TALLINN — After locking eyes with a stranger for an impressive five seconds, local man Mart has announced himself as the official Chief of Tramp Stares.
Mart, a 28-year-old IT consultant, reportedly felt a surge of power during his daily tram ride. “It was like we were communicating telepathically. I could sense my eyes were piercing through the foggy window,” he revealed.
Witnesses say the onlooker, a bewildered tourist, quickly looked down at her phone, presumably to check if she had actually entered some sort of Estonian staring competition. “I just wanted to find the nearest café,” she said, shaking her head.
Since the event, Mart has taken to wearing a crown made of used tram tickets, complete with a sash that reads ‘Smooth Stare King.’ His friends are reportedly confused but offer him coffee as a peace offering.
“I didn’t realize eye contact was such a powerful weapon. I might even try it on the barista next!”
His reign is expected to face challenges, especially from Peeter, who has plans to launch an Eye Contact Academy in Tartu, claiming that staring contests are key for dating success.
At press time, Mart was seen practicing his stares in front of a mirror but was distracted by the reflection of a cat outside.