Short story: Benjamin's chance

Saturday night. In the heart of the bustling city, where skyscrapers reach for the heavens, there's a rooftop party buzzing with excitement. It's a celebration marking the grand opening of a chic new rooftop bar, and among the crowd stands Benjamin, a 6 foot 4 Black King who exudes strength and grace. Tall, with a powerfully built frame, a deep, dark complexion, and long dreadlocks, he moves through the throng with an air of quiet confidence.

As the evening unfolds, Benjamin finds himself drawn to a corner of the rooftop where two young women are chatting animatedly. His attention is immediately captured by one of the girls - a striking young brunette adorned in a revealing pink top and casual blue jeans. She exudes a natural, unaffected beauty that seems to glow under the soft lights.

Benjamin watches her with quiet fascination as she engages in conversation with her friend. Her laughter rings out like music, drawing him in like a moth to a flame. When her friend excuses herself to fetch more champagne, Benjamin sees his chance.

With a warm, inviting smile, he approaches the young woman, his heart beating with anticipation. "Hi there, miss," he says, his voice deep, smooth and confident.

The young woman looks up, her gaze meeting his, surprise flickering in her eyes. "Hello," she replies, returning his smile albeit with a touch of uncertainty.

Unable to resist the magnetic pull he feels towards her, Benjamin forges ahead. "I couldn't help but notice you from across the party," he confesses, his words deliberate and sincere. "I knew I had to seize the opportunity to introduce myself."

A shy blush tints the girl's cheeks as she listens to his words, her interest piqued despite herself. "Oh, really?" she responded, her tone soft yet curious.

With each passing moment, Benjamin feels a powerful connection growing stronger between them. He leans in slightly, his dark eyes locked with hers. "What's your name?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.

She hesitates for a moment, the flutter of uncertainty evident in her eyes. "It's Emily," she replies finally, a small smile playing at her lips.

Benjamin's heart leaps with joy at the sound of her name. "Emily," he repeats, savoring the way it rolls off his tongue. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Before Emily can respond, Benjamin seizes the moment, his gaze unwavering. "Would you mind if I took your number?" he asks, his tone direct.

A flicker of hesitation crosses Emily's features as she glances around nervously. "I'm sorry...I actually have a boyfriend," she admits, her voice tinged with... regret?

Undeterred, Benjamin presses on, his determination unwavering. "I understand," he says, his smile never faltering. "But we only live once. Before your friend returns, I have to try to convince you to share your number with me. What harm could it do?"

For a moment, Emily seems torn, her gaze flickering between Benjamin and the approaching figure of her friend. Then, with a small sigh, she relents. "Okay," she says softly, reaching for her phone. "But just this once." She smiles and laughs nervously.

A surge of triumph courses through Benjamin as Emily recites her number, each digit etched into his memory like a precious treasure. With a smile, he enters the digits into his phone, savoring the moment as if it were a cherished victory.

As Emily's friend returns, Benjamin holds her eyes for one last moment - then departs - his mind filled with thoughts of the beautiful young brunette who has captured his attention in the span of a single evening.

And as the night unfolds, he can't shake the feeling that this chance encounter was just the beginning of his next big adventure.