spend more time with him, to continue exploring the city and learning more about each other. But another part of her was filled with doubt and uncertainty. She wondered if she was good enough for Hiro, if he truly liked her or if he was just being kind.

Rebecca's mind kept replaying the moment when Hiro had pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapped securely around her. She had never felt so safe and protected before, but at the same time, she couldn't help but wonder what it all meant. Did Hiro feel the same way about her? Or was it just a friendly gesture?

As the train pulled into her station, Rebecca gathered her things and stepped out onto the platform. The cool evening breeze brushed against her face, and she took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts.

Walking home, Rebecca couldn't help but think about the future. She had always been a planner, someone who liked to have everything mapped out ahead of time. But now, with Hiro in her life, she realized that she couldn't predict what the future held. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.

As she reached her apartment, Rebecca unlocked the door and stepped inside. The quietness of the space felt unfamiliar after spending the whole day with Hiro. She couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness.

Rebecca moved to her living room and sat down on the couch, still lost in her thoughts. She wondered what Hiro was doing at that moment, if he was thinking about her too. She couldn't shake off the feeling that she was overthinking everything, but at the same time, she couldn't help it.

Taking out her phone, Rebecca saw that Hiro had sent her a message. Her heart skipped a beat as she read it.

"Today was amazing. I can't wait to see you again."

Rebecca felt a rush of joy and relief wash over her. She smiled, feeling grateful for this new connection in her life. She replied back, telling him how much she had enjoyed their day together and how she was looking forward to the next time they could meet.

As Rebecca settled into bed that night, she felt a sense of contentment wash over her. She had no idea what the future held, but for the moment, she was happy to just be living in the present and cherishing the memories of a wonderful day with Hiro.