I'm In Love With This Girl On The Train
A 2ch thread spanning from late March to early April of 2012. Because trains are, as we all know, the ultimate source of true love.
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#OP
Can I talk with you about this?
#2ch
AT LEAST GET ON THE TRAIN FIRST.
#2ch
She's nothin' special once she drops the makeup.
#OP
^^ I did. We always ride the same train.
^ And I don't think she wears much makeup.
#2ch
Personal info, OP?
#2ch
Can't you just talk to her?
Nothing's gonna happen otherwise...
#OP
^^ For me:
I'm twenty-four.
Salaryman (Tuesday/Wednesday days off).
I vaguely look like Kenichi Matsuyama.
168 cm, 55 kg.
For her:
In terms of how she acts, maybe Satomi Ishihara, or Anna Konno, or Hikaru Koto.
We get on at the same station and off at different ones.
I don't know much else other than that.
^ Won't I seem creepy suddenly talking to her?
#2ch
How else do you plan to communicate with her, telepathy?
If you can fall in love suddenly, then you can talk suddenly too.
#2ch
Ooh, trains are tricky.
If she gets mad and changes her schedule, you'll have to start stalking her.
#OP
^^ I guess I would need to talk, but...
How can I do that in a way that seems natural?
I don't want to come off as too flirty...
^ Yeah, trains make it tough...
I don't plan on being a stalker, though.
#2ch
A friend of mine kept getting stared at by a guy on the train, and he eventually confessed to her. And she's usually shy.
So maybe you should just up and confess.
#2ch
Is it a crowded train?
#OP
I don't want to confess out of the blue.
Though she might just figure it out while I'm talking to her...
It's not crowded when we get on, but it gets crowded quick at some stations.
#2ch
Of course being talked to by some weirdo is going to be flirty.
'Cause falling in love with someone you don't know is weird.
#OP
I suppose so...
#2ch
Well duh, you gotta talk.
Good luck, man.
#2ch
99% of these things never work out.
#OP
Does being a cool guy help your chances, I wonder...
#2ch
If this is rural, it should be fine. If it's the city, that's harder.
#OP
It's pretty rural where we get on, and I get off at a station in the city.
#2ch
It all depends on your Cool Guy Level now.
And being a smooth talker.
#OP
I don't have faith in either of those things...
#2ch
Some guy talked to me while I was getting off the train once, and it was seriously scary.
He gave me a slip of paper with his address, but I threw it away and changed buses.
So, that said, you should stop here.
You only like her from appearances, after all.
Men like that are... eugh...
#OP
I can see how that'd be scary.
But I don't want to do nothing...
#2ch
Just get her drunk?
#2ch
^ You're the worst.
#2ch
Just make sure you don't prattle on. Talk to her and charm her ASAP.
#2ch
Is this the birth of a new Densha Otoko?
#2ch
No matter how you talk to her, she'll just get freaked.
Seriously, are you in grade school? Falling for a girl you've never talked to...
#OP
I don't have much romantic experience, no, so maybe I really am grade-school level...
#2ch
What about her did you fall for? Her face, I bet?
#OP
To be honest, yes, I like how she looks.
But I think I really fell for her when I saw her giving up her seat for an old lady.
#2ch
Does anybody around know anything about this girl?
#OP
I've never asked anyone.
#2ch
The most important question here should be, does she have a boyfriend?
#OP
Yeah, given how cute she is, it wouldn't be surprising...
#2ch
Mind if I tell you about how I was sunk by a woman I fell for on the train?
#OP
I'd like to hear it.
#2ch
Well, it's not much of a story, but I was in love with a woman I rode the same train with.
I confirmed we got off at the same station, and I couldn't keep it in anymore.
So I gave her a slip of paper with my name, number, and address, and "I've fallen for you."
Two days later, she talked to me and told me "I'm sorry, I'm getting married." The end.
She could've easily ignored it or thrown it out, but I wept at her kindness to tell me in person.
#OP
That's an unfortunate end, but it sounds like she was kind.
#2ch
It's best not to talk with her on the train if you don't want to make her uneasy.
#OP
There are other passengers, sure, but it still feels rather private...
