Racing to the subway, a hallway meets my high school crush

Racing to the subway, a hallway meets my high school crush

I woke up late for work, sprinted to the subway and realized I was wearing my old college hoodie instead of the suit I’d picked out. The train doors closed just as I reached for the handle, but instead of a regular carriage I found myself in a dim hallway that stretched forever, flickering lights above. At the far end a figure stood—my high school crush, but his face was half‑human, half‑shadow, eyes glowing faintly. He smiled, and I felt that familiar flutter mixed with an odd chill. He reached out, and when his hand brushed mine, the hallway melted into the coffee shop I’m supposed to be at later. The barista handed me a latte, but the cup was empty, and the steam formed his name in the air. I tried to speak, but my voice came out as a whisper. Then the alarm buzzed and I was back in my apartment, heart still racing.