Sophie
I was sitting in our local student café with a mug of hot chocolate placed in front of me and a book in my hand. Today, I was reading Stefan Zweig's novella "The Royal Game." It was a thin book, and it came with good recommendations from a fellow student. After a few pages, I got lost in the detailed descriptions of the complex art of playing chess - its beauty and destructive power.

Halfway through, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I looked up and straight into the bluest eyes I had ever seen. Crystal clear, nearly piercing, but his facial expression was friendly, curious.

A blonde, curly lock fell into his face and interrupted my observations. Meanwhile, his cheeks had turned rosé and he seemed now a bit more shy.

I sent him an encouraging smile. "Hi, sorry to interrupt your reading session. I couldn't help but notice that you're reading the chess novella. I've been looking for someone to play a game of chess with since I discovered this chess board", he pointed to the shelf across the room. "Would you like to play chess with me?"

***
Felix
I couldn't look away. Her eyes had the color of amber, and it reminded me of my childhood holidays spent at the German North Sea. There, I had found my first amber, which I was still wearing as a necklace. A fond memory of my grandparents who had taken me there.

She had medium blonde hair with a natural shine to it. But most eye-catching was her enarmouring smile.

"Have you read the book?" she replied by answering a question. I nodded. "Yes, my grandfather gave it to me as a gift during one of my holidays. He also taught me how to play."

She stood up and reached out her hand, and said: "Hi, I'm Sophie. To be honest, it has been forever since I last played, and I remember not being very good it. But I'm up for it - it's never too late to improve."

I shook her hand and smiled at her optimistic mindset. "You're absolutely right. Thank you so much. I'll be right back with the chess board."

***
Leo, Café owner
From my viewpoint behind the counter, I could see two of my regular customers playing chess. The wooden chess board shined under the warm light of the afternoon sun. It made me smile.

I can't believe it has been 25 years already.

As if my wife had heard my thoughts, she put an arm around my waist and smiled at me with the warmest smile I knew.

"Maybe this chess board will once more bring two people together who decide to commit," and she gave me the sweetest kiss. The small bell at the entrance tinkled, and a new customer entered "Café Endgame."

***
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