The only other place would be at the station we get on.
#2ch
Haven't you ever flirted with somebody?
Dated anybody before?
#OP
I've never flirted, no...
I've dated two people.
#2ch
If you talk to her, will you tell us what happens?
#OP
I'll post the results no matter what.
#2ch
Incidentally, as a student, a guy fell for me on the train and forced an opportunity, and we actually started dating.
Then we broke up, but y'know...
#OP
That's impressive. The first part, I mean.
Forced an opportunity how?
#2ch
If you don't get her contact info, she could disappear on you any moment.
It might be embarrassing, but no regrets!
Just think, what if she changes her schedule and commute, and you never meet again your whole lives?
You gotta go for it!
Of course, I'm such a ladies man it'd be no problem for me...
#OP
You're right.
I think I'll try something on Thursday.
I'm jealous of your ladies-man status.
#2ch
Be honest, give it to her straight.
I saw how kind you were to give that old lady your seat, and I was stunned.
I'm curious about you, so could we be friends?
Then you give her your info.
Then marriage.
#OP
I think I'm going to just start with a greeting, not something that direct.
#2ch
Doing something with no chance of success isn't brave, it's stupid.
I don't care if you fell for her because of her face, talking to her at the station? Just think about it, it's creepy and disgusting.
The best shot you have is to fabricate a situation where talking to her doesn't seem awkward. Anything else has zero potential.
#OP
So picking up something she dropped, or something like that?
#2ch
When she's getting off the train:
OP: "Excuse me! Did you drop this?" (Holding something suitable)
Girl: "Hm? I didn't drop that."
OP: "Oh, ahaha... Sorry, never mind."
Next day or day after:
Meet eyes and nod.
If she returns the nod, "Thanks for the other day." -> "Say, I see you on this same train often..." -> BFFs!
#OP
This sounds like a perfect plan. But the train is packed when she gets off.
#2ch
What about when you get on, then?
#OP
It's emptier then, so that could work.
#2ch
But then the rest of the day will be awkward...
#OP
Yeah, probably...
It'd be really stalkerish if we got off at the same station too, huh?
#2ch
Can't you just ask her info normally?
#OP
People say it'll freak her out, so I wanted to make it as natural as possible.
Though she might get freaked either way...
#2ch
It seems paradoxical to me to forcibly create a situation that doesn't seem awkward...
I don't think you could make something out of a dropped item myself, much less if it's a suspicious event like that.
Of course, suddenly talking to her hasn't a chance in hell of working either.
Basically, if all you want is relief, then go ahead and do whatever weirdo plan you want and put an end to your "love."
#OP
You're right that it might not lead to further opportunities.
And yes, I'd rather face defeat than not do anything.
#2ch
The Dropped Item Plot
- Talk to her about dropped item
- "Thanks for the other day." (End right here)
- "We meet often, huh? ^^" (END RIGHT HERE)
- "Let's be friends!" (WHO IS THIS CREEPER)
Do you think you can overcome this, OP?
#2ch
I wouldn't think it possible for a 24-year-old salaryman to have dated two people.
#OP
Well, it's true...
#2ch
I knew a girl who was the other way around. And it was on the bus, but still. She confessed, they dated, they got married.
#OP
Good morning.
#OP
First of all, my greeting while getting on at the station was successful.
#2ch
Oh, good!
#OP
When I got to the station, she was on the platform.
I pretended I was waiting for the train and looked toward her, then said "Ah... Good morning."
Then she smiled a little, and replied "Good morning."
#2ch
One small step for OP.
Getting more likely to trade numbers now.
#2ch
Such bravery!
I've got your back! Good luck!
#OP
Thank you very much.
Nothing happened besides the greeting, but I was glad she smiled at me.
Excuse me, back to work.
#2ch
OP FOR DENSHA OTOKO 2012
#OP
I think I'll greet her tomorrow too, but I wonder if I can pull off anything better?
Dare I attempt a normal conversation...?
#2ch
I bet you can!
Good luck for tomorrow!
#OP
I think for now, it's best I stick to just greetings.
#2ch
Yeah, go with greetings for a little while.
