Kata realized how much simpler it was to have a lover than to be in a relationship, with all its complications. The rules were entirely different with a casual partner—clearer, more understandable. In these situations, Kata was a little more lenient with herself. If she saw someone who seemed suitable for the role, she would quickly test them out. Why wait, if she wasn’t preparing for a family wedding with the guy but rather for regular lovemaking?
She first saw Máté at the supermarket. Kata was offering small cubes of cheese from a cardboard counter to customers, when the blonde guy appeared. One glance, and she was lost. The handsome guy smiled confidently at her. There was no doubt that he liked her just as much as she liked him. But after circling the cheese counter a few times, the guy disappeared.
The cold, damp November morning wasn’t kind to Kata. Tired and groggy, she waited for the early morning bus to get to university on time and write the paper she’d been studying for all night. She couldn’t believe her eyes. The blonde guy greeted her with a cheerful smile, as if they already knew each other well. She had never seen him before, and now, within a few days, they had crossed paths twice. Kata was embarrassed that she had circles under her eyes and hadn’t even used mascara that morning, but she returned his greeting eagerly so the guy could see she was glad to see him.
It wasn’t a surprise to Kata when she ran into him again at a popular club, where students filled the dance floor every Thursday. She wasn’t even shocked when the blonde guy greeted her with a kiss on the lips instead of a hello. What did surprise her was how natural the kiss and touch felt. It was as if they had known each other forever. Máté’s skin, scent, embrace, and sighs felt both completely familiar and incredibly exciting.
Kata didn’t mind the unpredictability. She was happy whenever Máté showed up. That he was smart, well-informed, and had a good sense of humor was a rare bonus. She didn’t even notice when Máté became the person she most enjoyed talking to. They listened to the same music, got excited about the same things, and when the clothes came off, the chemistry between them was simply perfect.
It never crossed Kata’s mind that their connection could be anything more than physical. She felt a bond with Máté but didn’t want to spoil the unique, never-before-experienced harmony with the grind of everyday life. Neither of them made careless declarations. They didn’t tell each other they missed one another or talk about how much they were looking forward to their next meeting. Kata assumed it was because Máté wasn’t that interested, while Máté attributed it to Kata’s emotional distance. Kata didn’t think she could be important to anyone, especially since she had given herself to Máté without much courtship.
They both knew it would be their last meeting, but they didn’t talk about it. Their time together followed the usual pattern, though perhaps the embrace lasted a little longer, and the kiss was a bit gentler. Máté took his time getting ready. He would have preferred to stay longer, but he had to go to university to discuss the details of his international scholarship with his supervisor. Kata watched silently as he tied his shoes.
“Do you know what I dream about?” Máté asked suddenly.
Kata shook her head.
“I always imagine that after university, we’ll both land great jobs and become very successful. Then, ten years from now, we’ll run into each other on the street by chance. We’ll be so happy to see each other, and from that moment on, we’ll be together for the rest of our lives.”
Tears welled up in Kata’s eyes. She could hardly believe what she was hearing. She had never heard such a heartfelt, genuine compliment, and she was certain she never would again. She would have loved to tell him how she felt, but she couldn’t find the words. Maybe, many years from now, she would actually get the chance.