Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
New York City 10:32 PM
The rain poured relentlessly, drenching the city streets and casting a gloomy atmosphere over the dimly lit alleyways. Among the bustling crowd, a figure stood in the shadows, his eyes fixed intently on a particular woman. This was Giovanni, a man consumed by an inexplicable infatuation with a woman he had never met but had become the center of his existence.
She—or must we say Oaklyn, the name that he discovered to be hers months ago when he first witnessed her. Was a young woman that he couldn't help but think and dream about relentlessly each day. She was nineteen to be exact, way too young for him but he couldn't help but to still want her. Oaklyn had warm brown skin, a short stature of 5'2, a slim frame with not much breast or butt, but it suited her shape perfectly. She had a beautiful face with no imperfections in his eyes, his favorite part was her smile. The contagious smile that captivated him.
For months, Giovanni had meticulously studied every aspect of her life, piecing together fragments from social media posts, public sightings, and even the occasional conversation with mutual acquaintances. He knew her routines, her preferences, and the intricate details of her life. It was as if he had become a ghostly presence lingering in the periphery of her world.
Tonight was different, however. Tonight, fate had brought them together in the most unexpected way. Giovanni had learned that Oaklyn, would be attending an Law intern program meeting on the outskirts of the city. Ironically, it was the practicing office that he worked for holding the meeting and taking in potential students or persons of interests. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he had managed to secure a table to the event, determined to catch a glimpse of her in person. Months of watching her from a distance he hoped that she came to his stand so he could see her eyes up close. The eyes told you everything about someone.
As he stepped into the building he adjusted his tie around his neck, the air was heavy with the scent of hunger and anticipation from the young people scattered around.
The soft hum of conversation, shuffling papers, and the clinking of glasses filled the space. Giovanni's heart thudded in his chest as he scanned the room, searching for a familiar face. And then, he saw her.
Oaklyn stood in front of Yvonne—one of his coworker's—table across the room, conversing with her, her back turned towards him. The dim lighting created an ethereal glow around her, accentuating her silhouette. Her black hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her slender frame was draped in a simple black dress that clung to her every curve. It was a shame that the blazer she wore on-top of it covered most of her frame. Giovanni's breath caught in his throat, his eyes fixated on her beauty.
He watched as she delicately touched the the stack of application papers in front of her, her fingers tracing the words with a tenderness that matched the passion in her eyes.
"Yo Gio, Gio!"
Giovanni snapped out of his trance and looked to the left of him to see his co-worker Adam waving him over. He had forgot that he needed to actually attend to his table as well. Sighing Giovanni made his way over; careful not to let Oaklyn's presence slip from his view.
"About time man, these assholes having been giving me a headache with all these fuckin' questions" Adam complained "Why again did you want to do this?"
"Remember when we we're recently graduated? Wanting some experience anywhere that we could get it? Shit, I know that it was years ago but I'm sure you remember how difficult it was. We're in the position to help now." Giovanni explained "And it's not like you had anything better to do after work."
"Oh fuck off" Adam rolled his eyes "But you're right, I guess I could use someone helping me around the office."
As Adam continued to talk Giovanni couldn't tear his gaze away from Oaklyn who had now moved to a different table. This one much much closer to him. He was captivated by every subtle movement, every graceful gesture she made. It was as if the world around him faded into insignificance, and she became the sole focus of his existence. He had spent countless nights imagining this moment, but reality surpassed his wildest dreams.
Suddenly, Oaklyn turned, her eyes scanning the room. For a split second, Giovanni's heart skipped a beat, fearing that she had somehow sensed his presence. But she simply glanced past him, oblivious to his existence. Relief washed over him, intermingled with a sense of disappointment that he couldn't quite comprehend.
As the evening wore on, the meeting had soon ended. Surprisingly Oaklyn hadn't visited Giovanni's and Adam's table throughout the whole night. A part of him was saddened that he had her so close yet she slipped through his fingers. However, another part of him was relieved that he wouldn't be forced to converse with her just yet, it was too soon. He needed to learn more about her first.
"Wanna grab a drink at Sal's bar?" Adam suggested as the two cleaned up their table.
"Uh" Giovanni pondered watching as Oaklyn was preparing to leave, her best-friend Sage; walking by her side. "I have a lot of client documents to sort through before Monday so I'll rain check"
"Aight man, I'll see you Monday" He dapped him up and left before him which Giovanni was thankful for.
Giovanni watched from a distance as Oaklyn bid farewell to friends and headed towards the exit. He knew that he had missed his chance to get a closer view of her, to finally make his presence known. But as she disappeared into the night, he wasn't far behind her. Close enough to be a shadow, but not to be seen.
Little did Oaklyn know, Giovanni's obsession had taken root, and he would stop at nothing to make himself known to her. This chance of encounter had only fueled the flames of his infatuation, and the lines between love and obsession began to blur.