Then move onto the weather, and how crowded it is, and stuff.
Probably want to keep your distance.
#2ch
Could you talk about your job?
If you can get in a greeting, maybe you could build off from that.
#OP
I'll keep doing greetings and observe what kinds of topics could work.
Sorry, but I don't think things will make significant progress for a while.
#2ch
If she smiled at you, I think it's likely she remembers you from before.
#2ch
As a girl in love with a salaryman on the train, this is a very interesting thread for me...
#OP
Good morning.
I was somehow able to greet her again today.
#2ch
And her reaction?
#OP
The same as yesterday.
She doesn't seem freaked out in the least...
Or maybe she's just ignoring me...
#2ch
You're sure she doesn't dislike you, not even a little?
If she does, then she'll stand somewhere else or come a different time.
If she is there next time, then say something else after your greeting.
#OP
I don't feel like she clearly hates me.
Tomorrow's Saturday, so next time will be Monday.
#2ch
Don't rush it.
Keep greeting her and build some affinity.
#2ch
If she's in the same place as always on Monday, I don't think it'll seem odd.
In fact, she might even be wondering what you'll do next.
As for whether she has a boyfriend, you can confirm that later.
Though it'd be unfortunate to meekly give up if she does...
She doesn't have a ring, does she?
#OP
Yes, I hope she's in the same place.
I'm fairly sure I'll give up if she has a boyfriend.
I mean, I don't want to do that, but I don't feel at all capable of stealing her away from another guy...
She wears earrings, and I think a necklace as well.
#2ch
There are lots of girls who keep dating their boyfriends even though it's not going well, because they don't have the courage to break up.
Don't worry about her having a boyfriend for now.
#OP
Good morning.
I greeted her again today.
It was the same place as always, so I don't think it was awkward...
I'm obviously curious if she has a boyfriend, but I'll try not to pay it any mind, like you say.
#2ch
You've got greetings DOWN, man.
#OP
I have Tuesday and Wednesday off, so Thursday will be next.
I'll try to attempt something more than a greeting soon.
#2ch
It would be really unnatural to go even though you're off work, huh...
#OP
Of course.
I have things to do tomorrow, but I'm actually going to take the same train.
Since I haven't decided a time, maybe I can go in the morning.
#2ch
Is that right?
Should be good if you have something else to do.
#2ch
Just found this thread.
I'm jealous of OP's bravery.
I don't know if you need it, but I've got your back!
#OP
^^ Are you sure it'll be okay?
I'll think about it a little more.
Ah, though I will be in regular clothes...
^ Thank you.
I don't know how things will turn out, but I'll at least try not to leave any regrets.
#2ch
A girl talked to a friend of mine on the train, and they dated, and got married.
Girls asking guys is easy mode, for serious.
#2ch
If you're in regular clothes, then you can try talking about how you have to do such and such today.
#OP
Never mind, I'm giving up on tomorrow.
So Thursday next...
#2ch
Weather chat should be safe.
The train's stopping a lot today, the spring wind is really blowing... anything should work to start a conversation.
#2ch
^ That's it!
Since next is Thursday, you can talk about the strong winds from two days ago.
#OP
Thank you very much.
On Thursday, I'll try talking about the winds from yesterday.
#2ch
I await your report!
#2ch
Good luck!
#2ch
I'm pumped to hear today's report...
#OP
Good morning.
#2ch
How'd it go?
#OP
The greeting went as usual.
Then I said "That wind the other day was really something, huh?"
She replied "It sure was. They say it was on the level of a typhoon."
#OP
After that, we talked a little bit.
Me: "Did anything get damaged?"
Her: "Not really, no. But some sandals on my veranda got blown away somewhere..."
Me: "You couldn't find them?"
Her: "No, unfortunately. I had to give up on them."
It got quiet, and while I was hesitating to say "Sorry for talking to you out of the blue," the train arrived.
#2ch
Sounds like some good progress!
#OP
I was pretty nervous, but I'm glad we could talk.
I stuttered a fair bit...
#OP
Do you think I should tell her "Sorry for talking to you out of the blue" tomorrow?
#2ch
Don't let your desires be too obvious.
