A Random Like and a Date in a Nearby Park
Ola sat in a café with her favorite latte, scrolling through profiles on a dating app. It was early evening, and once again she told herself, “It’s just for fun, to pass the time.” She wasn’t looking for anything serious — mostly someone to chat with who could add a bit of color to her day.
That’s when, slightly distracted by thoughts of work and tomorrow’s tasks, she swiped right. Only a second later did she realize she’d just liked the profile of someone named Mark.
“Oh well,” she thought, “maybe he won’t reply anyway.”
Mark was a quiet, slightly shy guy in his thirties who didn’t spend much time on the app either. He’d joined mostly by chance too — just looking for company and the possibility of meeting someone nearby. When the notification of a new like appeared on his screen, he raised his eyebrows with interest. Clicking on Ola’s profile, he looked through her photos: a genuine smile, one in the park, one from a trip. Something about her warmth caught his attention, so he decided to write.
“Hi! Thanks for the like. Maybe we could go for a walk in the park sometime, since we both seem to enjoy the outdoors?” he wrote playfully, hoping it wouldn’t come off too forward.
Ola replied faster than she expected. Something about his simple, sincere message made her curious to meet him.
They decided to meet the next day in the park nearby — the very park where they’d walked countless times before, separately. The sun shone gently through the trees, and the scent of freshly cut grass hung in the air.
At first, there was a bit of awkwardness — that quiet tension you feel when you come face to face with someone you’d only known through a few photos and messages. But after a few minutes, the conversation began to flow easily and naturally, as if they had known each other much longer.
-I thought you liked me by mistake - Mark teased, glancing at her sideways.
-Maybe it was a mistake - Ola replied with a smile, feeling her heart flutter a little, - but clearly a very good one.
They strolled along winding paths, passing joggers and parents with children. They talked about everything and nothing — their plans for the future, their favorite movies, their taste in music, and how strange and funny the world of online dating could be.
With every step, they felt more at ease in each other’s company. Before long, Ola realized two hours had passed without her even noticing.
-Maybe we could go for a coffee? - Mark suggested, gesturing toward a nearby café.
-I’d love that - Ola answered, grateful for this unexpected day.
That evening, walking home, they both felt as if they’d stumbled upon something significant — something they hadn’t been searching for, yet had appeared at the most surprising moment.
Maybe that’s how the best encounters happen — they begin with one innocent click that can turn an ordinary day into the start of a wonderful story.