We live in the same neighbourhood - close enough to be sharing the same ride frequently. I used to be eager to see you - I wanted to get to know you, maybe go out on a date together. I would smile; try to engage your attention to politely express my interest in you. I read body language and try to be sensitive - you gave me an angry “back the fuck off” look unexpectedly one day, if I’ve ever seen one; it was pretty clear that you were not interested. So, after that, I just stopped. I don’t force anyone to like me; it’s not my way. Whenever I bump into you on the bus or on the street now, I’m not thinking “hey, it’s that sandy-blonde girl I like”, rather “oh, it’s you” – those feelings from before hit an icy wall and fall flat, despite the fact that I know you’re trying to get my attention. I confess, I’ve been avoiding your gaze, because your smiling at me is driving me mad. You’d need to do something pretty amazing to convince me now.