Title: “The Mystery of the Unsnatched”

Setting: A lively, dimly-lit gay bar in the year 2000. Neon lights flicker, the jukebox hums in the background, and the sounds of laughter and chatter fill the air. The place has a relaxed, fun atmosphere, with a lot of people mingling and enjoying the night. It’s the kind of bar where everyone feels free to be themselves, and where the ‘90s optimism still lingers despite the turn of the century.

Characters:

1. Casey (Asexual): An energetic, social, and overly talkative person in their mid-20s. They’re often seen as the “life of the party,” effortlessly moving from one conversation to another, engaging with people in a way that’s genuine but a little too much for those who don’t know them well. They are constantly surrounded by a cloud of friendly enthusiasm and make fast friends wherever they go. Casey is open about being asexual but doesn’t necessarily make it the focal point of their conversations. They are just a person living life, eager to chat with anyone, and often find themselves in awkward situations because of it.
2. Tyler (Gay): Tyler is in his late 20s, a bit reserved and more introspective compared to Casey. He has been navigating the world of dating and casual encounters with varying success. He’s in the gay bar tonight with his friends, enjoying the scene but still a little skeptical of the dating pool. Tyler’s cool demeanor is a bit of a front—he’s quiet and likes to people-watch more than engage in deep conversations, but he’s also curious, especially when it comes to others.

Plot Overview:

The story kicks off when Casey and Tyler bump into each other by the bar. Casey, being the sociable type, immediately strikes up a conversation, talking a mile a minute about everything from their day at work to the weirdest thing they’ve ever eaten. Tyler, slightly bemused but mostly just trying to enjoy his drink, listens, nodding along while barely getting a word in.

Casey (excitedly): “So, I was at this vegan café earlier, right? And I swear, the barista was flirting with me! I don’t even know if she was flirting or just… being nice? You know how hard it is to tell these days? But anyway, it got me thinking, like, why does everyone feel like they need to flirt? Like, are we all just on this giant romantic scavenger hunt? I don’t get it!”

Tyler (half-smiling): “Uh, yeah… I get that. But you said… flirting? You’re not, uh—”

Casey (interrupting, grinning): “No, I’m totally asexual! I mean, I know, I know. People look at me and think, ‘Oh, there’s no way this guy doesn’t want to bang everyone in sight.’ But no. I’m just here for the good vibes! Like, I’ll have a crush on a person for sure, but I don’t get those… other feelings, you know? It’s all about the mental connection, not the sexual one!”

As Casey continues on, Tyler, who had originally assumed Casey was gay (because, well, gay bar), starts to feel even more perplexed. His mind drifts into a haze of curiosity, making him wonder: Wait, but why the hell hasn’t this person been snatched up by a woman yet? They’re fun, energetic, and honestly, they seem like they could totally have someone swoon over them if they wanted. What’s the catch?

As Tyler tries to wrap his mind around it, he finds himself lost in thought, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Tyler (to himself, internally): Okay, I know they’re not gay, that much is clear… but why—why hasn’t anyone taken a shot? No one? Not even a hint of a romance?

Casey (oblivious, continuing to chat away): “Oh, I mean, that’s the other thing! People think being asexual means I don’t want any physical touch at all, but I love hugs! I love hugs. They’re just, like, this warm, fuzzy, non-romantic thing. It’s pure. I don’t know if you’re a hugger, but—”

Tyler (still internally wondering, his expression betraying some confusion): No, really, though. I get it—different preferences, different people—but you can’t tell me no one’s ever asked them out. They’ve got so much personality!

Meanwhile, Casey is still going off about the weirdest things they’ve experienced, bouncing from topic to topic. Tyler, who had originally just been looking for a drink and a quiet night, now finds himself fascinated by this person who seems to fit into every social group except the one he thought he’d belong to—yet somehow, still not being “claimed.”

Tyler (breaking his silence, finally): “I gotta ask—like, no one’s ever tried to, I don’t know, get a date out of you? I mean, come on. You’re a great catch!”

Casey looks confused for a moment, then laughs, shrugging.

Casey (smiling, almost like they’ve heard it a million times before): “Oh, plenty of people have tried to flirt with me or ask me out. But it’s never really… that kind of vibe, you know? They try, but when I tell them I’m asexual, it’s like the conversation just… fizzles out. Which is honestly fine with me. I don’t need the pressure. I’m happy the way I am.”

Tyler stares at Casey for a moment, the weight of their words finally clicking. A realization strikes him: It’s not that Casey’s unlikable, it’s that everyone has these expectations based on norms that don’t always apply. It’s a world where people are quick to judge, assuming everyone should fit a specific mold.

Tyler (finally smiling, a little sheepishly): “Okay, I get it now. I was kind of… confused, but you’re, like, the most chill person I’ve met tonight. No drama, no games, just real talk. That’s pretty cool.”

Casey grins back, relieved that Tyler is on the same page.

Casey: “Exactly! No drama. Just living life. You don’t have to be everyone’s idea of ‘normal’ to be awesome, right?”

Tyler laughs, clinking his glass with Casey’s.

Tyler: “Agreed. And hey, if you ever do change your mind about the whole… no-sex thing, I’m still open for those kinds of talks.”

Casey shrugs, laughing again.

Casey: “I’ll keep that in mind. But for now, let’s just enjoy the vibes!”

Theme: The comic explores themes of identity, social expectations, and the confusion that comes with misinterpretations of people’s preferences. It offers a lighthearted take on how being open about one’s identity can lead to unexpected connections and understanding—without the need for sexual attraction to define a friendship or bond. It’s a comedic commentary on the assumptions people make and how they interact with those who don’t fit into society’s traditional molds.

Tone: Funny, yet thoughtful. The story uses humor and wit to explore the asexual experience while highlighting the complexity of human interaction in a world obsessed with romance and attraction.