“Hi,” a voice said behind me, poking my shoulder.

This came after a long day of working on a programme at college; I was walking down to the taxi rank. All I wanted was to sleep, I was so tired. My eyes had been glued to the computer for a long time and my mind was hoping I could get home quickly.

I looked back to the person who greeted me; it would be rude to ignore the tap and hello. It was a light-skinned short guy with dimples. I got the shock of my life, this guy was handsome! He was dressed in black pants and a white shirt with a waistcoast. His style was elegant and he looked loaded too! I’d never met this type of guy in my life before.

“Hello, how are you?” I responded shyly. I would drool if he kept looking at me. He smiled and gave me a handshake.

“I am good. I’m Jimmy, and you?” he smiled.

His voice tickled my skin. I’d never met a guy like him. I’d never dated and now a guy like this just spoke to me.

“Khanyi,” I said quickly while looking at him and then turning my back.

Let me tell you my life story quickly: My name is Khanyi Dube, I am 19 turning 20 in three months’ time. I am in second year at Divine College. I stay with my mom and little sister. My dad passed away when I was 6.

But back to reality – I was bashful and nervous, thinking where had this guy been all along? Why did I only see him now? Wishing that I wasn’t standing there any more, I looked away, pretending that I wasn’t noticing him but he walked in front of me. His smile made me blush and I looked down nervously.

“Can we meet for a drink or lunch?” he asked confidently.

He is optimistic and I am the opposite, I thought. My body started to shiver, I could feel my mouth trembling. I tried speaking, my mouth moved but no words came out.

“I won’t push you if you need time … the truth is, I like you.”

My mind was reeling! Please, God, help me, I thought. Why can’t I speak? Should I just give him my number and leave in a hurry?

“I like you too,” I said quickly.

I don’t know whether he liked what I said or smiled, I didn’t want to look. Eish – perhaps I was born shy or maybe it was because this was my first time having these feelings. I looked down, feeling so hopeless; I don’t know what I uttered.

Just then, a conductor called out “Queensdale” – that is where I stayed – I had to get in the taxi. I was saved by the bell. I took a deep breath, I just wanted to go home. My home taxis are difficult to find because there are a few people living there as it is just a small town.

I took a small piece of paper and jotted down my number and quickly gave it to him. I saw his lips open and his eyes widen. I jumped in the taxi before it was too full. He remained standing where I left him. I saw him look at the paper and put it in his pocket before leaving. My heart was pounding like a rock thudding on the earth.

***

Tell us: Would you give someone you didn’t know your number?