Tinder Match

The pizza’s on the coffee table between you, both of you still in pyjamas, wine glasses within reach. You’re half-tucked into the corner of the sofa, phone in hand, Tom leaning just close enough to see the screen when he wants to.

You swipe past two profiles, then the “It’s a Match!” screen flashes up.

“Oh,” you murmur.

Tom looks over. “Who’s that?”

The profile’s right there, 22, T-shirt stretched across his shoulders. Bio says Ex-military. Love to stay active.

“He doesn’t look old enough,” you say, tilting the phone so Tom can see.

Tom studies the picture, then smirks. “Fit though.”

The message bubble pops up almost instantly: Hi Emma.

You glance at Tom, then type something safe: Hi. You don’t look old enough to have been in the military.

A reply comes back in seconds: Haha, I get that a lot. Joined at 18, left last year.

You give a small smile, set the phone down on the cushion beside you. “Well, that’s nice,” you say, reaching for another slice of pizza.

Tom raises an eyebrow. “Not replying?”

“Not right now.” You take a bite, letting the cheese stretch before biting through it. “Feels weird doing it with you watching. I’ll see what he says later.”