Things seem good how they are now!
#2ch
I'm really sorry for talking to you out of the blue.
You get on the train around this time often, huh?
What field do you work in?
You should try to get some personal info like that soon.
#OP
^^ So, stick to greetings?
I mean, if I can get into a natural conversation...
^ Do you think I could ask her things like that?
#2ch
Shouldn't you get her name before her job?
#2ch
Well, since you don't want her to dislike you...
"Good morning.
Sorry to worry you by talking to you all the time."
"My name's ___.
I work in ___, etc..."
#OP
Well, that's an outright self-introduction!
Seems pretty awkward to me...
#2ch
What if you try getting her to talk to you instead?
Get to the station earlier than her and wait it out.
If she talks to you, then she's definitely interested.
Forget about her job, name, age, and junk. Don't ask about that.
It'll come out in conversation soon enough.
First priority should be being friends who can talk to each other, right?
#OP
I wonder...
Waiting to be talked to seems like it'd take some courage...
#2ch
Just don't straight up introduce yourself, that's goddamn creepy.
#OP
No, I don't think I'm going to do the waiting thing.
I'll just greet her like usual, and if it seems like we can have a conversation, we'll talk...
Introducing myself would be weird, wouldn't it?
#2ch
You guess correctly.
But once you get to a certain level of conversation, you should at least give your name.
#OP
What would you suggest for idle conversation topics?
Always with the weather would be weird, huh?
#2ch
Are you Densha Otoko?
#2ch
By the way, when the train arrives and time's up, what happens then?
You aren't like "We'll continue this inside...", are you?
Or it is just "Well, then..."
Or are you silent? Who goes first?
Just curious...
#2ch
I think if she didn't want you to talk to her, she'd probably be fiddling with her phone or listening to music to make sure you didn't.
#OP
^^ The train arrives at the platform, she says "Well, see you," and she gets on.
Once or twice she had to get off at a different station, so she sat in a different car.
And it would've been weird for me to start sitting in that car too, so I didn't.
^ That might be true if I think about it in a positive way...
#2ch
"WELL, SEE YOU"?!
#2ch
^ Sounds like she's just ending the conversation.
Not much he can do if they sit in different cars...
But does that mean she knows OP's usual schedule?
Maybe she's a teensy bit interested after all...
And if you're not keen on waiting for her to talk, then hurry up!
Try to talk with her longer!
#OP
^^ I think she's just being polite, that's all...
^ There really aren't many people at the station.
She might remember me for the wrong reasons...
But if she does know me, then I'm glad.
You're right.
I'll try to go a bit faster.
#2ch
I mailed my sister about this, and she said that she'd never be polite and say "see you" to a guy she thought was a creep.
So GJ, OP!
Also, if she starts dressing fancier, changes makeup, and wears perfume... Well, who knows, it might be for you, OP.
Just the opinion of a girl in her late twenties for you...
#OP
I'd like to believe what your sister says.
#2ch
I mailed her again.
She says that normally, girls would only say "See you" to someone they actually want to see again.
But if the guy gets cocky and takes it to mean it's time to stalk, then things get creepy.
Also, kinda unrelated, but at the end she wrote that I'm bugging her and I should ask my friends about it instead... orz
Way to appreciate my emailing you, sis...
#OP
Today and tomorrow, I'll try the usual greeting leading into a conversation if possible.
I'll be patient and prudent.
^ C... Come on, sis...
#2ch
Buy her some new sandals.
Then tomorrow, tell her she dropped them and hand 'em to her.
#2ch
^ THAT'S not creepy at all...
#OP
Good day.
Sorry I'm late with today's report.
#2ch
I've been waiting for this!
#2ch
Well?
#OP
Not a very good report today...
#OP
I got to the station earlier than usual.
And while she was indeed in front of the station, she was with a guy...
They were smiling and talking excitedly...
He must be her boyfriend, huh?
#2ch
Boyfriend? Or husband...
Or maybe even a friend she brought to protect her from OP...
#OP
That's what I thought...
I did greet her, but I wasn't able to talk...
#2ch
This is turning out just like Densha Otoko.
#OP
Did Densha Otoko involve Hermes having a boyfriend?
