I've come back and re-read this comment 3 times and I am still smiling.

This, coming from you OP, after having just described yourself as "really shy and struggle to make friends IRL...kind of quiet...", seems to be a huge leap of courage reaching out to a stranger in public with a reciprocal offer of friendship.

Am I just in a sentimental mood tonight? This just really f'in rocks and I think it is beautiful.