Unexpected Encounter at the Library
As-salamu alaykum, everyone. Since my first year at university, I've noticed this brother who stands out. I don't usually get crushes or really pay attention to guys, but what caught my eye is that he’s one of the few who always wears shalwar kameez and has a beard. He mostly talks to other brothers and seems confident yet a bit reserved. We’ve seen each other around campus quite a bit, but I never really thought much of it until recently. I usually go to the library early when it’s quiet, and one morning while sitting in my usual spot, I felt someone standing behind me. At first, I thought they were just throwing something away, but then I noticed hands reaching toward my table. I turned and saw it was him, bending down to unplug his device from the socket by my table-maybe he left it there the day before. He was so close that I caught my breath. I was frozen, didn’t say a word, just stared. He smiled the whole time and kept eye contact. Even as he walked away, he looked back with a playful smile, like I had taken his seat or something. Only after he left did I realize I’d been holding my breath. I felt embarrassed but also found it kind of funny. The next day, I didn’t see him in the library, but as I was leaving a bit earlier, I caught him coming out of class talking to a friend. We made brief eye contact, but I quickly looked away. I can’t stop thinking about that moment-it’s like I’m overthinking it too much. Part of me admires his boldness, but I also wonder why he didn’t just ask to unplug the device instead of getting so close. Maybe he tried to say something, but I was wearing ear pods, so I didn’t hear. Otherwise, it felt a bit awkward. Can anyone help me understand this better? JazakAllah khair for listening.