I walked toward the cafeteria with a purpose I hadn't had before. The recognition in class had given me a boost of confidence that I needed to take advantage of.
The cafeteria was moderately full. It was peak time between morning classes and afternoon ones. I got myself a coffee—something I normally didn't do—but Sophie had said coffee was important, and I looked for a strategic spot.
I sat at a table with a view of most of the dining area. I took out my laptop and pretended to study, but in reality I was observing.
[Analysis System Activated] [Scanning potential targets...]
My phone vibrated with information only I could see.
TARGET 1: Student at table near window
Name: Unknown
Nationality: Appears Asian, possibly Korean
Estimated attractiveness: 73/100
Status: Studying alone with headphones
Difficulty: MEDIUM-HIGH
Probability of success: 25%
Analysis: Focused on her work. Headphones = barrier. Possible but requires perfect timing.
TARGET 2: Group of three girls in corner
Difficulty: EXTREME
Probability: 5%
Analysis: In a group. Approaching alone would be social suicide. AVOID.
TARGET 3: Girl in food line
Name: Unknown
Blonde hair, medium height
Attractiveness: 68/100
Difficulty: MEDIUM
Probability: 30%
Analysis: Alone, accessible, in neutral public space. Small window of opportunity.
And then...
OPTIMAL TARGET: SOPHIE LAURENT
Location: Entering cafeteria, 11:04 AM
Attractiveness: 68/100
Difficulty: MEDIUM-LOW
Probability of success: 45%
Analysis: Rapport already established. She has spoken to you first multiple times. She smiled at you in class. Initial connection present. This is your BEST BET.
[Recommendation: SOPHIE] [But the decision is yours, coward.]
Sophie walked in with her coffee cup refilled—how many she'd had today, who knows—and a book under her arm. Her eyes scanned the cafeteria looking for a place.
This was my opportunity.
I raised my hand and waved at her.
She saw me and smiled, walking toward my table.
"Is this seat taken?" she asked, pointing to the chair across from me.
"Not at all."
She sat down, placing her things on the table. "Good job in class today. I didn't know you were so… eloquent."
"Honestly, neither did I," I admitted with a small laugh. "I almost had a heart attack when she called on me."
"But you handled it well. Professor Romano seemed impressed."
"I think I just got lucky having read that specific case."
"No, it was more than that." Sophie took a sip of her coffee. "Your analysis was clear and structured. A lot of people just memorize but don't really understand. You clearly understand."
I felt weird about the compliment. "Thanks. That means a lot coming from you."
"From me?" She tilted her head, curious.
"Well, you also take good notes and ask good questions in class."
Sophie smiled. "Touché."
There was a pause. She opened her book—a French philosophy book, I noticed—and started reading while sipping her coffee.
I stared at my laptop without really seeing anything.
[NOW] [This is the moment] [She's comfortable] [You have confidence from the previous boost] [DO IT]
But… I couldn't. Not here. Not now. It would feel forced.
[Coward.]
"What are you reading?" I asked instead.
Sophie lifted the book. "Sartre. Being and Nothingness. Reading for my Philosophy of Law class."
"Philosophy of Law? I didn't know that class existed."
"It's an elective. I take it because I like thinking about the 'why' behind laws, not just the 'what.'"
"That makes sense. Is it interesting?"
"Dense," she admitted. "Sartre isn't easy to read. But yes, it's fascinating. He talks about freedom, responsibility, authenticity."
"Sounds philosophical."
"Very," she smiled. "Do you take any electives?"
"Not this semester. I'm focused on the core subjects."
"Responsible." She took another sip. "But you should take something outside your comfort zone eventually. It expands the mind."
"You're right."
We kept talking for another fifteen minutes. About classes, about the university, about small things.
It was… easy. Natural.
And that was the problem. I didn't want to ruin this by forcing myself to ask for her number.
Eventually, Sophie checked her phone. "Shit, I have class in ten minutes. I've got to run."
She stood up, gathering her things.
"See you, Gino."
And she left.
I stayed there, watching her go.
[…] [Seriously?] [YOU HAD THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY] [AND YOU LET IT GO]
[4 days, 16 hours remaining] [You are a COWARD]
I closed my eyes, frustrated with myself.
The System was right.
I had failed.
Again.
[To be continued…]