#2ch
You can keep going with greetings and conversations, right?
Until you can confirm he's a boyfriend/husband. Be prepared to be sunk, though...
#2ch
Good luck, OP.
#2ch
BE A MAN, OP.
#OP
Thank you very much, all of you.
I'll continue greeting her and conversing.
#2ch
Next time you meet, say (as easygoing as possible) "Were you here with your boyfriend the other day? That's cool!"
If she replies "Oh, yes," then it's time to give up.
If she says "No, he's just a friend," then you can have some relief.
#OP
This seems good if I can make it natural.
#OP
On Monday, I'll try to ask if she has a boyfriend or not...
#2ch
Asking about her boyfriend when you're only just greeting each other?
She'll think you're a creep if you don't pull that off perfectly.
#OP
Then should I keep greeting her for a while first?
#2ch
As a girl, if I thought the guy was creepy, I'd change trains, and certainly wouldn't idly talk with him.
So I highly doubt she thinks you're gross at the moment.
But talking about boyfriends right now would raise red flags.
You should become better friends first.
And if the guy is there again on Monday, you should probably get ready to give up.
#2ch
What if instead, he stops greeting her starting Monday?
If she then decides to greet him, then wouldn't it likely mean that guy isn't going to get in OP's way?
If she doesn't, though, then the guy could certainly be her boyfriend...
Well, who knows if this old guy's musings are right or not...
#OP
Good morning.
I'm not going to ask about her boyfriend yet.
I've only just started greeting her, and as everyone says, I'm stepping in too fast.
But if I can ask her in a conversation, I'll try.
#2ch
A fine stalker you are...
#2ch
Y'ALL'RE JUST JEALOUS
#2ch
This is just the way a friend turns into a stalker...
I don't like it one bit.
#2ch
Is she really scared of the OP...?
OP gets on at a pretty rural station with not many people.
Every week, on Monday, Thursday, and Friday, he stands near her to go to work.
They've never talked, but she knows his face.
So when he first greets her, she greets him back with a smile. Right?
If a girl thinks "Is he gonna start stalking me?" from that, she's reeeally self-conscious...
#OP
Good morning.
I'm going to end this thread today...
#2ch
Eh...?
#2ch
What happened?
#OP
I got there early today, but she wasn't there yet.
I waited on the platform, and she came later.
I greeted her, and since I was sneezing really badly from the pollen, she gave me some pocket tissues.
That would seem to mean she doesn't dislike me, which I'm glad for.
#OP
I took the tissues and blew my nose near the trash can, then went back over to her.
Desperate to ask her about it, and fully prepared to be called creepy...
I told her "So, I saw you here with your boyfriend the other day."
#2ch
Well? Was he...?
#2ch
My heart's pounding...
#2ch
So's mine.
#OP
Her: "Oh, you saw us? (laughs) We're getting married soon."
Me: "Oh, co... congratulations."
Her: "Thank you."
#OP
Me: "What are you going to do about work?"
Her: "I'll keep going to work until I'm pregnant."
Me: "I... I see..."
I was about ready to cry...
#OP
This is as far as I'll go.
I was wondering if I should forcefully tell her my feelings, but I figured it would be creepy...
Do you think I should tell her?
Or should I just not say anything?
#2ch
Don't.
#2ch
Don't open your heart to a woman who's about to get married.
Really, that's the best way you can show your affection.
Just don't cause her any trouble.
#OP
I see...
Then I won't do it.
Do you suppose I should keep greeting her?
#2ch
That's fine, sure.
#OP
I'll just stick to greeting her.
In the end, I'm glad I was able to do something more than sitting idly by and never talking to her.
Thank you for all of your opinions.
#2ch
You did your best.
Good work.
I'm sure there's a girl out there who'll be right for you, and vice versa.
I hope you meet her someday.
#2ch
All aboard for a new love!
#OP
I'll ask her email address, but won't step any further than that.
So I shall continue to be "The Guy Who Greets Her in the Morning."
I don't mind her thinking of me as an odd but harmless person...
Of course, I won't completely give up, but I won't trouble her any more than this.
#2ch
GAME OVER