FADE IN:
EXT. NEW YORK CITY - DAY
A bustling city street. People rush by in all directions. On the side of the street, MAYA PATEL (29, event planner with a mystic aura and a nerdy demeanor) stands with her arms crossed, looking around with a quizzical expression.
MAYA
(to herself)
Why do people always assume I'm the weirdo?
Suddenly, a man who looks disheveled and flustered walks up to Maya.
MAN
(out of breath)
Excuse me, do you know who I am?
MAYA
(smiling)
No, sir. May I help you with something?
MAN
(agitated)
Yes, I'm here for the Love Match. I need to see Asher Blackwood.
MAYA
(nodding)
Ah, the illustrious Mr. Blackwood. He's in his office. Let me direct you there.
The man follows Maya, who leads him down a busy street. They pass by a quaint coffee shop, and Maya stops.
MAYA
(pausing)
Need a coffee?
MAN
(skeptical)
Why would I need coffee?
MAYA
(laughing)
Just a lucky coincidence. I just happen to be going to the same place.
The man hesitates but then agrees.
MAN
Fine, one coffee.
MAYA
(laughing)
Coming right up.
They enter the coffee shop, and Maya heads towards the counter. Meanwhile, RILEY PARK (25, non-binary barista and aspiring stand-up comedian) is behind the counter, taking orders.
RILEY
(looking up)
Maya! What are you doing here?
MAYA
(smiling)
Oh, Riley. Just helping out a friend. How's business?
RILEY
(smiling)
Slow but steady. I'm just trying to make enough to pay my rent.
MAYA
(nodding)
I know how that goes.
MAYA walks up to the counter and orders two coffees.
MAYA
Two black coffees, please.
RILEY
Coming right up.
MAYA pays for the coffees and gives one to Riley.
MAYA
Here you go, Riley.
RILEY
Thanks, Maya.
They continue to chat as Maya takes the man to Asher's office.
MAYA
(to the man)
So, are you excited for your Love Match?
MAN
(nervously)
I don't know. I've been really jaded with relationships in the past, so I'm hesitant.
MAYA
(sympathetically)
I understand. But sometimes, taking a chance can lead to amazing things.
They enter Asher's office, and Asher is sitting behind a desk, shuffling through papers.
ASHER
(looking up)
Ah, Maya! And this must be the new client.
MAYA
(nodding)
Yes, Asher. This is John. He's here for the Love Match.
ASHER
(smiling)
Nice to meet you, John. Let's get started.
The scene ends with John sitting across from Asher, and Maya and Riley exchanging a look in the background.
FADE OUT.