“Love” for People Who Don’t Waste Time
A sunny weekday afternoon, a small outdoor café tucked along a quiet street. Two strangers, Leah and Alex, sit at separate tables — close enough to overhear each other but not close enough to seem intentional. Leah sips her coffee, scrolling on her phone, while Alex taps away at his laptop.
Leah’s Perspective:
(Leah glances up briefly, noticing Alex deep in thought as he types. She’s seen him here a few times — he seems like the kind of person who orders the same coffee every time and always finds the sunniest table. Her mind drifts as she picks at her muffin.)
Leah (thinking):
Another day, another stranger I’ll never talk to. Why is it that people pretend we don’t all share the same space? Like some unspoken rule that we can’t just… talk?
(She catches herself. Usually, she’d let the thought pass, but today feels different. She sets down her mug, tilting her head slightly as she watches Alex pause to rub his temples.)
Leah (thinking):
You know what? Forget it. Life’s too short.
(She leans forward, her voice confident but casual.)
Leah:
Hey, does staring at your screen like that actually help, or is it just part of the creative process?
Alex’s Perspective:
(Alex looks up, startled but not annoyed. He blinks for a moment before breaking into a small smile. He gestures to his laptop.)
Alex:
It’s more like part of the frustration process. Trying to get this proposal done, but it feels like everything I write sounds the same.
Leah:
(smiling) Classic overthinking. You ever just write what you actually mean and call it a day?
(Alex chuckles, leaning back in his chair slightly. He hadn’t planned on talking to anyone today, but her directness feels refreshing.)
Alex (thinking):
Well, this is new.
Alex:
Fair point. But what if what I mean doesn’t sound impressive enough?
Leah:
(shrugs) Then maybe you’re trying to impress the wrong people.
(Alex raises an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. He closes his laptop halfway, giving her his full attention.)
Alex:
You don’t waste words, do you?
Leah:
(grinning) Nope. And I don’t waste time either. Which is why I’m going to ask — are you more interested in finishing that proposal or having this conversation?
(Alex blinks again, caught completely off guard. But instead of feeling defensive, he laughs.)
Alex:
I think you already know the answer.
Leah:
Good. Because I’m free Thursday at 7. Unless, of course, you’re one of those people who needs a week to think about it.
Alex:
(leaning forward, smiling) Thursday works.
Internal Monologues:
Leah (thinking):
There. Done. No guessing games, no endless “what-ifs.” Why waste time wondering if someone’s interested when you can just ask? Either way, you get clarity. If they say no, great — you move on and save yourself the headache of guessing. If they say yes, even better — you’re already building something intentional.
(She leans back slightly, a small smile forming.)
Leah (thinking):
It’s not about trying to control the outcome. It’s about valuing your time — and theirs — enough to be honest. Now I can enjoy my coffee.
Alex (thinking):
I don’t know what just happened, but I think she might be onto something.
Closing Scene:
(Leah picks up her coffee, smiling to herself as she watches Alex return to his laptop, a little more relaxed than before. She finishes her muffin, glancing at the clock before gathering her things to leave. Alex’s gaze follows her briefly, a mixture of curiosity and admiration lingering in his expression.)
