Dating the devil

Chapter 1: The Match

Coraline, a successful but lonely writer, signs up for "SearchSoulmates," a dating service that matches people based on their search histories. She's curious and slightly skeptical but decides to give it a try.

Her fingers hover over the keyboard as she fills out the detailed profile on the website. The concept intrigues her—matching based on search history. It seems more intimate, more telling, than the usual surface-level compatibility questions. What people search for online often reveals their deepest desires and darkest fears.

She sighs and glances around her modest apartment. It's filled with books, scattered notes, and the faint smell of coffee that has long since gone cold. Her latest novel is in the final stages of editing, and she craves a distraction from the relentless solitude.

Coraline clicks "Submit" and leans back in her chair, wondering if this experiment will yield anything more than fodder for her next book. Her curiosity outweighs her skepticism, and she waits, her heart beating a little faster than usual.

Within hours, an email notification pings on her phone. She opens it to find that she has a match. Tobias. A butcher. His search history includes cooking techniques, meat preservation, and, curiously, an extensive interest in crime novels and forensic science. Intrigued by the odd combination, Coraline decides to dig a little deeper.

She opens Tobias's profile. His picture shows a ruggedly handsome man in his mid-thirties, with piercing blue eyes and a faint smile that hints at secrets. His bio is short but intriguing: "A lover of good food, true crime, and deep conversations. Looking for someone to share thoughts and dreams."

Coraline's heart skips a beat. She hesitates, then types out a message.

"Hi Tobias, I see we share an interest in crime novels. Any favorites?"

She hits send and feels a flutter of anticipation. It's been a while since she's felt this kind of excitement. She spends the rest of the evening trying to focus on her work but finds herself distracted, checking her phone more often than she'd like to admit.

The next morning, she wakes to find a reply from Tobias.

"Hi Coraline, it's hard to pick a favorite, but I'd say anything by Agatha Christie or Thomas Harris. I'm also fascinated by the psychology behind the crimes. How about you?"

Coraline smiles, feeling a connection spark to life. They exchange messages throughout the day, delving into discussions about their favorite books, movies, and the appeal of dark, twisted stories. Tobias's responses are thoughtful and articulate, showing a depth that draws her in.

After a few days of messaging, Tobias suggests they meet in person. Coraline hesitates for a moment, considering the risks, but ultimately agrees. There's something magnetic about him, something that pulls her in despite her usual caution.

They arrange to meet at a cozy café downtown, a neutral place where Coraline feels safe. She spends the next few days oscillating between excitement and anxiety, wondering what it will be like to meet this enigmatic butcher who shares her love for the macabre.

The day of the date arrives, and Coraline finds herself nervously smoothing her dress and checking her reflection one last time before heading out. As she walks to the café, she can't help but feel a mix of anticipation and dread. Meeting someone new always carries risks, but something about Tobias feels different, more compelling.

She arrives early and chooses a table near the window, her favorite spot for people-watching. The minutes tick by slowly, each one heightening her nerves. Just as she's about to text him, the door swings open, and Tobias walks in. He looks just like his picture, but there's an aura of confidence and mystery about him that's even more pronounced in person.

Tobias spots her and smiles, walking over with a steady, assured gait. He extends a hand as he reaches the table.

"Coraline, it's great to finally meet you."

She shakes his hand, feeling the warmth and strength in his grip. "Likewise, Tobias. I'm glad you could make it."

As they sit down and begin to talk, Coraline feels her initial nervousness fade, replaced by a growing sense of intrigue. Tobias is charming and engaging, his eyes flickering with interest as they delve into their shared love for dark stories and complex characters.

Little does Coraline know, this meeting is the beginning of a twisted journey that will blur the lines between fiction and reality, dragging her into a world more terrifying than any story she could ever write.