One way is to have them meet by chance in a public place like a coffee shop. They could both be reaching for the last muffin and start a conversation from there.
A coincidence like a delayed flight. They both end up sitting next to each other at the airport lounge waiting for the same flight which has been postponed for hours. They start chatting to pass the time and that's how they meet.
To make a good short horror story, you need to play with the reader's emotions. Use elements of the unknown and the supernatural. You can have a character experience strange visions or premonitions. Create a sense of isolation for the main character, whether it's being alone in a forest at night or locked in a small room. And make the threat seem real and immediate, so that the reader can feel the danger as if they were in the story themselves.
Create a spooky setting like an old, abandoned house. Build suspense by hinting at something bad to come without revealing it right away. And have an unexpected twist at the end, for example, the 'victim' turns out to be the real villain.
Hunting is a top method. Sell the skins and carcasses of animals you hunt. The rarer the animal, the more valuable it is. For example, a panther pelt can bring in a lot of cash.
A really cool way is to be a new recruit in the Rebel Alliance or the Imperial forces. This way, you get to meet a whole bunch of different characters, from the leaders to the foot soldiers. You can experience the internal politics, the battles, and the camaraderie. And of course, you'll have plenty of opportunities to interact with the main characters like Princess Leia or Darth Vader, depending on which side you're on.
Another way is to play with the pacing. In '99 ways to tell a story', it might suggest that sometimes slowing down during important moments and speeding up during less crucial parts can create a great rhythm. This keeps the reader's attention.
You can also introduce a mutual friend or acquaintance who intentionally brings them together. This person could have a reason for thinking they would get along or could benefit from meeting each other.
In the RDR2 story, there are multiple ways to make money. First off, horse stealing can be profitable if you sell the stolen horses at the right places. However, be careful not to get caught. Gambling is another way. Play poker or blackjack at saloons and if you're good at it, you can win a decent amount of money. Additionally, collecting and selling herbs can also bring in some cash. There are various herbs in the game world that are in demand for different reasons, like making medicine or for other uses, and you can find them while exploring. Selling these herbs to the right people can earn you some extra money.
Property investment is a smart move. You can buy properties in the game like garages or businesses. As you upgrade and manage these properties, they can generate a passive income for you. For example, a nightclub can earn you money over time if you keep it stocked with supplies and promote it well. It might take some initial investment but the returns can be good in the long run.
Using vivid descriptions can make a story more engaging. For example, instead of just saying 'There was a big house', you could say 'There loomed a gigantic, ramshackle house with peeling paint and creaking shutters that seemed to whisper secrets in the wind'.