I never believe in what so called ‘love at first sight’. You know why? Because for me, it isn’t about the unexpected affection you might feel for someone after seeing her/him. It’s silly.

But I never thought that it could happen for me. That is, while I’m just waiting for a train one afternoon. I never believe that I fell in love with a stranger.

FLASHBACK

                15 minutes have passed. I sighed.

I am waiting for almost 15 minutes for a train going to Ohio. I’m visiting Burt and Carole here in New York and I needed to go home now. Tomorrow is another day for me in McKinley and I shouldn’t miss it.

While waiting for the train, I couldn’t help but to look at the couple beside me. The two were busy talking while the guy was holding his girlfriend’s hand. I suddenly recalled myself having a boyfriend. But since the things went complicated and hard, I couldn’t exactly remember how Sebastian and I broke up. It’s over. A year has passed and I am trying to forget it.

All of a sudden...

“Ohio!” the man in blue uniform called. “Ohio passengers!”

Thankfully, a train going to Ohio. At last, I could take a ride so that I can go home. But I didn’t expect that there’s a lot of passengers were riding for Ohio. I was the last one to go but the man told me that I should wait another 15 minutes because the train was already full. I am left alone in the train station.

Well, another 15 minutes? Are they joking?! I couldn’t wait for another 15 minutes here – alone. And that’s my problem. I’m too slow to move.

   “Oh, silly. I didn’t catch the last trip...” someone said behind me.

As I turned back, I saw a young guy looking at his wristwatch. He caught me staring at him and then he smiled.

“Excuse me... you will ride at what train?” he asked, walking toward me.

This guy is perfectly handsome. He’s tall and he has white complexion. He’s totally a dapper. He dresses so neat and properly. He looks like a college student – rather a working person. He’s wearing a black coat and simple gray T-shirt. A normal dress code but it looks so formal. His black pants matched his black shoes.

“Um... Ohio.” I answered.

He smiled. “Guess so, were both from Ohio.”

“Really? Sound nice.”

“Actually, it is. But it is not nice that we are left in the train station.”

He went to the bench and sat on it. “Hey, why don’t you sit down first?”

I automatically looked at him and went to the bench. I sat beside him – but still keeping my distance.

“Another 15 minutes is not so long.” I said.

He looks at me then he laughed. “I bet it’s your first time visiting here in New York.”

“I... I was. Why?”

“If you want to know, the last trip for today to Ohio is that train. Well, you should wait for another 13 hours to take a ride on the train. Or, I should say... we have to wait for another 13 hours.” he explained.

“But the man told me to wait for another 15 minutes. Hear me? 15 minutes and not 13 hours.” I defended.

He was laughing at me again. Honestly, this guy looks totally cute if he’s smiling or laughing.

“Trust me... that man was lying. He said that just to fool you.”

“How do you know about that?”

“I visited New York for almost six times. And you know what? I missed four trips form New York to Ohio.”

“And you waited another 13 hours just to take a ride the next day?”

He nodded. “Uh-huh. Sometimes, if there’s a problem on the train maintenance, 13 becomes 15.”

“No! It shouldn’t happen! I will miss my school.”

“That’s what I fear too.”

I looked at him. “You’re a high school student?”

“Yes. And you?”

“Me too.”

                I didn’t know why I am feeling like this. Like – we are very close to each other. He’s a stranger to me and I am a stranger to him. But he’s too approachable. He’s funny in such a way. He’s too friendly.

“By the way, why are you here in New York?” he asked me while were taking coffee. We decided to leave the train station for a while. It’s boring if we will spend time waiting in the train station for a whole night.

“I visited my Dad and my step-mom here.” I answered.

After sipping his coffee, he looks straightly at me. “You’re not living with them?”

“No. I live in Ohio with my step-brother.”

“Oh, I see. Well, are you close to your step-brother?” he asked, looking at his cup, then looks at me, smiling. “Sorry. I asked too much private.”

I laughed. “It’s okay. Well... I didn’t believe that he could me my step-brother. ‘Cause I once harbored a crush on him.”

After I answered him, he looks at me from my head down to my chest. Then, he looks at my eyes.

“Excuse me for the term. You’re...” he said, but I quickly interrupted him.

“Yes, yes. I’m a gay. Don’t you notice?” I asked.

He half-smiled, sipping his coffee again. “No. Not really.”

I sipped my coffee then looks at him. “You know already. Now, it’s up to you if you will judge me or not.”

He shook his head. “No. I’m not going to judge you. Well actually... were same.”

I looked back at him, surprised. “You’re gay?”

“I am. Why?”

“It’s not totally seen. You dress like a guy, speaking like a guy...”

“But I didn’t think that my mind and feelings agrees on that. I know I’m like this. I shouldn’t be ashamed after all, right?”

I smiled. “Yeah. You’re 100% right.”

We laughed together like we’ve been friends for a long time. Which, in reality, were not.

  “It’s getting evening. Are you going home? You know, to your parents...” he asked.

“I’m not going to Dad’s house today. It’s very complicated there.” I answered.

He nodded. “If you want to, we can rent a room in hotel just tonight.”

“No. I didn’t want to. I want to stay and wait for the train in the station.”

He smiled as he took my hand. “I’ll stay right there with you.”

We went to the train station and sat on the bench. Few passengers look at us like we have relationship. But, instead, we didn’t take any concern to them. After all, why should I react? We didn’t know each other. And were being nice to one another, right?

It’s already 12:05 in the morning. It’s getting cold.

“Hey. You’re okay? You’re cold.” he said, looking at me worriedly as he touches my cheeks.

I just smiled at him and said nothing. It is really cold right now. Damn! I forgot to bring my coat. If I’ll know that it will happen to me...

“I’m... I’m okay.” I lied. But, it’s not okay. And I’m not okay.

“You’re shivering. Here. Borrow this.” he said, giving the coat to me.

“How about you?”

“Don’t worry. I can resist.”

I looked at him. “Sure?”

“I’m really fine.”

I have to wear the coat because I’m cold. As I put the coat around me, I could feel my eyes closing slowly. I felt my head leaning on his shoulder. That’s the last thing I remember.