When Jen matches with her high school bully on a dating site, a surge of past pain overwhelms her. Determined to face her demons and get the perfect revenge, she agrees to meet him. However, the first date is a flop, leaving Jen unsatisfied and thirsty for more.
I found myself sitting at the bar, feigning interest in my phone, as the door swung open to reveal my date stepping inside. After our initial connection on the dating app, Justin and I had decided to meet face-to-face.
But here was the twist—Justin and I had already met long ago. He just didn’t remember it.
Man Who Asked Me Out Didn
As he strolled in, recognition hit me like a lightning bolt. But his expression was one of casual indifference, scanning for just another face in a sea of possibilities. His confident, polished smile barely wavered as he approached.
My heart pounded as I reminded myself why I was here—to gather the pieces of my shattered self-esteem and piece them into a weapon of perfect revenge.
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“Hey, Jen,” he greeted, sliding beside me, blissfully ignorant of the emotional storm about to strike. “I hope I’m not too late?”
“Not at all,” I replied sweetly. “I was just enjoying the vibe here. This place has definitely improved since the last time I was here.”
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The Pain Resurfaces
When we had matched, I was certain Justin wouldn’t recognize me. Over the years, I had transformed completely—my appearance, my weight, my entire demeanor had changed. I was no longer the girl he had once known.
“Yeah, it’s a decent place,” he nodded, motioning to the bartender. “Can I get you a drink?”
Man Who Asked Me Out Didn
I watched him intensely—he hadn’t changed much. Memories of our high school graduation and the subsequent party flooded back, where Justin’s dismissive glance had cut me deeply. Back then, I was invisible to him.
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Post-match, I hadn’t set out to reconnect with Justin romantically. After consulting my sister, we had both agreed that initiating this date might somehow be therapeutic.
“Sure, a gin and tonic, thanks,” I said, scrutinizing his face for any flicker of memory. Nothing. Just another date to him.
Man Who Asked Me Out Didn
He babbled about his job and travels, while my thoughts raced ahead to the vengeance I was crafting in my mind. The bar grew more crowded.
His chatter faded as flashbacks of a tormented past resurfaced.
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Returning to those school corridors was painfully vivid. The metallic echo of my footsteps, the intentional averted gazes, the hollow laughter—they all came rushing back.
I remember clinging to my books, desperate to remain unseen, the brutality of his words resonating within me, weakening my spirit each day.
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The bathroom had been my refuge—a haven from the cruelty outside. Those moments of fleeting peace, hiding away from the jeers and whispers, were all I had.
Dining in the cafeteria was never an option—they would mock me with every bite.
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I remember the familiar scent of industrial cleaners as I pushed the bathroom door open, seeking solace. Leaning against cold tiles, I allowed a flood of tears to purge my anguish.
Justin’s words had not just stung—they had hollowed me out, day by relentless day.
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A Sudden Twist
Bringing myself back to the present, Justin’s voice interrupted my reverie. He suggested leaving for some food stalls outside. Young me would’ve declined, but today, I was different.
As he asked for the bill, his arrogance flared.
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“Hurry up,” he snapped at the waitress. “We’ve got places to be. Move it.”
I watched her retreat, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“My ex was just like that—always crying,” he remarked.
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Our evening concluded with my hasty departure, blaming a headache. I was frustrated—my revenge hadn’t gone as planned.
Back home, fire fueled my resolve. Logging onto Facebook, I created an event, roping in all our old classmates. This time, my revenge plan was grander.
Man Who Asked Me Out Didn
Organizing the reunion at the bar we had just left was fitting. Interest spiked quickly, and by morning, RSVPs flooded in.
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I meticulously prepared for that night, aiming to showcase my transformation. My confidence was now my armor.
Ensuring the bartender billed Justin for the night’s tab was the crowning detail of my scheme.
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The Grand Unveiling
Justin approached me with a smile that reeked of ignorance.
“You look familiar—have we met?” he slurred, his drink sloshing.
How he failed to recognize me, even from a week ago, was laughable.
“I get that often,” I smiled. “Maybe it’s just the face.”
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His laugh was the same, but I pressed on. “But you do know me,” I said. “You haven’t changed, Justin.”
“What do you mean?” he puzzled.
“You always belittled people—like the waitress, like your ex,” I continued. “You haven’t changed.”
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Recognition hit him, but only for the girl he met on the app—not my true past.
“Jen!” he exclaimed, realization dawning.
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“Do you remember Jennifer from high school?” I asked, raising my voice. “The girl you tormented and belittled?”
Panic washed over his face as reality finally settled in.
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“I’m that Jennifer,” I declared. “I wanted you to see who I’ve become, despite you.”
Justin stood, speechless, as the room’s attention settled on us, our classmates a silent jury.
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“Words have weight, Justin,” I told him. “They cut deeper than you know.”
Leaving him in shocked silence, I walked away—this night’s bill was a small price he’d pay.
I had finally claimed my perfect revenge.
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Would you have done the same?
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This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.